The Central High School (Fresno, CA) varsity basketball team will play a neutral playoff game against Mission College Prep (San Luis Obispo, CA) on Friday, February 28, at 8:00 PM. This game is part of the 2025 Central Section Boys Basketball Championships – Division II tournament.
Central vs Mission College Prep Game Info:
What: California High School Basketball
Who: Central (CA) vs Mission College Prep (CA)
When: Friday, February 28, 2025
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2025 Central Section Boys Basketball Championships – Division II
Live stream: Watch here
Game preview: Central vs Mission College Prep
As the 2024-2025 basketball season winds down, Mission College Prep and Central have shown impressive records and individual performances. The two teams have proven their worth through intense competition and standouts on both ends of the court. Below is an in-depth look at their respective seasons, including rankings, team stats, and head-to-head performances.
Team Records and Performance
Mission College Prep had an excellent overall record of 24-7, with a 6-4 league record, highlighting their strong performance throughout the season. They performed especially well at home, finishing 13-4 at home and 7-2 away, displaying their dominance in both familiar and challenging environments. Additionally, their win percentage stood impressively at 77.4%, with a solid 60% in league play.
On the other hand, Central ended the season with a 20-12 overall record. Their league performance was less stellar, with a 3-7 record, but they showed resilience in non-league play, finishing 9-1. Central’s overall win percentage of 62.5% is respectable, though not quite as high as Mission College Prep’s. Their performance at home was solid (9-4), but they struggled on the road with a 3-6 away record.
Scoring and Team Stats
Mission College Prep has been dominant in terms of scoring, averaging 65.7 points per game. The team excels in balanced scoring across quarters, with consistent output in the first three quarters (14.0 Q1, 15.1 Q2, 15.6 Q3) and maintaining a strong final quarter at 13.9 points per game. Even in overtime, they manage a decent 13.0 points per game. In contrast, Central’s scoring averages are lower at 59.3 points per game, with a steadier performance in the second and third quarters (15.4 Q2, 15.2 Q3) but a noticeable drop in overtime with just 8.0 points.
In terms of overall team stats, Mission College Prep is slightly ahead in rebounds per game (25.8) and assists per game (9.0), contributing to their high offensive efficiency. They also average 6.5 steals and 2.5 blocks, indicating a strong defensive presence.
Top Performers
Both teams have standout players who have driven their performances throughout the season. For Mission College Prep, Na’Jae Stevenson leads the way with 15.2 points per game and 11.7 rebounds per game, showcasing his scoring and rebounding prowess. Josiah Perry is another key contributor, averaging 3.3 assists per game, while Sier Harbin stands out with 2.1 steals per game, making him a defensive powerhouse.
For Central, standout performances have come from multiple players, including their leading scorer who averages 5.0 points per game, and their top rebounder at 2.6 rebounds per game. Central also benefits from solid defensive play, with players contributing to both steals and blocks.
Head-to-Head Comparison with Common Opponents
Both teams faced some common opponents throughout the season, showcasing how each team fared against similar competition.
Mission College Prep defeated Clovis (64-61), Arroyo Grande (61-44), and Hoover (71-51), but fell short against Clovis North (67-45) and San Luis Obispo (66-56). They managed to turn the tide on San Luis Obispo in a rematch, winning 60-49.
Central, while facing some similar opponents, had varied results. They also faced Clovis North, losing 82-56, and had a tough match against San Luis Obispo, which they lost 58-49. However, they secured solid wins against Clovis (71-56) and Hoover (64-55).
Final Thoughts
While both Mission College Prep and Central have had impressive seasons, Mission College Prep stands out with a higher overall win percentage, stronger performance in both home and away games, and dominant individual performances, particularly from Na’Jae Stevenson. Central has shown resilience, particularly in their non-league matches, and their overall solid play indicates that they are a team to watch in the postseason.
As both teams head into the playoffs, their performances against common opponents suggest that Mission College Prep may have a slight edge, though Central’s consistency and strong home play could still make them a formidable competitor. The season has been a testament to the talent on both teams, and their playoff runs promise to be an exciting conclusion to a competitive year.
