As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, two teams are standing out for their impressive performances: Wasatch Academy from Utah and St. Raymond Boys, a national powerhouse. Both teams are showcasing strong records and unique playing styles, making them exciting teams to follow.

Wasatch Academy (UT)

Record: 7-1 (Overall), 1-1 (Region)
Wasatch Academy has been dominating on the court, holding a solid 7-1 record. Their overall win percentage of .875 reflects their consistency and strength, particularly in neutral-site games, where they are undefeated at 4-0. Their record is a mix of both in-state and out-of-state competition, and they will look to build on this success as the season progresses.

Scoring and Stats:
Wasatch Academy averages 56.4 points per game, led by their standout player, Junior County, who is averaging 13.0 points per game. This scoring comes from a balanced attack, with contributions across the board. The team’s offensive consistency is evident from their strong first-quarter performance (15.5 points on average), though they slow down as the game progresses. Their defensive efforts, with 392 points allowed in total, are commendable, especially considering their high-scoring opponents.

Team Leaders:

• Junior County: 13.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG
• Katrelle Harmon: 4.1 APG, 1.3 SPG
• Isiah Harwell: 0.7 BPG

The team excels in rebounding with 19.1 rebounds per game, and while their assists (11.7 APG) are strong, they will need to sharpen their scoring in the latter stages of games to maintain their lead.

St. Raymond Boys (National)

Record: 3-0 (Overall), 1-0 (League)
St. Raymond Boys have yet to lose a game this season, with a perfect 3-0 record. This team’s performances are a testament to their dominance, not only in their home region but also in neutral-site games, where they are 2-0. They have shown they are a force to be reckoned with, both nationally and regionally.

Scoring and Stats:
St. Raymond Boys are averaging an impressive 74.3 points per game, significantly higher than Wasatch Academy. Their offensive firepower is fueled by a robust third-quarter surge, where they average 29 points—a major shift in momentum. Despite slowing down in the final quarter (8 points on average), they have built enough of a lead earlier in the game to hold on for victories. Their defense is just as strong, with only 173 points allowed in total.

Team Leaders:

• National Average: 74.3 PPG
• Strong Rebounding: Although specific player stats for rebounding aren’t available, their team defense and overall efficiency are clear indicators of their dominance in this area.
• Scoring Contributions: Players like Junior County contribute significantly to the scoring effort.

Comparison: Wasatch Academy vs. St. Raymond Boys

Both teams are showcasing different styles of play. Wasatch Academy focuses on a more balanced, methodical approach, while St. Raymond Boys are all about fast-paced, high-scoring games. Here’s a breakdown of key comparisons:

Wasatch Academy has a slight edge in defense, allowing just 392 points in 8 games. Meanwhile, St. Raymond Boys have been dominant on offense but need to focus on maintaining their lead in the final quarters, where they tend to slow down.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming months will be crucial for both teams as they head into their respective playoffs and conference games. Wasatch Academy will look to build on their strong early season performance, focusing on maintaining consistency across all quarters. Meanwhile, St. Raymond Boys will aim to continue their unbeaten streak, looking to fix any late-game slowdowns to keep their edge over tougher competition.

Whether you’re following Wasatch Academy’s balanced attack or St. Raymond Boys’ explosive offense, the 2024-2025 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for high school basketball in Utah and beyond. Both teams have shown they can compete at a high level and are likely to be contenders in their respective regions and leagues.