The Hopewell (VA) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against Varina (Richmond, VA) today at 6:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Varina vs Hopewell
When: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 6:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Varina vs Hopewell
As the 2024-2025 Virginia high school basketball season progresses, two teams are capturing the attention of fans with their stellar performances: Varina and Hopewell. Both teams are dominating their respective regions, and while they share some similarities, they also bring their unique strengths to the court.
Varina’s Impressive Season
Varina has enjoyed a solid season with an overall record of 11-2, and they have been particularly strong in their region, maintaining a perfect 5-0 record. The team has proven to be formidable at home, with a 5-1 record, and they’ve shown resilience on the road, going 4-1. Their win percentage stands at an impressive .846, with an even stronger region win percentage of 1.000.
Offensively, Varina has been averaging 72.0 points per game, with a strong scoring spread across each quarter:
- Q1: 14.3 PPG
- Q2: 14.0 PPG
- Q3: 20.3 PPG
- Q4: 17.7 PPG
- OT1: 13.0 PPG
Their top scorer, Deshawn Spellman, has been a standout, averaging 18.5 points per game, ranking as the team leader in this category. Additionally, Stephon Cherry leads the team in rebounds with an average of 5.6 per game. Nick Byrd is another key contributor, posting 4.9 assists per game, while Domonique Coleman is a defensive asset with 2.9 steals per game.
Varina’s team stats also indicate a well-rounded squad:
- Rebounds per game: 29.7
- Assists per game: 16.7
- Steals per game: 11.8
- Blocks per game: 3.3
When it comes to common opponents, Varina has a 1-0 record against Highland Springs, having defeated them 73-57 on January 24, 2025. They’ll face Dinwiddie next on February 8, 2025, with hopes of improving their perfect record against this opponent.
Hopewell’s Dominance
Hopewell has been nothing short of spectacular this season, boasting a record of 14-2. They have been particularly dominant in their region, where they hold a perfect 10-0 record. The team is also undefeated at home, with a perfect 10-0 record, and boasts a solid 4-1 record on the road. Their overall win percentage stands at an impressive .875, with a region win percentage of 1.000, matching Varina’s perfection in their respective regions.
Hopewell’s offensive efficiency is comparable to Varina’s, averaging 71.9 points per game:
- Q1: 20.5 PPG
- Q2: 19.0 PPG
- Q3: 17.8 PPG
- Q4: 14.5 PPG
Their leading scorer, Deshawn Spellman‘s counterpart, is averaging a solid 18.5 PPG, maintaining a strong pace across the quarters. In terms of rebounding, Hopewell has been effective with a team-wide effort that sees multiple players contribute.
Hopewell has been dominant against common opponents, holding a 2-0 record against teams like Highland Springs and Dinwiddie. Their 77-47 victory against Dinwiddie on December 6, 2024, and their win over Highland Springs further exemplify their strength this season.
Head-to-Head and Playoff Implications
Both teams are aiming for success in the postseason, and their records show they are headed in that direction. In terms of head-to-head, Varina holds the advantage with a 1-0 record against Hopewell in the 2024-2025 season. This sets the stage for a potential playoff matchup that could be a defining moment for both teams.
Looking Ahead
As the season continues, both Varina and Hopewell are positioned to make a strong run in the state playoffs. With their impressive records, dominant performances against common opponents, and exceptional team leadership, these two teams are among the top contenders in Virginia high school basketball.
Fans are eager to see how the rest of the season unfolds, especially as these two teams may meet again in a thrilling playoff showdown. Both squads have demonstrated they have the skill, the strategy, and the will to succeed, making them the teams to watch as the season heats up.
Conclusion
Varina and Hopewell have proven themselves to be two of the best teams in Virginia this season, with strong records, solid team stats, and impressive individual performances. Whether it’s Varina’s balanced offense and solid defense or Hopewell’s undefeated region record, both teams have the tools to make a deep playoff run. With exciting matchups ahead, this season is shaping up to be one for the books.
