The Link Academy (Branson, MO) varsity basketball team will play a neutral conference game against Brewster Academy National (Wolfeboro, NH) today at 6:45 p.m.

Game Details:

• Teams: BAN vs Link Academy
• Date and Time: Friday, January 24, 2025, at 6:45 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Event: Quincy Shootout (Quincy, IL)

Brewster Academy National vs. Link Academy: A Tale of Two Dominant Programs

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, two prep powerhouses, Brewster Academy National and Link Academy, continue to shine with their impressive records, strong team performances, and dominant leadership. With highly competitive seasons so far, both teams have made their mark, gaining national attention for their athletic prowess.

Team Records and Performance Breakdown

• Brewster Academy National (17-2 overall, 7-1 league)
  Brewster Academy has put together an exceptional season, with an overall win percentage of .895, including a dominant 10-2 record in non-league play. The team’s offensive and defensive balance has been a key factor in their success, with an average of 79.1 points per game (PPG) and 943 points allowed. Brewster Academy has been especially formidable at home, posting a perfect 6-0 record.
• Link Academy (14-4 overall, 4-1 district)
  Link Academy, while slightly trailing Brewster in overall wins, has still managed to secure an impressive 14-4 record. With a solid .778 win percentage and a 10-3 record in non-district games, Link Academy has shown resilience on the court. The team averages 67.4 PPG, though they have faced more challenging opponents compared to Brewster. Their performance in both home and neutral games has been notably strong, with a 4-0 home record.

Scoring Averages and Key Statistics

• Brewster Academy National Scoring:
  • Q1: 12.0
  • Q2: 13.0
  • Q3: 15.5
  • Q4: 16.0
  • Final: 79.1

  Brewster Academy has excelled in scoring across all four quarters, with their offense ramping up as the game progresses. Their highest-scoring quarter has been the fourth, with an average of 16.0 points. The team’s ability to maintain consistent scoring is a testament to their offensive depth and execution.

• Link Academy Scoring:
  • Q1: 12.0
  • Q2: 14.5
  • Q3: 15.3
  • Q4: 16.3
  • Final: 67.4

  Link Academy, while averaging fewer points than Brewster, has shown impressive scoring across all quarters, especially in the latter stages of the game, where their average in the fourth quarter (16.3) is their highest. The team’s ability to close out games strongly has kept them competitive.

Statistical Comparison: Strengths of Both Teams

• Brewster Academy National:
  • Points Per Game (PPG): 79.1
  • Rebounds Per Game: 27.4
  • Assists Per Game: 15.2
  • Steals Per Game: 7.6
  • Blocks Per Game: 4.9
• Link Academy:
  • Points Per Game (PPG): 62.2
  • Rebounds Per Game: 27.4
  • Assists Per Game: 15.2
  • Steals Per Game: 7.6
  • Blocks Per Game: 4.9

  Both teams share impressive averages in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, indicating that they are well-rounded and capable of impacting all areas of the game. The major difference lies in their scoring potential, with Brewster Academy consistently putting up more points per game than Link Academy.

Key Players: Impactful Performers

• Brewster Academy National:
  • Chris Cenac leads the team in both points per game (12.1) and rebounds per game (7.5), while also contributing significantly in blocks (1.5).
  • Jerry Easter, with 4.9 assists and 2.0 steals per game, is another cornerstone of the team’s success, showing his ability to facilitate and disrupt opposing offenses.
• Link Academy:
  • Chris Cenac from Brewster Academy appears as a notable player here as well, leading in key statistical categories. For Link Academy, the scoring is more evenly distributed, but the team is still driven by a few top performers who contribute significantly to the overall effort.

Common Opponents: Head-to-Head Matchups

Both Brewster Academy and Link Academy have faced similar competition, with Brewster having a 10-2 record against common opponents and Link posting a solid 6-1 record. Notably, both teams defeated Veritas Academy, La Lumiere, and Long Island Lutheran, showcasing their strong performances against nationally recognized programs. However, Brewster’s matchup against AZ Compass Prep National (a 58-54 loss) and Utah Prep (a 45-43 loss) stands out as a setback in their campaign, while Link Academy has a similar loss to Utah Prep.

Upcoming Contests

Both teams still have key matchups ahead, including games against IMG Academy, Montverde Academy, and Sunrise Christian Academy Elite Basketball, which will likely shape the final rankings for the season. Brewster Academy will look to maintain their dominant momentum, while Link Academy hopes to secure victories in their remaining challenging games to end the season on a high note.

Conclusion

Brewster Academy National and Link Academy are two of the most formidable prep teams in the nation, each with their own strengths and standout players. Brewster’s high-scoring offense and defensive capabilities have set them apart this season, but Link Academy’s resilience and strong quarter performances make them a team to watch. As the season progresses, their rivalry and future matchups promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether it’s Brewster’s offensive power or Link’s ability to close out games, both teams are proving why they deserve to be ranked among the best.