The Waubonsie Valley varsity basketball team (Aurora, IL) will host a non-conference game against Morgan Park (Chicago, IL) on Friday, January 31 at 7 PM.

Waubonsie Valley vs Morgan Park Game Info:

What: Illinois High School Basketball
Who: Waubonsie Valley (IL) vs Morgan Park (IL)
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Waubonsie Valley High School
Live stream: Watch here

Game preview: Waubonsie Valley vs Morgan Park

In the world of Illinois high school basketball, two teams are currently dominating the court: Morgan Park and Waubonsie Valley. Both teams have displayed exceptional performances this season, and their statistics tell a compelling story of their individual strengths, challenges, and the head-to-head matchup that has emerged between them. Let’s break down the stats and records that define these two powerhouse programs.

Morgan Park: A Strong but Challenging Season

Morgan Park (13-10 overall, 9-0 conference) has faced its share of ups and downs this season. Their record is solid, with an undefeated conference standing of 9-0, but they have struggled in non-league play, holding a 1-5 record. Despite the challenges, they have managed to maintain a competitive edge, particularly when playing at home, where they are 6-0.

Their scoring average per game stands at 64.6 points, with a strong showing in the third quarter (19.5 points) to help close out games. While the team’s overall points per game (53.9) is less than that of Waubonsie Valley, they are a tenacious group, as evidenced by their solid steal numbers (12.2 per game).

Key Players:

• Nasir Rankin: Leading the team in scoring with 25.0 points per game, Rankin also contributes significantly in assists (3.3) and steals (2.6).
• Rashawn Robinson: A solid contributor on the boards, Robinson averages 6.8 rebounds per game.

Morgan Park’s balanced attack and ability to lock down defensively with players like Rankin give them a distinct edge when they are at their best. However, their performance away from home has been a concern, with a 4-2 record on the road and a 3-8 mark in neutral games.

Waubonsie Valley: Dominance Across the Board

Waubonsie Valley, on the other hand, has been on a tear this season. With a remarkable 22-1 overall record and a perfect 6-0 conference record, the team has shown dominance in all aspects of the game. They are undefeated at home (7-0) and on neutral courts (10-0), showcasing their ability to perform in various environments.

The Warriors average 65.2 points per game, slightly higher than Morgan Park, and their second-quarter scoring is particularly notable, with an average of 22.0 points. Their ability to score consistently in the first half of games helps them build leads that are often insurmountable by their opponents.

Key Players:

• No standout individual scorer: Unlike Morgan Park’s Rankin, Waubonsie Valley does not have a single dominant scorer, but the team thrives on a more balanced approach. Their collective scoring depth has been key to their success.

Waubonsie Valley also excels on defense, holding opponents to just 941 points across 23 games—averaging only 41.0 points allowed per game. Their impressive record in non-league games (7-1) further showcases their ability to compete at a high level regardless of the opponent.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, with Morgan Park holding a 1-0 record and Waubonsie Valley recording a 1-1 record against those same teams. One notable matchup is their performance against Jefferson, where Morgan Park won 85-60, while Waubonsie Valley secured a 65-51 victory over Jefferson later on. The teams’ only other common opponent, Marist, saw Morgan Park come out on top, while Waubonsie Valley fell to them by a narrow margin (65-56). This suggests that both teams are capable of winning against tough competition, but their performances can vary depending on the circumstances.

The Stats Tell the Story

• Scoring: Waubonsie Valley edges out Morgan Park in points per game, averaging 65.2 compared to Morgan Park’s 64.6.
• Rebounding: Both teams are competitive, with Waubonsie Valley having a slight edge in rebounds per game at 24.6, while Morgan Park pulls down 24.0.
• Defense: Morgan Park’s steals per game (12.2) show their defensive tenacity, while Waubonsie Valley’s defense has been stifling, allowing only 941 points across 23 games.

Final Thoughts: Two Teams, One Goal

As we look forward to the remainder of the season, both teams are primed for success, with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Morgan Park’s solid defense and standout individual performances, especially from Nasir Rankin, make them a tough team to beat. On the other hand, Waubonsie Valley’s balanced approach and ability to win in all settings make them a formidable opponent for anyone.

The two teams are on a collision course for postseason success, with the potential for a thrilling playoff showdown. Whether Morgan Park can find consistency away from home or Waubonsie Valley continues its dominance remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: these two teams will be a force to be reckoned with in Illinois high school basketball.