The Jefferson Forest varsity basketball team will host William Byrd for a non-conference game on Friday, December 20, at 7 p.m. in Forest, VA.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: William Byrd vs Jefferson Forest
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: William Byrd vs Jefferson Forest
As the 2024-2025 Virginia high school basketball season unfolds, two teams have caught the attention of basketball fans—William Byrd and Jefferson Forest. Both teams are showing early promise despite their mixed records, with each facing challenges and opportunities as they continue through their respective schedules.
William Byrd’s Early Struggles and Strengths
William Byrd’s basketball team has had a rough start to the season, sitting at 1-3 overall with a win percentage of just .250. Their performance at home (1-1) contrasts sharply with their struggles on the road (0-2). Their total points for the season so far stand at 211, while they’ve allowed 234 points. Despite these numbers, the team has shown resilience in scoring, averaging 52.8 points per game, with notable scoring bursts in the third and fourth quarters, each averaging 20 points.
Their schedule has included tough opponents such as Cave Spring and Staunton River, with key matchups ahead, including games against Christiansburg and Cave Spring. The team’s ability to maintain strong fourth-quarter performances could be critical to turning their season around.
Jefferson Forest’s Competitive Edge
Jefferson Forest has been slightly more successful, with a 2-3 record overall and a 40% win rate. They have shown some dominance in their region with a 1-2 regional record and have performed well in home games, sporting a 1-1 record at home. With a total of 288 points scored and 285 points allowed, they’ve been competitive in their matchups, averaging 57.6 points per game.
Notably, Jefferson Forest has won against strong teams like Staunton River, securing a commanding 65-42 victory on December 6 and a 53-27 win on December 10. Their offense has been balanced across the quarters, scoring an average of 13 points in the first quarter, 12 in the second, and maintaining consistent output throughout the game.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
While William Byrd and Jefferson Forest have not yet played each other, their common opponents provide an interesting comparison. Both teams face off against the same schools in the coming weeks, including Christiansburg, Staunton River, and Cave Spring. Jefferson Forest holds a 2-0 record against common opponents so far this season, while William Byrd has yet to play against these teams with an even head-to-head record.
Upcoming matchups between both schools and their mutual opponents will be key in gauging how each team fares against similar competition. William Byrd’s ability to improve its road performance and tighten its defense could be crucial in upcoming games, especially as they look to bounce back against teams like Staunton River and Christiansburg.
Looking Ahead
For both teams, the remainder of the 2024-2025 season offers plenty of room for growth. William Byrd will need to capitalize on its scoring potential, particularly in the final two quarters, while focusing on shoring up its defense to overcome its early struggles. Jefferson Forest will look to maintain its edge, building on recent wins and improving consistency on both ends of the court.
As both teams continue their journey through the season, their performances in these upcoming matchups will shape the remainder of their campaigns. Fans of Virginia high school basketball can expect exciting games as William Byrd and Jefferson Forest continue to challenge themselves in what promises to be a competitive season.
