The Westland Varsity Basketball team (Galloway, OH) will host a home conference game against Westerville North (Westerville, OH) today at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to Basketball know:

What: Ohio High School Basketball
Who: Westland vs Westerville North
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: Westerville North vs. Westland

The highly anticipated conference showdown between Westerville North and Westland is set to take place today at 7:30 p.m. at Westland High School in Galloway, OH. This game marks a key matchup for both teams, with significant implications in their conference standings and overall momentum.

Team Records and Rankings

Westerville North enters the game with a solid 4-2 record in conference play and an overall record of 9-1, placing them near the top of their league. The team boasts a strong performance both at home and on the road, maintaining a 2-0 record in neutral-site games, while also showing a competitive edge away from home with a 1-2 record. The Westerville North offense has been potent, averaging an impressive 73.2 points per game, backed by stellar performances from key players like Ben Barrett, who leads the team in scoring with 16.4 points per game. Additionally, Breaker Heller Jr. has been an all-around force, contributing 7.0 rebounds and 9.6 assists per game, both team-highs.

On the other hand, Westland, with a 2-3 overall record and a 1-1 conference record, has had a more mixed season. The team has struggled somewhat on the road, posting a 0-1 away record, but has been more competitive at home, winning two of four games. Westland’s offense, averaging 66.0 points per game, has shown flashes of potential, but they will need to step up their defense and efficiency to compete with a high-scoring team like Westerville North.

Team Comparisons

Westerville North has an impressive offensive output, with notable scoring contributions across all quarters. The team averages 16.5 points in the first quarter, 19.5 in the second, and then accelerates in the second half, particularly in the third quarter, where they score 27.0 points on average. Their ability to close games strong has been a key factor in their success.

Westland, by contrast, has a more balanced scoring distribution but often comes alive in the fourth quarter, where they average 22.0 points, significantly higher than their early-quarter performance. They will need to find a way to stay competitive early on to avoid falling behind.

Key Players to Watch

For Westerville North, all eyes will be on Ben Barrett, the team’s leading scorer. Barrett has been exceptional this season, averaging over 16 points per game, and his ability to take over games will be crucial to Westerville North’s chances in this matchup. Additionally, Breaker Heller Jr. has been a key contributor in multiple areas, not only leading the team in assists with 9.6 per game but also in steals with 4.0 per game, showcasing his versatility.

Westland’s standout player is their own all-around contributor, Breaker Heller Jr., who has impressed with his 7.0 rebounds and 9.6 assists per game. His ability to impact both ends of the floor will be vital for Westland’s chances. They’ll also look for consistent scoring from their other contributors, such as Samajey Andrews and Ben Barrett, to challenge Westerville North’s high-powered offense.

Common Opponents and Previous Matchups

Both teams have faced common opponents this season, and Westerville North has the upper hand with a perfect 2-0 record in those matchups. Westland, in contrast, has gone 1-1 against the same teams. Westerville North has defeated strong teams like Westerville South and Hayes, while Westland has shown competitiveness in their losses to Hayes and Westerville South. The teams will look to these past performances for insight into how this game might unfold.

Final Thoughts

With a strong offense and a more solid overall record, Westerville North will enter this game as the favorites. However, Westland is a scrappy team with plenty of talent and the ability to cause an upset if they can find consistency across all quarters. This promises to be a thrilling contest, as both teams have much to play for as they look to position themselves for a strong finish to the season.

The game will be broadcast live, and fans of both teams will be eagerly awaiting the tip-off at 7:30 p.m. Tune in for what promises to be an exciting and competitive basketball game between two fierce rivals in Ohio high school basketball.