The James Monroe varsity basketball team (Lindside, WV) will be playing a home conference game against Wyoming East (New Richmond, WV) on Friday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: West Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Wyoming East vs James Monroe
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Wyoming East vs James Monroe

As the 2024-2025 high school basketball season progresses, two teams in West Virginia have emerged as contenders for regional supremacy—Wyoming East and James Monroe. With impressive records and standout players, these teams have made their mark in the state and look poised for success as the postseason approaches. Here’s a detailed comparison of both teams, their performance statistics, and the upcoming head-to-head matchups.

Team Overview

Wyoming East (24-25)
With an overall record of 8-1 and a perfect 4-0 record within their region, Wyoming East has proven to be a dominant force this season. Their well-rounded squad excels both offensively and defensively, posting an average of 63.4 points per game. They have a solid defense, allowing just 423 points in 9 games, which gives them a strong +148 point differential. With a win percentage of .889, Wyoming East is on the fast track to securing a top spot in the region.

James Monroe (24-25)
James Monroe has also been impressive, boasting a 10-2 overall record. Their region performance is equally strong at 4-1, with a total points-per-game average of 60.7. The Mavericks have been particularly dominant in their matchups against common opponents, holding a 5-1 record in those games. They average 545 points allowed, which results in a +183 point differential. With a win percentage of .833, James Monroe is firmly in contention for a high playoff position.

Key Players

Wyoming East

• Ryan Mann has been a standout player for Wyoming East. The senior leads the team in points (13.6), rebounds (9.4), and assists (3.5). His all-around performance has been crucial to the team’s success this season. Mann’s defensive prowess is also highlighted by his 1.4 blocks and 2.9 steals per game.

James Monroe

• Kadyn Hines is the key player for James Monroe, contributing 5.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. His defense stands out with 1.4 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. Hines has consistently been a disruptor on both ends of the court.

Scoring Averages and Statistics

Wyoming East

• The team shows strong balance throughout the game with an average of 16.0 points in the first and second quarters, followed by 14.0 in the third and a surge of 17.0 in the fourth. This late-game scoring edge has been a hallmark of Wyoming East’s success.

James Monroe

• James Monroe’s offense is similarly efficient, especially in the second and third quarters where they average 18.0 and 23.0 points, respectively. However, their fourth-quarter scoring drops to 14.0 points, a trend that might need to be addressed as they move into tougher matchups.

Common Opponents Breakdown

Both teams have had the opportunity to face several common opponents this season, and their records reflect their competitive nature. Wyoming East is undefeated in their head-to-head matchups with common teams, holding a 3-0 record, while James Monroe is 5-1 in those same games.

Notable Results:

• Wyoming East defeated WestSide 57-45 (1/4/25) and Liberty 69-38 (1/28/25). Their strong early season victories show that they can maintain dominance against a variety of opponents.
• James Monroe also had success, with a 63-55 win over Bluefield (1/21/25) and a commanding 66-31 victory over Summers County (1/28/25).

Record Breakdown Comparison

Wyoming East

• Overall: 8-1
• Region: 4-0
• Home: 5-0
• Away: 2-0
• Neutral: 1-1
• Playoff: 0-0

James Monroe

• Overall: 10-2
• Region: 4-1
• Home: 4-0
• Away: 4-1
• Neutral: 2-1
• Playoff: 0-0

While Wyoming East has been perfect at home, James Monroe has been slightly more consistent in their away games, with a 4-1 record on the road.

Looking Ahead

The rivalry between Wyoming East and James Monroe is shaping up to be one of the most exciting matchups in West Virginia high school basketball. Both teams are well-coached and feature players who can take over games. As the regular season progresses into its final stretch, fans will be eagerly watching these two squads for any signs of weakness or areas to exploit.

Ultimately, the team that can maintain their strong second-half performances, play solid defense, and execute under pressure will likely come out on top in what promises to be a thrilling postseason for West Virginia basketball.

Keep an eye on these two teams as they look to battle for dominance, and don’t miss their future head-to-head clashes that will be crucial in determining who ultimately takes the regional crown.