The West Oaks Academy (Orlando, FL) varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against IMG Academy Blue (Bradenton, FL) today at 6 p.m.

Game Details:

• Matchup: IMG Academy Blue vs. West Oaks Academy
• Date: Friday, January 24, 2025
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Location: West Oaks Academy (Orlando, FL)

IMG Academy Blue vs. West Oaks Academy: A Comprehensive Look at Their 2024-2025 Basketball Seasons

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, two teams have garnered attention for their contrasting styles and results: IMG Academy Blue and West Oaks Academy. Both teams have displayed impressive performances, yet each has a distinct narrative in terms of their records, playstyle, and matchups.

Team Records and Overview

IMG Academy Blue has played 18 games so far, finishing with a 10-8 overall record. Their district performance has been lackluster, sitting at 0-1, but they’ve had more success in home games with a 6-2 record. On the road, IMG Academy Blue is 3-2, while their neutral-site games have proven to be challenging, with a 1-4 mark. With 1,220 points scored and 1,077 points allowed, IMG Academy Blue’s scoring margin reflects a competitive, albeit inconsistent, season. Their overall win percentage stands at .556, with a district win percentage of .000.

In comparison, West Oaks Academy has had a much stronger season, boasting a 16-7 record. Their most impressive statistic is their perfect 10-0 record in district play, showing dominance in local competition. West Oaks has performed well both at home (6-0) and on the road (3-0), with a more balanced neutral record (7-7). West Oaks has accumulated 1,787 points and allowed 1,702, giving them a points-per-game average of 77.7, far surpassing IMG Academy Blue’s 67.8.

Team Scoring and Statistical Comparison

When examining the teams’ scoring patterns, IMG Academy Blue is consistent across all quarters, averaging around 18.7 points in the first quarter and maintaining solid performances in the second (12.3), third (16.0), and fourth (17.7) quarters. They focus on a steady offensive output, but their scoring may not be as explosive as West Oaks Academy, who averages a higher overall scoring output.

On the statistical front, West Oaks Academy clearly leads in points per game, averaging 77.7, while IMG Academy Blue trails slightly at 67.8 points per game. The teams’ rebounding and defensive metrics are also noteworthy. IMG Academy Blue secures 36.3 rebounds per game, with Marcis Ponder contributing 10.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, proving to be a defensive anchor. West Oaks Academy, though, edges out IMG with superior numbers in blocks, averaging 4.7 blocks per game compared to IMG’s 4.1 steals per game. West Oaks’ defense, combined with their scoring ability, makes them a well-rounded team.

Team Leaders

Each team has standout players who lead the charge. For IMG Academy Blue, Willie Burnett III is the primary offensive force, averaging 22.3 points per game. Marcis Ponder also shines, contributing heavily in both scoring and rebounding. Justin Smith leads in assists and steals, with averages of 0.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

West Oaks Academy also has its stars. Leading the team in points is a dynamic player who carries the scoring load. They are well-rounded, with strong contributions from several key players. The team’s top rebounder and block specialist, their defense has been a crucial part of their success, reflected in their team-leading 4.7 blocks per game.

Common Opponents

IMG Academy Blue and West Oaks Academy have faced several of the same opponents this season. Notably, both teams have had success in games against various teams. IMG Academy Blue has a 4-2 record against common opponents, while West Oaks Academy boasts a 2-0 record, showcasing their undefeated performance against these teams. These matchups indicate that West Oaks Academy has been more dominant in these head-to-head games, while IMG Academy Blue has faced a mix of wins and losses.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have distinctive season breakdowns, with IMG Academy Blue’s 10-8 overall record indicating a more evenly split season, while West Oaks Academy’s 16-7 record shows greater consistency. Both teams have seen success in-state, with IMG Academy Blue going 6-4 and West Oaks Academy at 12-1. Out-of-state games have been more challenging for both teams, with IMG Academy Blue sitting at 0-2 and West Oaks at 3-6.

Conclusion

In summary, IMG Academy Blue and West Oaks Academy offer two contrasting yet competitive styles of play. IMG Academy Blue remains a strong contender with a solid offensive game and a respectable defensive lineup, but their struggles on neutral grounds and in district play have hindered their overall record. West Oaks Academy, on the other hand, has been dominant in district play, showing superior scoring and defensive capabilities across their 2024-2025 season. As the season progresses, both teams will look to sharpen their skills and make strong showings in upcoming games, with IMG Academy Blue looking to improve its consistency and West Oaks Academy continuing its dominance, especially in district matchups.