The Balboa varsity basketball team from Clearwater, FL will play a neutral non-conference game against West Oaks Academy from Orlando, FL today at 4:45 PM.

Matchup Information:

• Teams: West Oaks Academy vs. Balboa
• Date & Time: Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 4:45 PM
• Event: Grind Session Charlotte
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

West Oaks Academy vs. Balboa: A Head-to-Head Showdown

As the West Oaks Academy (Orlando, FL) varsity basketball team prepares to take on Balboa (Clearwater, FL) in an exciting neutral-site non-conference game today at 4:45 PM, the two teams’ contrasting records and performances make this matchup one to watch. The game will showcase talent and determination, as the two Florida schools bring their unique strengths to the court.

Team Records & Standings

West Oaks Academy (14-6 overall, 9-0 in district play) has been dominating in its district with an undefeated record, showing strong overall consistency. With a win percentage of .700, they have outscored their opponents 1,579 points to 1,502, a testament to their offensive firepower. On the other hand, Balboa (9-17 overall, 5-4 in district play) has struggled to find success, with a win percentage of .346. Their offensive output stands at 1,766 points scored, but they have allowed 1,832 points, which reflects their challenges in defense.

Scoring Averages & Key Players

West Oaks Academy is averaging an impressive 78.8 points per game, compared to Balboa’s 66.9 points per game. West Oaks Academy’s leader is Willie Burnett III, who is putting up 23.0 points per game, making him a key player to watch. Marcis Ponder leads on the boards for West Oaks with 10.5 rebounds per game, and Justin Smith contributes 1.7 steals per game.

Balboa’s standout player is Travis Musonda, who averages 13.2 points per game. Despite the team’s struggles, Musonda’s individual performances have been a bright spot. BwaBwa Josue is the leader in rebounds for Balboa with 7.6 per game, and Apolo Caetano is making an impact with 5.5 assists per game.

Head-to-Head & Recent Matchups

The teams will face off not only today but also in a neutral conference game on February 7. In terms of common opponents, West Oaks Academy holds a distinct advantage, boasting an 8-5 record against shared teams, while Balboa has struggled to just a 2-15 record. Notably, West Oaks Academy recently triumphed over opponents like Academy of Central Florida and Victory Rock Prep, while Balboa fell short against similar teams. For example, Balboa suffered tough losses to DME Academy, Prolific Prep of Napa Christian, and Southern Coast Academy National, all of which West Oaks Academy handled with relative ease.

Offensive and Defensive Comparison

When comparing the two teams, West Oaks Academy shines in both offense and defense. The team averages more points per game (78.8) and rebounds per game (35.7), showcasing both their scoring and rebounding capabilities. In contrast, Balboa’s defense and rebounding struggles are evident in their lower numbers. Balboa averages only 28.7 rebounds per game, and their defensive efforts leave much to be desired, with the team averaging 7.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game, much lower than their opponents.

The Road Ahead

The neutral-site game today is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting stretch of basketball for both teams. West Oaks Academy will look to continue its dominance, while Balboa will aim to turn around its season with a big upset. The team from Orlando has had a stronger start to the season, but Balboa has shown moments of brilliance and will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes from West Oaks.

Basketball fans in Florida are in for a treat with this matchup, as West Oaks Academy and Balboa bring their contrasting styles to the court. Will West Oaks Academy continue its perfect district record, or will Balboa pull off the unexpected? We’ll find out soon enough!

Game Details:

• Date: January 18, 2025
• Time: 4:45 PM
• Location: Neutral Site

Upcoming Game:
West Oaks Academy will also face Balboa again on February 7, 2025, at 3 PM in a crucial conference battle. Stay tuned!