The Howland (Warren, OH) varsity basketball team will host Harding (Warren, OH) for a home conference game today at 7:00 PM.
Game Details:
- Teams: Harding vs Howland
- Date: Friday, January 24, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Live stream: Watch Here
Harding vs. Howland Basketball: A Comprehensive Breakdown for the 2024-25 Season
The ongoing 2024-25 basketball season has showcased some exciting matchups between local rivals Harding and Howland, both teams bringing their distinct styles to the court. Below is a deep dive into their performance so far, along with key team stats and upcoming fixtures.
Season Record & Standings
- Harding (24-25): With a 12-2 overall record, Harding has been dominant throughout the season, particularly in conference play where they are a perfect 4-0. Their performances at home (6-0) and on neutral ground (2-0) further reinforce their strength across different environments. Their high win percentage of .857 and an impressive point differential (PF: 936, PA: 697) highlight their offensive and defensive prowess.
- Howland (24-25): Howland, on the other hand, has had a more mixed season, sitting at 7-6 overall. They have yet to win a conference game, holding a 0-4 conference record. Despite their struggles in league play, Howland has performed better outside of the conference, with a 7-2 non-league record. With a points-for-to-points-against ratio of 660-698, they will need to improve on both offense and defense moving forward to compete with the stronger teams.
Recent Head-to-Head Matchup
In their most recent clash on January 7, 2025, Harding decisively defeated Howland 71-40 in a conference game. This result adds to Harding’s growing dominance in their local rivalry, continuing their undefeated streak in conference play. In that game, Harding’s superior scoring, strong rebounding, and overall team chemistry were evident, as they managed to outplay Howland on both ends of the floor.
Team Scoring Averages
- Harding: Averaging 66.9 points per game (PPG), Harding has shown offensive consistency, especially in the second quarter (17.3 PPG). Their strong finish to games, particularly in the fourth quarter (15.5 PPG), suggests a well-conditioned team that knows how to close out tight contests.
- Howland: With a much lower scoring average of 50.8 PPG, Howland struggles offensively, especially in the first quarter (12.6 PPG). They have shown some resilience in the second half, where they average 14.3 PPG in the fourth quarter, but their inability to generate consistent offense early in games has hurt their overall performance.
Key Players
- Chaz Coleman (Harding): The standout performer for Harding, Coleman leads the team with an impressive 20.0 PPG, as well as 10.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. His all-around play has made him the team’s most crucial asset, both in terms of scoring and leadership.
- Darren Douglas (Howland): For Howland, Douglas leads the charge with 10.4 PPG. While he has been solid for his team, more consistent contributions from him and his teammates will be key if Howland is to turn their season around.
Team Statistical Comparison
| Stat | Harding | Howland |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 65.1 | 50.8 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 33.1 | 25.5 |
| Assists Per Game | 12.9 | 11.7 |
| Steals Per Game | 8.0 | 6.5 |
| Blocks Per Game | 2.4 | 1.3 |
Harding dominates nearly every statistical category, with a particularly strong edge in rebounds (33.1 vs. 25.5) and steals (8.0 vs. 6.5). These areas contribute significantly to their success, allowing them to control tempo and dictate the flow of games.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar opponents throughout the season, though Harding has a strong 4-1 record against common foes, while Howland is 0-3. Their shared matchups against teams like Alliance, Ursuline, and Austintown-Fitch have illustrated the contrasting fortunes of both teams. While Harding has excelled, Howland’s struggles have been evident.
Upcoming Key Games:
- February 14, 2025: Howland will host Alliance at home, aiming to bounce back and improve their record.
- February 7, 2025: Howland will face Ursuline, hoping for a better result this time around after a previous loss to them in December.
Conclusion
The current season has clearly been a tale of two teams with Harding leading the way with an impressive record and a solid team effort on both ends of the court. Howland, while struggling in conference play, has shown glimpses of potential and will look to improve their consistency in the second half of the season. The next few weeks will be crucial for both teams, as they head into their final stretch of the regular season with playoff hopes on the line. Harding will continue to build on their strong performance, while Howland will need to regroup and find ways to win against both local rivals and conference foes.
