As the 2024-2025 Washington high school basketball season unfolds, the contrasting fortunes of the Yelm and Puyallup teams have become a focal point in the league. With their differing records, scoring averages, and performance against common opponents, the two schools offer a compelling case study in how teams in the same district can experience vastly different seasons.

Yelm High School Basketball (1-5 Overall, 0-2 District)

Yelm’s basketball team has faced significant challenges this season. With a 1-5 overall record and a 0-2 district record, they have struggled to find consistency. The team’s scoring averages show a lot of fluctuation across the quarters. In the first quarter, they average 18.0 points, but this number drops dramatically to just 3.0 points in the second quarter before picking up again in the third and fourth quarters, where they average 11.0 and 21.0 points, respectively. Despite strong performances in the final quarters, their overall scoring average stands at 60.3 points per game, while they have allowed 405 points, giving them a negative point differential of -43 for the season.

Yelm’s record against common opponents highlights their struggles. Against teams like Bonney Lake, Bethel, Spanaway Lake, and Graham-Kapowsin, they have yet to secure a win, posting a 0-4 record against these teams. Their losses have been narrow in some cases, such as their 60-59 loss to Bethel and 55-52 loss to Spanaway Lake, indicating that their performance is often competitive but not quite enough to clinch victories.

Puyallup High School Basketball (6-0 Overall, 4-0 District)

In stark contrast, Puyallup’s basketball team has had an outstanding season so far. With a perfect 6-0 record overall and a flawless 4-0 in district play, they have dominated their opponents. Their average scoring per game is impressive, with a solid 67.2 points per game. Unlike Yelm, Puyallup shows more consistency in their scoring, averaging 17.5 points in the first quarter, and significantly increasing their performance in the second quarter, where they average 21.0 points. They maintain a solid 19.0 points in the third quarter and close strong with 16.0 points in the fourth quarter. They have allowed only 277 points over the course of their six games, giving them a positive point differential of +126.

Puyallup has shown dominance against common opponents, securing victories in all five of their matchups with teams that Yelm has faced. They have defeated Bonney Lake, Bethel, Spanaway Lake, Graham-Kapowsin, and South Kitsap. Notably, their victory over Curtis (73-49) and Emerald Ridge (70-44) are standout wins, showing their ability to perform at a high level across both home and away games.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

The performance of both teams against common opponents provides further context to their records. While Yelm has yet to beat any of their common opponents, Puyallup has gone undefeated in these matchups. In head-to-head matchups, both teams are yet to face off directly, but Puyallup’s clean record in league and non-league games contrasts sharply with Yelm’s struggles.

For instance, Puyallup’s victories over South Kitsap (65-38), Rogers (74-59), and Sumner (61-51) suggest they are well-prepared and able to capitalize on their opponents’ weaknesses. Meanwhile, Yelm’s record against these same teams (0-4 against Bonney Lake, Bethel, Spanaway Lake, and Graham-Kapowsin) suggests they have yet to find their rhythm this season.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, both teams have key matchups on the horizon that will test their mettle. Yelm will need to turn around its performances in the second quarter, where they have struggled the most, and start capitalizing on their close losses. On the other hand, Puyallup will look to continue their dominance in both district and non-district games, hoping to maintain their undefeated streak.

With both teams set to face similar opponents in the coming weeks, the contrast between Yelm’s rebuilding phase and Puyallup’s peak performance will likely be a major storyline for the remainder of the season. For fans and players alike, these differences present an intriguing narrative in the Washington high school basketball scene.