The South Iredell (Statesville, NC) varsity basketball team will host Lake Norman (Mooresville, NC) for a home conference game on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM.

Matchup Details:

• Game: Lake Norman vs. South Iredell
• Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Lake Norman vs. South Iredell: A Basketball Rivalry

As the Lake Norman Wildcats prepare for an away game against the South Iredell Vikings this Friday, January 17th, there is a distinct contrast in both teams’ performances this season. With Lake Norman boasting an impressive 13-1 overall record, including a perfect 2-0 conference standing, the team is riding high, showcasing strong offense and defense alike. On the other hand, South Iredell has struggled, holding a 4-11 record, and is yet to secure a conference win (0-3).

Lake Norman’s Dominance

The Wildcats have been nothing short of dominant this season, scoring an average of 76.8 points per game. They are particularly strong in the first and third quarters, where they average over 22 points each. Lake Norman’s offensive firepower is led by Tre McKinnon, who averages 18.7 points per game, with strong support from Trent Steinour and Nick Arnold, who contribute significantly in rebounds, assists, and steals. Defensively, they excel in rebounds (42.6 per game) and steals (8.3 per game), giving them a well-rounded game on both sides of the ball.

Lake Norman’s dominance is further illustrated by their perfect 7-0 home record, and their overall stellar performance in non-conference games, where they have been undefeated at 8-0. Their recent victories, including wins against North Lincoln, Statesville, and Hickory Ridge, demonstrate their capability in handling a variety of opponents.

South Iredell’s Struggles

In contrast, South Iredell has been facing a tough season. The Vikings are currently 4-11, with a dismal 0-3 in the conference. Their struggles are reflected in their average scoring of just 49.3 points per game. South Iredell has found some success in the fourth quarter, where they average 14.2 points, but they are otherwise overwhelmed in the earlier periods of the game. Despite efforts from individual players like Kobe Richardson, who leads the team with 12.2 points per game, South Iredell has not been able to find consistent success this season.

The team’s rebounding (20.9 per game) and assist (6.2 per game) numbers also fall short compared to their competition, and their defensive numbers—especially steals and blocks—are modest. The Vikings have had a tough time against teams like West Cabarrus, Hickory Ridge, and North Lincoln, with their only wins coming in non-conference matchups.

Team Stat Comparison

In terms of raw numbers, Lake Norman far outshines South Iredell:

• Points Per Game: Lake Norman 76.8, South Iredell 49.3
• Rebounds Per Game: Lake Norman 42.6, South Iredell 20.9
• Assists Per Game: Lake Norman 14.7, South Iredell 6.2
• Steals Per Game: Lake Norman 8.3, South Iredell 3.7
• Blocks Per Game: Lake Norman 4.9, South Iredell 1.1

Key Players to Watch

Lake Norman’s Tre McKinnon (18.7 points per game) is undoubtedly the player to watch, along with Trent Steinour, who leads the team in rebounds (12.2 per game). On the South Iredell side, Kobe Richardson (12.2 points per game) and Zy’mir Clark (4.2 assists per game) will be central to the Vikings’ efforts to put up a fight in their upcoming match.

Head-to-Head

Looking at their previous matchups, Lake Norman has been dominant in their recent meetings with common opponents, holding a 4-0 record. In contrast, South Iredell has struggled with a 0-6 record against the same teams. This stark difference in performance will play a significant role when the two teams face off this Friday.

Conclusion

As the Lake Norman Wildcats prepare to face off against the South Iredell Vikings, the match promises to be a showcase of contrasting styles. Lake Norman’s high-scoring offense and strong defense make them the clear favorite, but the Vikings will look to play spoiler with their tenacity and hope to build on their fourth-quarter performances. The game on January 17th, starting at 7:30 p.m. at South Iredell’s court, will be a critical opportunity for both teams, but it appears that Lake Norman’s form this season gives them the upper hand in this matchup.

Fans can look forward to an exciting game that will either see Lake Norman continue their dominant season or see South Iredell pull off an upset.