The Archbishop Stepinac Varsity Basketball Team (White Plains, NY) will be hosting St. Raymond Boys (Bronx, NY) for a conference game today at 7:30 PM.
Matchup Information:
- St. Raymond Boys vs Archbishop Stepinac
- Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Live stream: Watch Here
St. Raymond Boys and Archbishop Stepinac Basketball Teams: A Tale of Rivalry and Excellence
The 2024-2025 basketball season has showcased two of New York’s most competitive high school teams: St. Raymond Boys and Archbishop Stepinac. With contrasting records and playing styles, these teams have offered exciting games and are in a tight race for supremacy. Let’s break down their season, statistics, and head-to-head performance to understand the dynamics of this rivalry.
Team Overview: St. Raymond Boys
St. Raymond Boys from the Bronx have had an 8-6 overall record so far, with a 5-3 mark in league play. Their season has been a mixture of wins and losses, but their ability to score consistently has kept them competitive. The team has averaged 66.8 points per game, with solid offensive performances from players like junior Brandon Stores. He leads the team with 17.3 points per game, showcasing his scoring ability.
Notable wins have included their dominant 71-47 victory over Mt. St. Michael Academy, a team they’ve faced multiple times over the years. Despite their strong offensive efforts, they have struggled a bit in terms of consistency, especially on the road where they are 2-3 this season. The team’s high-scoring nature can be seen in their scoring averages across the quarters: 17.6 in the first quarter, 18.6 in the second, and 19.0 in the third quarter. They tend to finish strong, with 17.2 points in the fourth.
Archbishop Stepinac: Dominance at the Top
In stark contrast, Archbishop Stepinac, based in White Plains, has been nearly perfect this season with an 11-3 overall record. Their 5-0 mark in league play is impressive, as they have yet to lose a game in their division. Stepinac has also shown off a highly efficient offensive system, averaging 68.1 points per game, slightly ahead of St. Raymond Boys. Jasiah Jervis leads the team with 14.7 points per game, contributing heavily to their success. Stepinac’s performance is balanced, with the team averaging 39.9 rebounds per game and 18.6 assists per game, showcasing both their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Their scoring is relatively even across the quarters, averaging 16.3 points in the first, 17.2 in the second and third, and finishing with 17.2 in the fourth. However, their consistency has been key, as they have demonstrated the ability to close out games. A perfect 4-0 record at home and 4-1 on the road underlines their dominance in both familiar and unfamiliar settings.
Head-to-Head Battle: Archbishop Stepinac’s Latest Victory
When these two teams met recently on January 7, 2025, Archbishop Stepinac took home a hard-fought 67-64 victory. The game saw an intense battle, with St. Raymond Boys starting strong in the first quarter, leading 18-10. However, Archbishop Stepinac quickly regained control, outscoring St. Raymond in each of the subsequent quarters, particularly with a strong 20-point final quarter. The result marked their first win over St. Raymond this season and improved their head-to-head record to 1-0.
Team Stat Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses
The statistical differences between the two teams are notable. Archbishop Stepinac leads in overall points per game (68.1), but St. Raymond Boys have a slight edge in scoring efficiency, averaging 66.8 points per game.
In terms of individual players, St. Raymond’s Brandon Stores is a standout with his 17.3 points per game, while Stepinac’s Jasiah Jervis contributes 14.7. On the boards, Stepinac’s Darius Ratliff leads in rebounds with 9.2 per game, a stat that has bolstered their defensive presence. On defense, Stepinac’s Danny Carbuccia leads in steals with 2.4 per game, showing his ability to disrupt opponents’ plays. St. Raymond’s defense, however, has struggled more in terms of rebounds and steals, which has sometimes led to difficulties in closing out games.
Common Opponents: Different Results
Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, but the results have been strikingly different. For example, St. Raymond Boys were victorious against St. Peter’s (76-63) and Mt. St. Michael Academy (71-47), but they faced tougher competition against Wasatch Academy (62-58 loss) and Iona Prep (57-52 loss).
On the other hand, Archbishop Stepinac remains undefeated against common opponents with a perfect 6-0 record, including wins over Wasatch Academy (63-54), Mt. St. Michael Academy (69-51), and Cardinal Hayes (69-56).
Looking Ahead: The Rivalry Continues
As the season progresses, both teams are gearing up for more intense matchups. St. Raymond Boys are looking to build on their offensive firepower and improve consistency in their defensive play. They will need to continue relying on key players like Brandon Stores and strengthen their bench play as they face more challenging opponents.
Archbishop Stepinac, on the other hand, looks poised to maintain its dominance with their perfect league record and depth on both ends of the floor. Their balanced attack and strong defense, led by players like Jasiah Jervis and Darius Ratliff, make them a formidable force in New York high school basketball.
With the next meeting between these two teams on January 17, 2025, fans are eagerly anticipating another thrilling chapter in this exciting rivalry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both St. Raymond Boys and Archbishop Stepinac have had remarkable seasons, with contrasting styles and strengths. While Stepinac’s undefeated league record and balanced attack make them the favorites, St. Raymond Boys will be looking to upset their rivals with a high-scoring offense and strong individual performances. As the rivalry intensifies, both teams will look to prove their dominance in one of New York’s premier basketball leagues.
