The Highland varsity basketball team (Salt Lake City, UT) will host a home conference game against West (Salt Lake City, UT) on Friday, January 24, at 5:15 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Utah High School Basketball
Who: West vs Highland
When: Friday, January 24, 2025
Time: 5:15. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: West vs Highland
As the 2024-25 Utah high school basketball season progresses, two teams from Salt Lake City, West High School and Highland High School, are preparing for their upcoming conference matchups. With one game set for January 24 and a rematch scheduled for February 14, both teams look to make a statement in region play.
Team Performance and Standings
West High School currently holds a 5-11 overall record with a 0-5 region record, struggling to find success against conference opponents. Meanwhile, Highland has been one of the top teams in the state, boasting a 13-2 overall record and a 3-1 region record, making them a formidable opponent.
Statistically, West has had difficulties on both ends of the court, scoring an average of 59.9 points per game while allowing 1,066 points throughout the season. On the other hand, Highland has been dominant, scoring 67.2 points per game and maintaining a solid defense, conceding only 809 points total.
Scoring and Team Comparison
When analyzing team averages per quarter, Highland has consistently outperformed West in scoring efficiency. Notably, West’s strongest quarter has been the fourth, averaging 16.9 points, while Highland has been most dominant in the third, scoring 17.6 points per quarter. Highland also has experience in overtime play, securing points in extra periods, while West has yet to face an OT battle.
Looking at key statistical categories:
- Points Per Game: Highland 67.5 | West 59.9
- Rebounds Per Game: Highland 29.4 | West 24.6
- Assists Per Game: Highland 15.1 | West 11.3
- Steals Per Game: Highland 10.1 | West 7.5
- Blocks Per Game: Highland 7.7 | West 1.9
Key Players to Watch
For West, Phillip Ladua (#5) leads in both scoring (12.9 PPG) and rebounding (6.8 RPG). Elijah Albertson (#15) plays a crucial role as the team’s primary facilitator, averaging 4.6 assists per game while also contributing 2.6 steals per game.
Highland counters with a balanced attack, led by Jack Anderton (#12), who averages 14.2 points per game. Soren Ries (#13) dominates the boards with 8.4 rebounds per game and provides a defensive presence with 4.1 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Isaiah Drisdom (#11) excels in both assists (5.4 per game) and steals (3.1 per game), making him a key playmaker.
Common Opponent Performance
West and Highland have faced several common opponents this season, with vastly different results. West has struggled, going 0-5 against these teams, while Highland has found success with a 3-1 record. Notable matchups include:
- Olympus: West lost 86-36, Highland lost narrowly 46-45
- Brighton: West lost 56-53, Highland won 67-54
- Alta: West lost 81-54, Highland won 58-56
- East: West lost 75-67, Highland won 61-44
- Skyline: West lost 63-54, Highland’s game is upcoming
Upcoming Matchups
The first meeting between West and Highland is scheduled for Friday, January 24, at Highland High School, where the home team looks to continue its dominance. The rematch will be played on Friday, February 14, at West High School, where West hopes to defend its home court and turn its season around.
With Highland’s superior record and statistical advantage, they enter both matchups as favorites. However, West will look to pull off an upset and make a statement in conference play.
Stay tuned for updates and results as these two teams battle it out on the court!
