The Ridge View (Columbia, SC) varsity basketball team will host Sumter (SC) in a home conference game today at 7:30 PM.

Game Details:

• Teams: Sumter vs Ridge View
• Date & Time: Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM
• Location: Ridge View High School
• Live stream: Watch Here

Basketball Showdown: Sumter vs. Ridge View (2024-2025 Season)

As the high school basketball season progresses, one of the most anticipated matchups is set to take place between Sumter High School and Ridge View High School. The two teams are set to square off in a highly competitive game on January 17, with a return bout scheduled for February 11. This clash is not only important for their conference standings but also offers a thrilling preview of two teams with contrasting styles and record trajectories.

Team Overview

Sumter High School enters this game with a mixed record of 8-9 overall and 3-1 in the region. Despite facing challenges early in the season, Sumter has managed to remain competitive, thanks in part to strong performances from key players. With an average of 55.3 points per game, Sumter has had solid offensive output, though they have struggled defensively, conceding 987 points so far.

Ridge View High School, with a 9-7 record overall and an undefeated 3-0 record in the region, enters this matchup as a formidable opponent. Ridge View’s offense has been potent, averaging 63.3 points per game, and their defense has been similarly stout, allowing just 949 points this season. Ridge View’s perfect 3-0 record in the region makes them the clear favorites for this matchup.

Key Players to Watch

For Sumter, all eyes will be on BJ Brown, the team’s standout player, averaging 25.8 points per game. Brown is a scoring machine and will be pivotal in leading his team to victory. Additionally, Wesley Lyles has been a strong presence in the paint, pulling down 4.4 rebounds per game, and Josh Pendergrass has been effective in distributing the ball with 3 assists per game.

On the side of Ridge View, (Player TBD) has consistently been a top performer, and their team is deep in talent. With several players contributing to the team’s high-scoring efforts, Ridge View is a well-rounded squad that thrives in various areas of the game.

Team Stat Comparison

• Sumter:
  • Points Per Game: 52.3
  • Rebounds Per Game: 13.8
  • Assists Per Game: 2.5
  • Steals Per Game: 1.2
  • Blocks Per Game: 2.0
• Ridge View:
  • Points Per Game: 63.3
  • Rebounds Per Game: TBD
  • Assists Per Game: TBD
  • Steals Per Game: TBD
  • Blocks Per Game: TBD

Sumter’s scoring is relatively balanced across all four quarters, with 12.2 points in the first, 14.2 in the second, 13.2 in the third, and 11.8 in the final quarter. Ridge View, on the other hand, shows a sharp increase in scoring during the fourth quarter (19.8 points per game), which could prove crucial in late-game situations.

Head-to-Head & Common Opponents

This season, both teams have faced common opponents, with Sumter holding a 4-1 record against them and Ridge View slightly ahead with a 4-0 record. Both teams have faced Dreher, Spring Valley, and West Florence, where Sumter has earned victories over Dreher, Spring Valley, and Lugoff-Elgin. Ridge View, meanwhile, defeated Dreher, Spring Valley, and West Florence handily.

Key upcoming matchups for both teams include games against Spring Valley and Lugoff-Elgin, which could be pivotal in determining their overall standing in the region.

Season Breakdown

• Sumter (24-25): 8-9 overall, 3-1 in region play, with a challenging but competitive performance so far.
• Ridge View (24-25): 9-7 overall, undefeated 3-0 in region play, poised to maintain their perfect regional record.

Sumter’s record shows more volatility, especially with a 1-5 record in non-league play, while Ridge View has shown more consistency, especially on the road. However, both teams still have several important games ahead, including their respective upcoming matchups on January 17 and February 11.

Game Predictions

As both teams continue to fine-tune their strategies, this game will provide a better understanding of their potential in the region. Ridge View will likely capitalize on their offensive depth and strong defense, but Sumter’s ability to compete in high-pressure situations, especially with BJ Brown leading the charge, will make this an exciting contest to watch.

Fans and spectators can look forward to two thrilling encounters between these high-energy squads, with a close battle expected between two of South Carolina’s top high school basketball programs. Keep an eye on both games to see which team comes out on top as they both strive for playoff contention and regional supremacy.