The Washington (IL) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Morton (IL) on Friday, January 17, at 7 p.m.

Washington vs Morton Game Info:

What: Illinois High School Basketball
Who: Washington (IL) vs Morton (IL)
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Washington High School
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Washington vs Morton

As the Morton (IL) and Washington (IL) varsity basketball teams prepare for their upcoming game on January 17, 2025, at 7 PM, fans can expect an exciting clash between two teams with contrasting records. Morton, currently holding a strong 12-5 overall record and sitting atop the conference standings with a 5-1 record, enters the game as the favorites. On the other hand, Washington, at 6-9 overall and 3-3 in conference play, will look to overcome their struggles as they try to close the gap on their rivals.

Team Records and Performance

Morton has been dominating this season with a winning percentage of .706, winning 12 out of their 17 games. Their stellar play, particularly in conference matchups (5-1), gives them confidence going into the game. The team has shown strong offensive and defensive balance, averaging 58.6 points per game (PPG) while allowing only 44.9 points per game (PPG).

Washington, though struggling with a .400 win percentage, will look to leverage their home court advantage as they host Morton. Their record against common opponents is also lower at 4-5 compared to Morton’s 7-2. Washington has averaged 48.5 points per game this season, significantly lower than Morton’s scoring output, which might pose a challenge when facing off against a team that scores more consistently.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

Both teams have played against similar opponents, giving some insight into their styles of play. Morton has had the upper hand against teams like Pontiac, Canton, and Pekin, showcasing their offensive firepower. Washington, while also securing wins against these teams, has faced tougher challenges, including losses to Metamora and Peoria. The performance of both teams against these shared opponents will be crucial to watch as it could indicate the potential outcome of the game.

One notable common opponent is East Peoria, which both teams have faced recently. Morton secured a dominant win over East Peoria (76-49), while Washington suffered a narrow defeat (54-46). This discrepancy in performance against East Peoria could be an important factor in predicting the outcome of the Morton-Washington matchup.

Scoring Averages and Key Players

Morton has been consistent in putting up impressive scoring numbers across all quarters, averaging 12.8 points in the first quarter, with a strong finish at 11.5 points in the fourth. Washington’s offense, though effective in spots, has struggled to maintain scoring output, especially in the second and fourth quarters where they average only 10.5 and 11.3 points, respectively.

Key players for Morton, including their sharpshooters and playmakers, will likely be key to pushing the pace of the game, especially with Washington’s challenges in scoring consistently. Morton’s ability to control the game early and close out strong will be a major factor in securing the win.

What to Expect

As the two teams prepare for this pivotal game, Morton’s superior record and higher scoring average make them the team to beat. However, Washington’s home-court advantage and potential for an upset should not be overlooked. Their performance in close games and ability to handle pressure situations could keep them in contention throughout.

For fans looking ahead, the return match between the two teams will take place on February 18, 2025, at Morton. The outcome of this initial game will set the tone for what could be an intense rivalry throughout the rest of the season.

Conclusion

While Morton enters the game as the favorite, Washington will look to improve their standing and use the home crowd to their advantage. With Morton’s offensive prowess and Washington’s ability to occasionally pull off surprises, this game promises to deliver exciting basketball action. Fans should be ready for an intense, competitive matchup as both teams aim to improve their season records and make a statement in conference play.