The Circleville High School varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against Miami Trace (Washington Court House, OH) today at 7:30 p.m.

Here’s what you need Basketball to know:

What: Ohio High School Basketball
Who: Circleville vs Miami Trace
When: Saturday, January 4, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch Here

Miami Trace and Circleville: A Competitive Basketball Rivalry in Ohio

As the 2024-2025 basketball season unfolds, two teams in the Ohio Division 19-4 league are showing remarkable performances: Miami Trace and Circleville. With undefeated records for Miami Trace and a solid 7-3 record for Circleville, this rivalry is one to watch.

Miami Trace: Dominating the Competition

Miami Trace’s team has been on a tear this season, going undefeated with a perfect 9-0 record. Their performance in conference play has been equally impressive, as they have won all three of their conference games. The team has excelled both at home and on the road, with a 6-0 record at home and a 3-0 record away. Miami Trace’s offensive game has been potent, with an average of 58.3 points per game, while their defense has allowed 377 points in total.

The team’s ability to score consistently throughout the game stands out. They average 14.3 points in the first quarter, 14.2 in the second, and 15.7 in the third quarter. The team has maintained a strong fourth quarter performance, averaging 14.2 points in the final period. With an overall point differential of +148, Miami Trace’s offense and defense have been in sync, making them a formidable force in the league.

Circleville: Consistency and Close Contests

Circleville, while not undefeated like their rivals, has posted an impressive 7-3 record. Their conference record stands at 4-1, and they have been competitive both at home (4-2) and on the road (3-1). Circleville’s average scoring has been consistent, with 12.8 points per game in the first quarter, rising to 14.4 in the third quarter. However, their fourth-quarter scoring drops to 11.2, which may be an area to address for future matchups. Their overall average stands at 51.8 points per game, a solid total but lower than Miami Trace’s offensive output.

Despite their lower scoring average, Circleville has managed to keep games close, with a point differential of just +11. This can be attributed to their defense, which has allowed a total of 507 points. The team’s balanced offense and defense have allowed them to maintain a competitive edge, even in tight games.

Common Opponents: Miami Trace’s Edge

When comparing the two teams’ performances against common opponents, Miami Trace clearly has the upper hand. They are 4-0 in games against shared opponents, while Circleville holds a 2-2 record in similar matchups.

In head-to-head matchups, Miami Trace has posted convincing wins, including victories against Unioto (69-53), Logan Elm (52-46), Zane Trace (51-41), and London (57-54). On the other hand, Circleville has faced some struggles, suffering losses to Unioto (72-52), Zane Trace (51-35), and Logan Elm (55-44). However, Circleville managed to defeat Washington 53-43 in their only shared game against the team with Miami Trace, showing their potential to compete with other strong squads.

Looking Ahead: Key Matchups for Both Teams

As the season progresses, both teams have several key games to look forward to. Miami Trace has a home game against Hillsboro on January 10, followed by an away game at Washington on January 17. They will also face Washington in the second half of the season in another pivotal matchup on February 14.

Circleville will face a tough test against London on January 7, with another key game against Hillsboro on February 5. Additionally, their game against Washington on December 4 provides a glimpse into how they may fare in upcoming matchups with the top-tier teams in the league.

Final Thoughts

Miami Trace and Circleville have both had strong seasons, with Miami Trace currently undefeated and Circleville maintaining a solid overall record. The competition between these two teams, with Miami Trace’s offensive firepower and Circleville’s resilience, is one of the most exciting storylines of the season. The outcome of their remaining games will undoubtedly have significant implications for their standings in the league and their potential playoff aspirations.

With their eyes set on the postseason, both teams will need to continue refining their strengths and addressing weaknesses to ensure they remain competitive. This rivalry has the potential to shape the trajectory of the league this season, and basketball fans in Ohio are in for an exciting few months ahead.