Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, is set to host Mary Baldwin on Sunday night as part of a thrilling tripleheader at the Joan Perry Brock Center. This busy weekend will feature a total of eight basketball games over four days, with the Lancer men kicking off the action against Maryland Eastern Shore before the women's team hosted the Shirley Duncan Classic. Longwood's depth is evident, as their bench leads the Big South in bench points per game at 33, ranking 26th nationally. Five players average at least eight points per game for the Lancers, adding to their offensive firepower.

Last Time Out: A Comeback Win

In their last game, Longwood erased an early 11-point hole to defeat a hot-shooting Maryland Eastern Shore team that shot better than 60 percent from the floor. Colby Garland scored a career-high 22 points, and Michael Christmas chipped in a 19-point, 10-rebound, five-assist double-double, leading Longwood to an 80-76 victory. The duo of Christmas and Johan Nziemi racked up 11 offensive rebounds, and the Lancers pounded the offensive glass for 19 offensive boards in the contest. Garland went 6-7 from the floor and a perfect 8-8 from the foul line, while Christmas and Nziemi each had 10 rebounds apiece. This offensive rebounding prowess, coupled with forcing 21 turnovers, allowed Longwood to weather the offensive explosion by UMES.Longwood stayed unbeaten at home by erasing the 11-point deficit against Maryland Eastern Shore, improving to 6-0 at the Joan Perry Brock Center this season. Under head coach Griff Aldrich, the Lancers have won at least 10 home games four times in the previous six seasons. Beginning in the 2021-22 season, Aldrich has led Longwood to a remarkable 47-7 record in Farmville. Johan Nziemi and Michael Christmas each grabbed 10 rebounds in a game against December 5 against Maryland Eastern Shore, becoming the first teammates to each post at least 10 boards in a game since Christmas and Szymon Zapala accomplished the feat to open the 2023-24 season at St. Bonaventure. Longwood has boarded at least 40 percent of its own misses three times this season, including in back-to-back games. The Lancers have also outshot their opponents from the foul line in nine of the 10 games they have played this season, and they are 7-2 in such contests. Longwood ranks second in the Big South in free throw attempts (26.6) and makes per game (20.1), and the team is also second in the league in free throw percentage (75.6). The Lancers rank 15th nationally in free throw attempts per game and seventh nationally in makes. Longwood's defense has forced at least 20 turnovers in a game three times. The Lancers rank first in the Big South in turnover margin (+4.3), and the team is second in turnovers forced per game (16.9), which ranks 13th in the nation. Longwood also leads the Big South in fastbreak points per game (14.8).

Series History: A Dominant Rivalry

In the only meeting between Longwood and Mary Baldwin in 2022, Longwood won 112-60. Five players scored in double figures in the game for Longwood, and the Lancers ripped off better than 50 points in each half. Among the returners, Michael Christmas had 12 points in that game, and Leslie Nkereuwem had 15 points to lead the Lancers. Longwood holds an all-time record of 1-0 against Mary Baldwin under Coach Aldrich and has a current winning streak of 1.

Stats Comparison: A Closer Look

In the 2024-25 season, Longwood has a record of 8-2 with 77.9 points per game and a scoring margin of +8.5. Mary Baldwin has a 4-3 record with 79.3 points per game and a scoring margin of +1.1. In terms of rebounds, Longwood averages 35.2 rebounds per game with an offensive rebounding margin of +3.2, while Mary Baldwin has 31.7 rebounds per game and a negative rebounding margin of -6.1. Longwood's field goal percentage is.447 compared to Mary Baldwin's.449. The 3-point percentages are.288 for Longwood and.368 for Mary Baldwin. Longwood makes 6 3-point field goals per game compared to Mary Baldwin's 9.7. In free throw percentage,.756 for Longwood and.644 for Mary Baldwin. Longwood makes 20.1 free throws per game while Mary Baldwin makes 9.6. In terms of assists, both teams have 12.7 per game. Longwood has 12.6 turnovers per game and forces 16.8 turnovers, while Mary Baldwin has 10.6 turnovers and forces 17.4 turnovers. Longwood's assist/turnover ratio is 1, and Mary Baldwin's is 1.2. In steals, Longwood has 8.2 and Mary Baldwin has 10. Blocked shots are 2.8 for Longwood and 1.4 for Mary Baldwin.#GoWood #HorsePower

The latest New Jersey high school basketball season has officially kicked off, and fans are eagerly anticipating the performances of the top teams based on the New Jersey On3 Composite Ranking. This ranking system combines the rankings from respected High School media and data companies like Massey, Max Preps, Cal Preps, ESPN, and SI, creating the most comprehensive and geographically balanced high school team ranking in the industry.

Top Teams and Their Records

Team 1: The Standout Team

This top New Jersey high school basketball team finished the 2023-24 season with an impressive 29-3 record. They dominated the Big North-United League with a perfect 9-0 record and remained undefeated at home last year, winning seven games on the road as well. With Dylan Harper moving on to college, Keiner Asprilla will now take on the leadership role. They are set to open their season against Northern Highlands on Dec. 19 and are ranked 40th in the nation.

Team 2: Bergen Catholic Crusaders

The Crusaders had a solid 22-8 overall record last season. They won seven out of their nine games in the Big North United and had a remarkable 9-2 record at home. Julius Avent will be one of their key players as they begin their 2024-25 season against Ramapo on Dec. 19.

Team 3: St. Rose Purple Roses

The Purple Roses had an outstanding 29-2 overall record last season, including an 8-0 record in Shore A-Central and a perfect 11-0 home record. As the defending New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association South Jersey Non-Public B champions, they will open their 2024-25 season against Rumson-Fair Haven on Dec. 10. Jayden Hodge will be crucial in their title defense.

Team 4: Rutgers Prep Argonauts

The Argonauts finished the previous season with a 20-7 record, losing only once in nine home games. They were also undefeated in six games against teams in the Skyland-Delaware league and reached the semifinals of the South Jersey Non-Public A state tournament. Jacob Canton will lead the way in their season opener against Phillipsburg on Dec. 16.

Team 5: The Panthers

The Panthers ended the 2023-24 New Jersey high school basketball season with a remarkable 30-2 record. They swept the Olympic-National League and won all 11 home games. LD Jones and the defending South Jersey Group 2 champions will start their season on Dec. 9 against Roxborough.

Team 6: Gray Bees

The Gray Bees completed the 2023-24 season with a 22-7 record, including a 9-1 slate at home. They reached the quarterfinals in the North Jersey Non-Public A tournament and will begin their 2024-25 season against Arts on Dec. 17.

Team 7: The Fighting Celtics

The Fighting Celtics had a perfect 9-0 record last season. The Patrick School will kick off their season against St. Anne’s-Belfield School. Brandon Lee will be one of their main players as Jaiden Glover moves on to St. John’s.

Team 8: College Achieve Knights

The Knights started their season with an 87-80 victory over Peddie. College Achieve held onto the lead until the end after a 40-31 halftime advantage. Naas Hart led the way with 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Eric Hillsman had 11 points and seven rebounds, while Anthony Mauro had 18 points and three assists. They will face The Phelps School on Dec. 11.

Team 9: St. Peters Prep Marauders

The Marauders had a 26-3 record last season, winning 15 out of their 16 home games. They reached the North Jersey Non-Public A finals but unfortunately lost to Don Bosco Prep. Richie Rosa and St. Peters Prep will start the 2024-25 New Jersey high school basketball season against Colonia on Dec. 14.

Team 10: Roselle Catholic Lions

The Lions went 18-14 last season with a 6-3 home record and a 6-0 Union County record. They reached the semifinal of the North Jersey Non-Public B state championship but lost to Morris Catholic. Roselle Catholic will open the new season against North Broward Prep on Dec. 26, with Jalen Grant, Tyrease Hunter, and Ethan Mgbako being some of their key players.

Teams 11-25 in the New Jersey High School Basketball Rankings

11. Hudson Catholic12. Blair Academy13. Immaculate Conception14. Ramapo15. St. Patrick16. Manasquan17. Elizabeth18. Morris Catholic19. Paul VI20. Linden21. Arts22. St. Joseph Regional23. Union Catholic Regional24. Gill St. Bernards25. Lenape