New methods allow people interested in stats and numbers to look at the game of basketball from a deeper perspective than points, rebounds and assists. Using Association For Professional Basketball Research Metrics, one can analyze the game of basketball as they never thought possible. We will compare two of these metrics when looking at both the West Central Valley girls varsity basketball team, and the Greene County varsity girls basketball team, who meet this evening in a district playoff game.

True shooting percentage is a measure that takes into effect field goals, free throws and three point shots combined, rather than looking at each individually. The West Central Valley girls have a true shooting percentage this season of 42.9%. The Greene County girls have a higher, 45.3% true shooting percentage.

Another key statistic is turnover rate. This stat tells the story, and helps predict over 100 possessions have many times a team will turn the ball over. The turnover rate formula says that the Greene County girls will turn the ball over just under 29 times per 100 possessions. The West Central Valley girls may be the team with better control, they turn the ball over just 21 times for every 100 possessions.

So, the two algorithms tell us that Greene County makes about 2.5% more of their shots, but West Central Valley turns the ball over about 8% less.

Keep that in mind when you watch the game tonight, and see if it follows to be true in this instance. Tip off is scheduled for 7 pm this evening inside of the West Central Valley gym.