The Van Buren County varsity basketball team (Keosauqua, IA) will play a home non-conference game against West Burlington (IA) on Friday, January 3, at 7:30 p.m.

Van Buren County vs West Burlington Game Info:

What: Iowa High School Basketball
Who: Van Buren County (IA) vs West Burlington (IA)
When: Friday, January 3, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Van Buren County vs West Burlington

The West Burlington Falcons (24-25) are off to an incredible start this season, maintaining an unbeaten record of 7-0 overall and 4-0 in conference play. The team has been dominating the court, with a high-scoring offense averaging 79.7 points per game, a testament to their well-rounded and effective gameplay. Their success has extended across home, away, and neutral games, reflecting their consistency regardless of location. West Burlington’s defense has been equally impressive, holding opponents to an average of 47.3 points per game.

In contrast, Van Buren County (24-25) is struggling to find their rhythm, with a 3-5 overall record and a mere 0-2 record in away games. Despite the team’s strong performances at home, their inconsistency on the road has been a major setback. Van Buren County’s offense has been slightly less effective, averaging 56.1 points per game and allowing an average of 66.3 points to their opponents.

Recent Performance

The teams met on December 10, 2024, where West Burlington delivered a dominant performance, securing a 91-51 victory over Van Buren County in a non-conference away game. The Falcons’ offensive firepower was on full display, as they quickly built an insurmountable lead. Van Buren County will look to bounce back in their upcoming game on January 3, 2025, when West Burlington visits Keosauqua for another exciting non-conference matchup. This game will be pivotal for Van Buren County as they aim to improve their 0-2 record in away games this season.

Common Opponents

Both teams share a number of common opponents, providing valuable insight into their relative strengths. West Burlington has emerged victorious against New London, Mediapolis, Holy Trinity Catholic, Danville, and Central Lee, boasting a perfect 5-0 record against these opponents. Meanwhile, Van Buren County holds a 2-3 record against the same group of teams. Notable results include a strong win over New London (65-45) and a hard-fought loss to Mediapolis (60-53). Despite these challenges, Van Buren County has shown resilience, particularly in their 74-64 win against Danville.

Key Matchup Insights

• West Burlington’s Strengths: The Falcons have proven themselves as a powerhouse, winning in all aspects of the game. Their offense is dynamic, and their defense has been capable of stifling even the most aggressive teams. Their perfect conference record shows that they can thrive under pressure.
• Van Buren County’s Struggles: While the team has found success at home, their lackluster away record and inconsistent performances against strong opponents leave much to be desired. The team will need to tighten up both their offense and defense to challenge the high-flying Falcons.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming game between West Burlington and Van Buren County is crucial for the latter, as they seek to recover from their heavy loss earlier in December and improve their record in the new year. West Burlington, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their perfect season and further solidify their position as one of the top teams in the region. With a blend of youth, experience, and strong team chemistry, West Burlington is poised to continue their dominance.

As the season progresses, both teams will need to adjust and improve. West Burlington’s relentless drive and offensive prowess have set a high bar, while Van Buren County’s road to recovery will depend on capitalizing on home court advantage and minimizing mistakes on the road.

Final Thoughts

While West Burlington has been nearly flawless this season, Van Buren County’s performance on January 3 will be an important test of their resilience and ability to bounce back from earlier setbacks. With the stakes high and the rivalry brewing, the match promises to be an exciting showdown.