Andrew Pace
Basketball is a game of numbers, with statistics playing a crucial role in understanding a player's or team's performance. While there is no exact formula, a combination of wins, stats, and impact on the sport are essential factors to consider. This is especially true in high school basketball, where coaches and scouts keep a keen eye on the numbers to identify rising talent. So, what are some good stats in high school basketball, and how do they shape the game and its players' journeys? Let's dive into the world of high school hoops and explore the metrics that matter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 8-12 |
| Field goal attempts | N/A |
| Effective Field Goal percentage | N/A |
| Rebounds | N/A |
| Assists | N/A |
| Wins | N/A |
| Shooting percentage | 50% is acceptable, 65% or higher is good |
| Steals | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Points per game
Points are the sum of the scores accumulated through field goals (two or three points) and free throws (one point). While scoring 100 points in a single game is a rare achievement, it has been done before by high school basketball players. For example, a player from Burnsville High School in West Virginia scored 135 points in a single game, the highest total for the high school level worldwide.
When it comes to points per game, a good average for a high school basketball player can range from 8 to 12 points per game. However, this number can vary depending on various criteria and the level of competition. For example, a player averaging 40 points per game or more is considered exceptional and may be ranked or considered a prodigy.
To increase points per game, coaches and players should focus on strategies that improve shooting percentage and the number of shots taken. This includes taking more field goal attempts than the opponent and improving the effective field goal percentage (EFG%). EFG% gives more credit to made 3-point field goals, as they yield 1.5 times the scoring of a 2-point field goal. By focusing on these strategies, players can increase their points per game and improve their overall performance on the court.
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Rebounds
There are several ways to measure rebounding effectiveness. The most common is 'rebounds per game' or 'rebounding average', which is calculated by dividing the number of rebounds by the number of games played. However, this doesn't take into account external factors such as the number of shots taken and the percentage of those shots that are made (the total number of rebounds available). A more insightful metric is the 'Percentage of Available Rebounds' (REB%), which is calculated by taking the number of missed shots that didn't go out of bounds or result in a foul and then seeing what percentage of those shots a particular player rebounded. This provides a more accurate picture of a player's rebounding ability, as it takes into account the number of opportunities they had to rebound.
Another important rebounding statistic is the team's rebounding percentage. This includes both offensive and defensive rebounding percentages. A team's offensive rebounding percentage is calculated by dividing the number of offensive rebounds by the total number of rebounds (offensive + defensive). The defensive rebounding percentage is calculated by dividing the number of defensive rebounds by the sum of the team's defensive rebounds and the opponent's offensive rebounds. A good goal for a team is to have a higher offensive and defensive rebounding percentage than their opponents.
Great rebounders often have a combination of height, timing, and positioning. They position themselves between an opponent and the basket, using a technique called "boxing out" or "blocking out" to maintain body contact with the player they are guarding. While leaping ability can be an advantage, it is not always necessary for effective rebounding, as most rebounds are taken below the rim.
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Assists
In basketball, assists are a key component of offensive gameplay. A high number of assists can indicate that a team is moving the ball effectively and creating high-quality scoring chances. Conversely, a low number of assists may suggest that a team is struggling to generate open looks for their shooters or that they are relying too heavily on individual play.
For high school basketball players, assists can be a critical statistic to track and improve upon. It demonstrates a player's ability to make their teammates better and contribute to the team's success, even if they are not the primary scorer. A player with a high number of assists is often seen as a good facilitator and team player.
When evaluating assists in high school basketball, it is important to consider the context and other related statistics. For example, a player with a high number of assists may also have a high number of turnovers if their passes are risky or poorly timed. Additionally, the pace of the game and the team's overall offensive strategy can impact the number of assists recorded.
While there is no definitive answer for what constitutes a "good" number of assists in high school basketball, it is generally considered a positive statistic. Coaches and scouts often look for players who can consistently create scoring opportunities for their teammates and contribute to the team's offensive flow. Therefore, players who consistently accumulate a high number of assists are often viewed favorably and considered valuable contributors to their team's success.
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Field goal attempts
A team with a higher number of field goal attempts is doing something right. It could indicate that they are creating more opportunities, moving the ball well, or simply taking higher-percentage shots. Coaches should not only focus on the number of attempts but also the quality of those attempts. Are players taking open shots? Are they making smart decisions? Analyzing these factors can provide valuable insights into a team's performance and help identify areas for improvement.
For example, if a team has a high number of field goal attempts but a low shooting percentage, it could mean that they are taking low-percentage shots or that their shot selection needs improvement. On the other hand, a low number of attempts could indicate a lack of offensive flow or difficulty creating scoring opportunities. Coaches can use this information to adjust their strategies and improve their team's performance.
While field goal attempts are essential, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Coaches should also consider other factors such as rebounding, assists, turnovers, and defensive metrics. By analyzing a combination of statistics, coaches can gain a deeper understanding of their team's strengths and weaknesses and make more informed decisions to ultimately improve their chances of winning.
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Shooting percentage
Effective Field Goal Percentage (EFG%) is a useful metric that gives more credit to made 3-point field goals, as they yield 1.5 times the scoring of a 2-point field goal. The formula for EFG% is: EFG% = (2Pt + 1.5 x 3Pt) / FGA. A team with a higher EFG% than its opponent will likely have an advantage in the game.
A good shooting percentage for a high school basketball player is generally considered to be 50% or higher. However, coaches should aim for their players to achieve a shooting percentage of 65% or higher. This can be influenced by the number of minutes a player is on the court, as well as the overall skill level of the team.
For example, Bill Walton, a high school basketball player from Helix High in San Diego, California, had an astounding shooting percentage of 78% from the floor during his senior year. This, combined with his averages of 29 points and 25 rebounds per game, led Helix to an undefeated season with a 33-0 record and a state championship.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no scientific formula, wins, stats, and impact on the sport are all important factors. Stats like rebounds, assists, completed passes, and field goal attempts are important for youth coaches to track. For more advanced players, stats like Effective Field Goal percentage (EFG%) can be used to see if you have a shooting advantage over your opponent.
This can vary depending on the player and the number of games played. Some sources suggest that a universal number for starters to average could be 10 points per game, with a realistic range being between 8-12 points per game. However, it's important to note that numbers don't tell the whole story and there are many other variables at play.
Here are a few examples of notable high school basketball players and their points-per-game averages:
- Wilt Chamberlain: averaged over 37 points a game
- Magic: finished his high school career with a 25-point-per-game average, and averaged 28 points as a senior
- Jason Kidd: while his points-per-game average is not mentioned, he is currently the nation's all-time high school leader in steals and ranks 5th in assists
- Bill Walton: averaged 29 points per game as a senior
- Kobe Bryant: averaged 35.4 points in a single season
- Michael Jordan: holds the record for the highest PPG of all time at 30.12
