The 2024-2025 basketball season has seen both Woodson and Bard high schools face early struggles as they work to find their rhythm. Both teams are navigating their league schedules, and while they’ve shown flashes of potential, their overall records reveal a tough start to the season.

Woodson’s Slow Start

Woodson High School, with an overall record of 0-3, has had a challenging opening to the season. The team’s performance in both league and non-league matchups has been underwhelming, with a win percentage of 0.000 and a league record of 0-2. Across their three games, Woodson has been outscored by a significant margin, posting only 112 points while allowing 203, which highlights their defensive struggles.

Their scoring averages paint a similar picture, with the team averaging just 37.3 points per game. The Woodson offense has struggled to maintain consistency, with their highest-scoring quarter being the fourth, averaging 11.3 points per game. However, their defense has also been a liability, allowing opponents to run up the score. The team’s leaders include Tony Evans, who leads the team in points per game with 11.7, and Andre Wright, who contributes significantly in rebounds and blocks with averages of 10.3 and 3.3, respectively.

Despite the rough start, Woodson’s statistics do show potential in some areas. Their team averages 30.3 rebounds per game, which is solid, and their defense has been able to get some steals, averaging 16 per game. However, their lack of offensive output remains a significant issue as they aim to turn the season around.

Bard’s Mixed Results

Bard High School has had a similarly difficult season, with an overall record of 3-3, but they’ve fared slightly better in league play with a 1-2 record. Their scoring averages are also on the lower side, with a team total of 46.7 points per game. Like Woodson, Bard’s scoring has fluctuated, with the team averaging only 4 points in the first quarter and 2 points in the second quarter before picking up the pace in the second half. The team’s highest-scoring quarter is the third, averaging 8 points.

On the individual front, Bard’s standout player is Joel Pyles, who leads the team in both points and steals with 5.3 and 3.3 per game, respectively. Andre Wright, who also plays for Woodson, continues to be a significant presence for Bard as well, contributing on the boards with 2.8 rebounds per game.

In terms of their matchup against common opponents, Bard and Woodson have had similar results, with both teams struggling against top-tier opponents. For instance, both teams suffered significant losses to Roosevelt, with Woodson falling 71-24 and Bard losing 63-20. These results illustrate the challenges both teams are facing as they try to compete in a competitive league.

Comparing the Teams

When comparing the two teams, Woodson and Bard share several similarities but also key differences. Both teams are struggling with scoring, but Bard has managed to be a little more efficient offensively, averaging 46.7 points per game compared to Woodson’s 37.3. Additionally, Bard has shown a slightly more balanced approach in the second and third quarters, where they tend to find their rhythm after slow starts.

On the other hand, Woodson’s advantage lies in their rebounding, with an average of 30.3 rebounds per game. They also have a higher block count per game (7), which shows that their defense has been more effective in disrupting opponents’ shots. However, both teams are still working to address their weaknesses, especially in terms of scoring consistency.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, both Woodson and Bard will need to improve on their early performances to remain competitive. With upcoming games against strong teams like Ballou, Coolidge, and Eastern, both teams will need to sharpen their skills on both ends of the court.

For Woodson, finding offensive consistency will be crucial to their success. With players like Tony Evans and Andre Wright leading the charge, they have the potential to bounce back if they can execute better in their matchups. For Bard, improving their second-half scoring and finding ways to contribute more in the first half will be essential to overcoming tough opponents in the league.

Both teams have the potential to turn their seasons around, but they’ll need to address their weaknesses, particularly in offense and defense, to achieve better results in the games ahead.