The West Charlotte High School varsity basketball team will host a home conference game against Hopewell High School (Huntersville, NC) today, Friday, January 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM.
Here’s what you need Basketball to know:
What: North Carolina High School Basketball
Who: West Charlotte vs Hopewell
When: Friday, January 3, 2025
Time: 6:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here
Hopewell Titans vs. West Charlotte Lions: A Clash of Conference Rivals
As the high school basketball season unfolds, tonight’s matchup between the Hopewell Titans and the West Charlotte Lions promises to be a thrilling contest. The game, which takes place at West Charlotte High School at 6:30 p.m., pits two teams with contrasting seasons against each other in an important conference showdown.
Team Overviews and Rankings
Hopewell Titans (11-0 Overall, 2-0 Conference):
The Titans, hailing from Huntersville, NC, have been nothing short of dominant this season. Ranked #22 in the state and #3 in their class, Hopewell boasts an undefeated record across all games. With a potent offense and a staunch defense, they’ve averaged 66.9 points per game while limiting opponents to just 58 points. Their ability to excel both at home (5-0) and on the road (4-0) demonstrates a balanced and resilient squad.
West Charlotte Lions (4-4 Overall, 1-1 Conference):
The Lions, based in Charlotte, NC, find themselves ranked #259 in the state and #28 in their class. Their season has been marked by ups and downs, with a .500 win percentage. Although their scoring average of 56.1 points per game lags behind Hopewell’s, West Charlotte’s defense has been effective, keeping opponents to an average of 53.3 points. Their home-court advantage (2-3 record at home) may play a crucial role in tonight’s matchup.
Head-to-Head: Key Statistics
Team Scoring Averages by Quarter
| Quarter | Hopewell | West Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 18.4 | 12.3 |
| Q2 | 14.4 | 14.7 |
| Q3 | 16.1 | 13.7 |
| Q4 | 18.0 | 17.1 |
| Final | 66.9 | 56.1 |
Hopewell’s ability to maintain a high scoring pace throughout all four quarters gives them a significant edge. However, West Charlotte’s strong fourth-quarter performance suggests they have the potential to close the gap in crunch time.
Statistical Comparisons
| Metric | Hopewell | West Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 66.3 | 56.0 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 31.5 | 26.5 |
| Assists Per Game | 16.1 | 10.3 |
| Steals Per Game | 10.7 | 11.6 |
| Blocks Per Game | 3.1 | 4.9 |
Hopewell outperforms West Charlotte in most categories, particularly in assists and rebounds, showcasing their teamwork and ability to control the boards. However, West Charlotte has the edge in steals and blocks, indicating a scrappy, defense-oriented approach.
Key Players to Watch
Hopewell Titans:
- Mike Brown (#2): Averaging 15.6 points per game, Brown leads the Titans’ scoring efforts and will be the focal point of their offense.
- Arael Jones (#11): Dominant on the glass with 8.1 rebounds per game and contributing 3 steals per game, Jones is a versatile two-way player.
- Kamari Cooke (#0): Leading the team in assists with 5.5 per game, Cooke is the playmaker driving Hopewell’s offense.
West Charlotte Lions:
- Christian Coleman (#12): The team’s top scorer and defensive leader, averaging 13 points and 4 steals per game.
- Barama Kone (#22): A strong presence in the paint, averaging 5.9 rebounds per game.
- DJ Williams (#5): A reliable shot-blocker with 2 blocks per game, Williams anchors the Lions’ defense.
Common Opponents and Recent Results
Against common opponents, Hopewell has a flawless 3-0 record, while West Charlotte is 1-2. Notably, Hopewell defeated Berry High School 60-44, while West Charlotte narrowly lost to Berry 49-47. Similar patterns emerge against Mallard Creek and other shared adversaries, further highlighting Hopewell’s superiority.
What to Expect Tonight
Hopewell’s undefeated streak, coupled with their well-rounded team statistics, positions them as the favorites in this matchup. Their depth, scoring efficiency, and rebounding dominance could prove too much for West Charlotte to handle. However, the Lions will look to leverage their home-court advantage and strong defensive play to keep the game competitive.
Fans can expect an intense battle, especially in the later stages of the game, as West Charlotte’s strong fourth-quarter performances suggest they won’t go down without a fight.
Upcoming Matchups
After tonight’s game, the teams will face each other again on January 31, this time at Hopewell’s home court. Both teams will use this initial contest to gauge their strengths and weaknesses, making the rematch even more intriguing.
Prediction
While West Charlotte has the potential to pull off an upset, Hopewell’s unbeaten record and statistical dominance make them the clear favorites. Expect the Titans to extend their winning streak, but not without a spirited challenge from the Lions.
Final Score Prediction: Hopewell 68, West Charlotte 57
