The South Burlington High School varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against Bellows Free Academy from St. Albans, VT, on Friday, December 27, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Bellows Free Academy vs South Burlington
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Bellows Free Academy vs South Burlington

As the Vermont high school basketball season heats up, all eyes are on the upcoming matchup between Bellows Free Academy (BFA) and South Burlington, scheduled for Friday, December 27, at 7 p.m. at South Burlington High School. This non-conference clash brings together two teams at different stages in their season journeys, with BFA off to an impressive start and South Burlington seeking consistency.

Team Performances So Far

Bellows Free Academy (BFA)

• Record: 3-0 overall, 2-0 in district play
• Home/Away: 1-0 home, 2-0 away
• Scoring: Averaging 52.3 points per game, with a dominant defense allowing only 94 points over three games
• Highlight Victory: A commanding 60-23 win against Milton on December 19 underscores their balanced offense and stingy defense.

BFA’s undefeated start is powered by disciplined play and a cohesive team effort. They’ve been particularly effective in away games, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. With a perfect record in both overall and district play, they are proving to be a formidable contender.

South Burlington

• Record: 1-2 overall
• Home/Away: 0-1 home, 1-1 away
• Scoring: Averaging 55.3 points per game but allowing 169 points over three games
• Tough Start: While their offense has been respectable, defensive struggles have been their Achilles’ heel, leading to a rocky start.

South Burlington’s lone victory came on the road, which suggests they can rise to the occasion. However, their home performance has yet to match expectations, making the upcoming game against BFA a critical opportunity for redemption.

Head-to-Head Matchup

Friday’s game marks the first of two scheduled meetings this season. The second encounter will take place on January 27 at BFA. With both teams looking to build momentum, this game could set the tone for future clashes.

Common Opponents

So far, only BFA has faced a common opponent, Milton, and delivered an emphatic win. South Burlington will face Milton on January 7, giving them a chance to measure up.

Keys to the Game

For Bellows Free Academy:

1. Maintain Defensive Intensity: With only 94 points allowed in three games, their defense has been a cornerstone of their success.
2. Capitalize on Momentum: Coming off a strong start, BFA must sustain their high-energy play, especially on the road.
3. Balanced Scoring: Consistent contributions across the lineup will make them hard to beat.

For South Burlington:

1. Tighten Up Defense: To compete with BFA’s efficiency, South Burlington needs to limit easy baskets.
2. Utilize Home-Court Advantage: With a raucous crowd expected, they’ll need to draw energy from their supporters.
3. Push the Tempo: Leveraging their higher scoring average, they should aim to outpace BFA in transition.

Looking Ahead

This game is pivotal for both teams as they approach the midseason mark. For BFA, it’s a chance to solidify their unbeaten record and continue their dominance. For South Burlington, it’s an opportunity to prove they can compete with one of the state’s top teams and turn their season around.

With contrasting styles and stakes, fans can expect an exciting showdown under the Friday night lights. Will BFA’s winning streak continue, or will South Burlington rise to the challenge? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Vermont high school basketball is delivering the drama we love.