The Vermillion (SD) varsity basketball team is set to play a neutral, non-conference game against Pine Ridge (SD) today at 5 p.m.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: South Dakota High School Basketball
Who: Vermillion vs Pine Ridge
When: Saturday, January 4, 2025
Time: 5:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Pine Ridge vs. Vermillion: A 2024-2025 Basketball Season Overview

The basketball season for both Pine Ridge and Vermillion has brought intriguing statistics and promising performances. Both teams have had unique journeys with ups and downs that set the stage for an exciting matchup.

Team Records and Performance Breakdown

Pine Ridge enters the 2024-2025 season with a solid record of 5-4, with a win percentage of .556. While they are perfect at home (1-0), they have faced tougher challenges on the road (0-1) and at neutral sites (4-3). Pine Ridge’s overall scoring average of 66.8 points per game is notable, but they have allowed 508 points this season, with an average of 56.4 points against. This implies that while their offense is efficient, they still face challenges on the defensive end.

On the other hand, Vermillion has had a strong season so far, with a 2-1 record and a win percentage of .667. Their scoring has been impressive, with a 71.7 points per game average. Vermillion has shown its ability to perform in both home and away games, with an unbeaten record at neutral sites (1-0). Their overall defense has been effective, allowing only 132 points over the course of three games, showing their defensive strengths early in the season.

Team Scoring Averages

Breaking down the scoring patterns reveals a balance of offensive strategies between both teams. Pine Ridge has displayed consistent scoring through all four quarters, averaging 17.4 points in Q1, 17.8 points in Q2, 19.4 in Q3, and 19.6 in Q4. This suggests a steady offensive rhythm that persists throughout the game.

Vermillion, with its higher points-per-game average of 71.7, showcases explosive scoring but without specific quarter-by-quarter breakdowns. Their offensive output has been impactful, keeping them competitive across various matchups.

Key Team Statistics

• Pine Ridge’s Key Strengths:
  • Scoring: 66.4 points per game
  • Rebounding: 24.2 rebounds per game
  • Assists: 15.6 assists per game
  • Steals: 10.1 steals per game
  • Blocks: 0.4 blocks per game
• Vermillion’s Statistical Highlights:
  • Vermillion does not have specific statistics in this section, but their win percentage and high points per game (71.7) highlight their ability to capitalize on both offensive and defensive opportunities.

Top Performers

Marvin Richard III of Pine Ridge stands out as the team’s top player, leading in several key categories. Richard averages 35.2 points per game, 5.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 3.2 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. His all-around performance has been the driving force for Pine Ridge’s season.

As for Vermillion, no standout individual statistics were provided, but Pine Ridge’s efforts, spearheaded by Marvin Richard III, put them in a position to challenge Vermillion’s overall strength.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head

Both teams have faced Lennox this season, but with different outcomes. Pine Ridge narrowly lost to Lennox on December 30, 2024, with a score of 61-60, whereas Vermillion is set to face Lennox on January 16, 2025.

Record Breakdown

Pine Ridge has been more active in non-league games, holding a 2-2 record in such contests. Vermillion, on the other hand, has had a balanced record both in- and out-of-state, with an overall performance of 2-1. Both teams have had their strengths on the road, with Vermillion boasting a 1-0 record in away games, while Pine Ridge remains undefeated at home.

Pine Ridge Record Breakdown:

• 5-4 Overall
• 1-0 Home
• 0-1 Away
• 4-3 Neutral

Vermillion Record Breakdown:

• 2-1 Overall
• 1-0 Home
• 1-0 Away
• 1-0 Neutral

Conclusion

Both teams are looking to build on their current momentum as the 2024-2025 season progresses. Pine Ridge, with a slightly more balanced schedule, will look to leverage their home court advantage, while Vermillion aims to maintain their impressive win percentage and continue their strong offensive play. The head-to-head encounters, particularly against Lennox, will be telling of both teams’ potential as they head into more challenging matchups this season.