The West Cabarrus (Concord, NC) varsity basketball team will host Lake Norman (Mooresville, NC) in a home conference game on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

Game Details:

• Teams: Lake Norman vs West Cabarrus
• Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Lake Norman vs. West Cabarrus: A Basketball Showdown

In what promises to be an exciting conference clash, Lake Norman (24-25) faces off against West Cabarrus (24-25) on January 31. As two schools from North Carolina with contrasting seasons so far, this matchup is bound to draw attention for several reasons, including their previous meeting and their distinct styles of play.

Team Records and Standing

Lake Norman has been a powerhouse this season, holding an impressive 18-1 overall record and remaining undefeated in the conference with a perfect 7-0 mark. This is a team that has proven itself not only in league play but also in non-league games, where they boast an 8-0 record. With a solid winning percentage of .947 and an average of 79.3 points per game, Lake Norman has demonstrated both offensive firepower and solid defense, allowing just 1,054 points across the season. They’ve been dominant at home, with a perfect 9-0 home record and a strong 6-0 record on the road.

West Cabarrus, on the other hand, has faced more struggles this season, recording a 7-11 overall record. The team has had challenges in conference play, holding a 3-4 record. Their performance has been inconsistent, as evidenced by their 5-5 away record and 2-4 home record. Scoring has been an issue, with an average of 54.7 points per game, while they’ve allowed 1,014 points. Despite their challenges, they are certainly capable of an upset, as their history against common opponents has shown mixed results.

Last Meeting

When these two teams last met earlier in January, Lake Norman came out on top with a 79-49 victory. The game featured an explosive offensive display by Lake Norman, who dominated from the start, outscoring West Cabarrus 21-5 in the first quarter. The final scoreline reflected their consistent effort throughout the game, with Lake Norman finishing with a commanding lead.

Statistical Breakdown

Lake Norman has excelled in several key statistical areas. They lead in scoring, averaging 78.5 points per game, and have been especially dominant in rebounds, grabbing an average of 43.0 per game. Their defensive efforts are also evident in their ability to generate turnovers, with 8.3 steals per game and 4.9 blocks per game. This combination of offense and defense has made them one of the most complete teams in the state.

West Cabarrus has struggled with rebounding, averaging just 21.1 rebounds per game. Their offense has been inconsistent, averaging 54.6 points per game, which is far lower than their opponents. Additionally, they have faced challenges in creating assists and steals, as evidenced by their 8.1 assists per game and 7.0 steals per game. Despite these struggles, their defense can sometimes surprise, as seen in their few wins this season.

Key Players to Watch

For Lake Norman, the player to watch is Tre McKinnon, who leads the team with 19.1 points per game. He has been a consistent offensive threat, and his ability to score in a variety of ways will be crucial for Lake Norman’s success. In addition to McKinnon, Trent Steinour has been a force on the boards, averaging 12.5 rebounds per game. His presence in the paint will be vital in controlling the game’s tempo.

For West Cabarrus, Camari McCrae has been the team’s top scorer, averaging 12.0 points per game, while Marcus Hurley leads the team in rebounds with 4.2 per game. The team will need big performances from these two players to stay competitive, especially as they look to overcome Lake Norman’s offensive depth.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, and the comparison paints a stark contrast. Lake Norman has dominated their common foes, going 8-0, including decisive wins over teams like Marvin Ridge (81-59), A.L. Brown (82-45), and Cox Mill (87-60). West Cabarrus, however, has had a more balanced record against these teams, with a 4-4 record. Their wins came against A.L. Brown (63-48) and South Iredell (60-49), but they fell short in other matchups, including losses to Marvin Ridge (61-57) and Cox Mill (72-65).

Looking Ahead

This next game will be an opportunity for West Cabarrus to redeem themselves after their previous loss to Lake Norman. While their odds may seem slim against a powerful team like Lake Norman, the game is still an important one, both in terms of conference positioning and team confidence. For Lake Norman, maintaining their perfect conference record and staying dominant will be the key objective.

As the game draws closer, basketball fans will be eager to see if West Cabarrus can find a way to match up against Lake Norman’s firepower, or if Lake Norman will continue their impressive march toward a potential conference title.