The Judge Memorial Catholic varsity basketball team (Salt Lake City, UT) will host a non-conference game against Hunter High School (West Valley City, UT) on Monday, December 16, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: Hunter vs Judge Memorial Catholic
When: Today, December 15, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Utah High School Basketball
As the Utah high school basketball season reaches its midpoint, two Class 9 teams—Hunter and Judge Memorial Catholic—are finding their footing in pursuit of playoff berths. Both teams have shown flashes of promise but remain inconsistent in critical moments, reflected in their records and key statistics. Here’s a deep dive into their performances so far.
Records and Rankings
Hunter sits at an even 3-3, with a balanced home (2-2) and away (1-1) split, holding a .500 win percentage. Their offensive output has resulted in 350 points for (PF) and 379 points against (PA), indicating close contests that could have swung either way.
Judge Memorial Catholic has played more games, recording a 4-6 record with a .400 win percentage. While strong at home (3-2), their struggles on the road (1-4) have hindered their overall success. Judge has scored 544 points but also allowed 580, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
Team Scoring Trends
Hunter averages 58.3 points per game (PPG), showcasing consistent scoring across the first three quarters before tapering off in the fourth. Their most significant scoring burst comes in overtime, averaging 26 points in such scenarios.
Judge Memorial Catholic, slightly behind at 54.4 PPG, often starts strong in the first quarter, averaging 16 points, but sees diminishing returns in later periods. They’ve been involved in double-overtime games, where they average 14 points.
Statistical Comparison
- Points Per Game: Hunter lags with 38.2 PPG compared to Judge’s 54.4, indicating a more consistent offensive system for Judge.
- Rebounds and Assists: Both teams are neck and neck in rebounds (22.0 for Hunter, 22.5 for Judge) and assists (7.8 for Hunter, 9.3 for Judge). These numbers suggest they rely heavily on their playmakers and big men.
- Defensive Stats: Judge leads slightly in steals (6.9 vs. 5.8) and blocks (2.4 vs. 1.2), showcasing a more aggressive defensive approach.
Key Players to Watch
Hunter:
- Dominick Phanolath (#21): Phanolath has been Hunter’s star, leading the team with 16.3 PPG and 3.8 assists per game. His ability to create offense is crucial for Hunter’s success.
- Uluaki Taukiuvea (#50/20): A force on the boards, Taukiuvea averages 7.0 rebounds per game, providing second-chance opportunities.
- Keaton Miller (#30): Miller leads in defensive categories, averaging 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.
Judge Memorial Catholic:
- JJ Apathjang (#5): Apathjang mirrors Phanolath’s impact with 16.0 PPG and 3.8 assists, serving as the engine for Judge’s offense.
- Longar Alor (#33): Alor contributes significantly with 5.2 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game, making his presence felt in the paint.
- Aymen Ismail (#11): Ismail leads Judge’s defense with 2.6 steals per game, making him a disruptive force on the perimeter.
Common Opponents and Upcoming Matchups
Both teams have faced common foes, with differing outcomes:
- Hunter defeated West (84-81), while Judge Memorial Catholic will meet West on December 28.
- Judge Memorial Catholic outlasted Juan Diego Catholic (56-53), a team Hunter will play twice later in the season.
These common matchups may offer a clearer picture of how these teams stack up against each other as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
Hunter and Judge Memorial Catholic have yet to meet this season, but their paths will cross in league play. Hunter’s balanced play and consistent home performances could pose a challenge for Judge Memorial, which struggles on the road. However, Judge’s higher offensive output and defensive prowess could tilt the scales in their favor.
With league play on the horizon and playoff positioning at stake, both teams must tighten their defensive gaps and find consistency in close games. As they look to improve their records, fans can expect competitive, down-to-the-wire battles in the weeks to come.
By closely following their stats and matchups, basketball enthusiasts can keep an eye on how these two Utah teams continue to evolve.