The Valley Vista (Surprise, AZ) varsity basketball team will host Mesa (AZ) in a non-conference game on Monday, December 16, at 7 p.m.

Valley Vista vs Mesa Girls Basketball Game Info:

What: Arizona High School Girls Basketball
Who: Valley Vista vs Mesa
When: Monday, December 16, 2024
Time: 7 PM
Watch here: Watch here

Game preview: Valley Vista vs Mesa

As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, the Mesa and Valley Vista high school teams in Arizona have shown competitive performances, each marking a unique footprint in their respective divisions. With the midseason upon us, it’s a great time to compare their records, team stats, and individual players as both teams continue their push towards postseason success.

Team Overview:

• Mesa (24-25)
  • Overall Record: 4-4
  • Home: 3-1 | Away: 0-1 | Neutral: 1-2
  • Win Percentage: .500
  • Points Scored (PF): 345
  • Points Allowed (PA): 338
• Valley Vista (24-25)
  • Overall Record: 4-3
  • Home: 1-0 | Away: 1-1 | Neutral: 2-2
  • Win Percentage: .571
  • Points Scored (PF): 412
  • Points Allowed (PA): 352

Despite their records being relatively similar, Valley Vista has the edge in win percentage, but Mesa has a slightly higher points per game average, scoring 43.1 points compared to Valley Vista’s 58.9.

Team Scoring Averages:

• Mesa:
  • Q1: 10.3 | Q2: 10.1 | Q3: 13.8 | Q4: 9.0 | Final: 43.1
• Valley Vista:
  • Q1: 13.5 | Q2: 10.5 | Q3: 18.5 | Q4: 18.0 | Final: 58.9

Valley Vista shows a stronger finish in the second half, scoring a total of 36.5 points in the third and fourth quarters, while Mesa only manages 22.8 points in the same periods. This late-game scoring surge by Valley Vista could be key in their victories.

Team Stat Comparison:

• Points Per Game:
  • Mesa: 45.5 | Valley Vista: 14.7
• Rebounds Per Game:
  • Mesa: 33.2 | Valley Vista: 6.1
• Assists Per Game:
  • Mesa: 9.5 | Valley Vista: 1.1
• Steals Per Game:
  • Mesa: 10.3 | Valley Vista: 2.1
• Blocks Per Game:
  • Mesa: 2.3 | Valley Vista: 0.3

Mesa has been dominant in the stat department, particularly with rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. These numbers suggest a more balanced and versatile team, capable of controlling the game through defensive and offensive rebounding and ball movement. Valley Vista, while stronger offensively in terms of points per game, has faced challenges in these key areas.

Player Highlights:

• Mesa:
  • Taylor Morris: 16.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG
  • Marlee Straub: 2.7 APG
  • Tricity Winfield: 3.0 SPG
• Valley Vista:
  • Jada Wilson: 12.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.0 SPG
  • Braya Neal Tiffany: 1.5 APG
  • Natalie Yanes: 0.5 BPG

Taylor Morris leads Mesa in scoring and rebounding, making her a standout player to watch. Jada Wilson for Valley Vista also shines with strong scoring and rebounding, along with notable defensive numbers. While both teams have significant individual players, Mesa’s depth in assists and steals gives them an edge in team play.

Common Opponents:

• Mesa’s Record Against Common Opponents: 0-1
• Valley Vista’s Record Against Common Opponents: 1-0

Both teams have faced common opponents, with Valley Vista coming out on top in their matchup against Williams Field. Mesa, on the other hand, lost to Williams Field in their encounter. This sets the stage for an interesting head-to-head matchup when they face off later in the season.

Head-to-Head Matchup:

• Mesa vs. Valley Vista Record: 0-0
• Common Opponent Record: Mesa 0-1, Valley Vista 1-0

As both teams are set to play each other this season, the upcoming matchup will be pivotal in determining who can capitalize on their strengths. Mesa’s overall balance and depth will be tested against Valley Vista’s explosive scoring, especially in the second half.

Final Thoughts:

Both Mesa and Valley Vista have proven to be resilient teams, with strong individual players and distinct strengths. Valley Vista’s high-scoring game and late-game dominance contrast with Mesa’s overall balance and defensive capabilities. The upcoming matchups will be crucial in deciding who will come out on top in the season’s final standings and postseason tournament.

As the teams continue their respective campaigns, both fan bases are eagerly awaiting the next encounter, where the balance of scoring and defense will determine who takes the lead in this exciting division rivalry.