The Linden (NJ) varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against Ridge (Basking Ridge, NJ) today at 2 p.m.
Game Details:
- Teams: Ridge vs Linden
- Date: Sunday, February 2, 2025
- Time: 2 p.m.
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Live stream: Watch Here
Ridge vs. Linden: A 2024-2025 Basketball Season Breakdown
As the high school basketball season progresses, teams from New Jersey are showcasing their skills on the court. Two such teams, Ridge and Linden, have had impressive performances, with Ridge dominating in their league and Linden showing resilience despite a tougher season. Let’s take a closer look at their rankings, team stats, and key players to understand how these two teams compare.
Ridge’s Dominance in 2024-2025
Ridge has been nothing short of exceptional this season, boasting a strong 15-3 record overall and an undefeated 6-0 in league play. Their performance both at home (6-2) and away (9-0) has been impressive, with a notable record of 0-1 in neutral site games. Ridge has consistently outperformed opponents with an average of 57.4 points per game, showcasing a high-scoring offense that keeps their opponents on edge.
The team’s scoring averages reflect their well-balanced offensive play across quarters:
- Q1: 12.7 PPG
- Q2: 16.3 PPG
- Q3: 11.2 PPG
- Q4: 15.2 PPG
This consistency in scoring, combined with a strong defensive effort, allows them to dictate the flow of the game. With a win percentage of .833 and a flawless 1.000 in league play, Ridge has asserted its dominance in the division.
Key Players:
- Jayden Holman: Ridge’s standout player, Holman is leading the team in several categories. Averaging 14.9 points per game, he is a critical offensive threat. Additionally, his defensive prowess is seen in his 1.4 steals per game, making him a force on both ends of the floor.
- Martin Drejaj: A key contributor in the paint, Drejaj leads the team in rebounds (6.0 per game) and blocks (0.8 per game), providing crucial rim protection and second-chance opportunities.
Linden’s Resilience and Struggles
While Linden’s season has been more challenging, they’ve shown resilience, posting an 8-7 overall record. Their league performance, however, has been less than stellar, with a 2-7 record. This struggle has been reflected in their scoring averages and defensive inconsistencies. Linden averages 51.6 points per game, and while they have had some strong individual performances, their overall team play has yet to reach the heights that Ridge has achieved.
Linden’s points per quarter breakdown shows the team’s attempts to close out games strongly:
- Q1: 11.3 PPG
- Q2: 14.2 PPG
- Q3: 13.0 PPG
- Q4: 17.1 PPG
Despite trailing early in many games, Linden has often mounted a late-game surge. Their overall scoring, however, isn’t enough to compete with high-powered offenses like Ridge’s.
Key Players:
- Jayden Holman: Linden’s leader on offense, Holman averages 5.0 points per game, contributing significantly to the team’s efforts, especially in late-game situations.
- Martin Drejaj: Known for his rebounding and assists, Drejaj pulls down 2.6 rebounds per game and dishes out 1.0 assist. His leadership on the floor is crucial in helping maintain tempo.
Head-to-Head and Comparative Stats
The team comparison shows how Ridge outperforms Linden in key statistical categories:
- Points Per Game: Ridge averages 57.4, a stark contrast to Linden’s 51.6.
- Rebounds Per Game: Ridge dominates here as well, with 16.8 rebounds per game compared to Linden’s 16.3.
- Assists and Steals: Ridge’s assists (5.7) and steals (3.8) per game also outpace Linden’s (3.0 and 2.6 respectively).
Record Breakdown:
- Ridge (15-3) has been unbeatable in league play and a strong competitor in non-league games, with a 6-3 record.
- Linden (8-7) has struggled in league play but shown strong performances in non-league games with a 4-0 record.
Conclusion
The 2024-2025 season has been a defining one for Ridge, who have shown themselves to be a powerhouse in New Jersey high school basketball, particularly with their unblemished league record. Linden, on the other hand, has faced difficulties but remains a scrappy team capable of putting together strong finishes, especially in the second half.
As the season moves into the final stretch, Ridge will look to maintain their top form, while Linden will aim to build consistency and challenge their opponents more effectively. Both teams have unique strengths and promising players, making them intriguing to watch as the season progresses.
