The Davis (Kaysville, UT) varsity basketball team will play a neutral tournament game against West Valley (Yakima, WA) today at 5:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: West Valley vs Davis
When: Today, December 21, 2024
Time: 5:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: West Valley vs Davis

As the 2024-2025 Utah high school basketball season unfolds, two teams that have captured attention with their performances so far are West Valley and Davis. With a mix of strong individual performances and varying team dynamics, both schools are showcasing their abilities in this competitive season.

West Valley Overview

The West Valley basketball team, with a current record of 3-4, has faced both triumphs and struggles on the court. They have a slightly below-average overall win percentage of .429, but their district record stands at a solid .500, with one win and one loss. West Valley’s performances at home have been relatively strong, holding a 1-0 record, but they have struggled on the road, posting only a 1-3 away record. In total, the team has scored 482 points while allowing 444, indicating that their games have been competitive but occasionally marked by defensive lapses.

In terms of scoring, West Valley averages 68.9 points per game. Their scoring breakdown shows they are most effective in the second quarter, where they average 19.0 points. Their overall team scoring by quarter is as follows:

• Q1: 15.0 points
• Q2: 19.0 points
• Q3: 14.0 points
• Q4: 17.5 points

The team’s primary offensive force is Coleman Atwater, who leads with an impressive 18.4 points per game. Tradon Bessinger has also contributed significantly, averaging 5.7 rebounds per game, while Bode Sparrow leads in assists (3.3 per game) and steals (2.2 per game). Despite these individual efforts, West Valley has faced challenges in closing out games, as evidenced by their overall record.

Davis Overview

Davis, with a record of 7-2, has been performing at a much higher level compared to West Valley. Their .778 win percentage speaks to their consistent success both at home and on the road. At home, Davis has been nearly flawless with a perfect 5-0 record, while their away games stand at 1-1, and their neutral-site games are also 1-1. With 598 points scored and 457 points allowed, Davis has shown a strong offensive and defensive balance.

Davis’ team scoring averages slightly less than West Valley, at 66.4 points per game. They maintain a more consistent offensive output across all four quarters:

• Q1: 18.2 points
• Q2: 13.9 points
• Q3: 18.1 points
• Q4: 16.2 points

One standout performer for Davis is Tate Jacobsen, who leads the team in scoring with an average of 19.0 points per game. Other key contributors include Caden Peterman (5.2 rebounds per game) and Tyler Mason (2.3 assists per game). This solid foundation has helped Davis maintain their dominant position in their district.

Statistical Comparison

• Points Per Game: West Valley averages 68.9, while Davis scores slightly less with 66.4 points per game.
• Rebounds Per Game: West Valley pulls down 29.7 rebounds per game, while Davis records 27.8.
• Assists Per Game: West Valley averages 13.6 assists, while Davis trails slightly with 12.4 assists per game.
• Steals Per Game: West Valley has a higher steal average (9.2) compared to Davis (8.2).
• Blocks Per Game: West Valley edges out Davis in this category with 1.3 blocks compared to 1.0 for Davis.

Key Players

For West Valley, Coleman Atwater is undoubtedly the star player, leading the team in scoring with 18.4 points per game. He is closely followed by Tradon Bessinger, who dominates on the boards with 5.7 rebounds per game. Bode Sparrow is also a key contributor, not only in scoring but in playmaking, leading the team in both assists and steals.

On the Davis side, Tate Jacobsen leads the team with 19.0 points per game, providing the team with a consistent offensive presence. Caden Peterman has been crucial in the rebounding department, while Tyler Mason adds depth in assists.

Head-to-Head Matchup

While these teams have not faced each other yet this season, their upcoming matchups promise to be an exciting display of contrasting styles. West Valley’s high-scoring offense and strong rebounding will be put to the test against Davis’ balanced approach and disciplined defense.

Conclusion

Both West Valley and Davis are shaping up to be formidable teams this season. West Valley’s high-scoring offense and standout individual performances show promise, but they will need to improve their consistency, especially on the road. Meanwhile, Davis’ balanced play and strong home-court advantage position them as one of the top teams to watch in the league. With their respective key players leading the way, the upcoming clash between these two teams is sure to be a thrilling contest.