The Canfield (OH) varsity basketball team is set to host a home conference game against Harding (Warren, OH) on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Matchup Information
Game: Harding vs. Canfield
Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Canfield High School (OH)
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Live stream: Watch Here
Harding vs. Canfield Basketball Matchup: A Preview of Two Powerhouses
The upcoming varsity basketball clash between Harding (Warren, OH) and Canfield (OH) promises to be a thrilling contest, as both teams are enjoying exceptional seasons in the Ohio division. Scheduled for Friday, January 17, at 7 PM, this away conference game marks the first of two pivotal matchups between the two teams this season, with the second game slated for February 4 at Harding.
Season Overview and Rankings
Both teams have proven themselves as dominant forces:
- Harding Raiders
- Record: 11-2 overall, 3-0 in conference play
- Win Percentage: .846
- Points Scored (PF): 882
- Points Allowed (PA): 648
- Canfield Cardinals
- Record: 13-1 overall, 3-0 in conference play
- Win Percentage: .929
- Points Scored (PF): 823
- Points Allowed (PA): 689
Harding is on an impressive streak, boasting a perfect home record (6-0) and a solid neutral site performance (2-0). Canfield, meanwhile, has been virtually unbeatable on the road (8-0), showcasing resilience in tough away environments.
Team Scoring and Quarter-by-Quarter Trends
A closer look at scoring averages reveals contrasting game flow strategies:
- Harding excels early, averaging 17.7 and 18.3 points in the first two quarters but experiences a slight drop-off in the second half.
- Canfield builds momentum later in games, peaking in the third quarter with an average of 15.3 points.
The final scoring averages give Harding a slight edge, with 67.8 points per game compared to Canfield’s 58.8.
Key Player Spotlight: Chaz Coleman (Harding)
Chaz Coleman has been the standout performer for Harding, leading in all major statistical categories:
- Points Per Game: 20.0
- Rebounds Per Game: 10.0
- Assists Per Game: 3.0
- Steals Per Game: 1.9
- Blocks Per Game: 1.1
His ability to dominate both offensively and defensively could prove pivotal in deciding the outcome of this matchup.
Comparing Common Opponents
Both teams have faced a similar slate of opponents, with Canfield holding a slight edge against common adversaries:
- Harding’s Record vs. Common Opponents: 5-1
- Canfield’s Record vs. Common Opponents: 7-0
Key shared victories include wins against Austintown-Fitch and Boardman, highlighting their mutual ability to overpower competitive teams.
What to Watch For
- Defensive Strategies: Canfield’s ability to contain Chaz Coleman could be the deciding factor, as he is instrumental in Harding’s success.
- Home Court Advantage: Although Canfield has a strong away record, Harding’s unblemished home record could give them confidence heading into February’s rematch.
- Team Depth: Both teams rely on cohesive teamwork, but the depth of scoring options and bench contributions could tip the scales.
Conclusion
This battle between two of Ohio’s top teams is poised to be a showcase of talent, strategy, and resilience. Fans can expect a hard-fought contest with significant implications for conference standings. Will Harding leverage its scoring prowess and home dominance, or will Canfield’s road-warrior mentality prevail? All eyes will be on Canfield’s court this Friday night.
