The Mt. Mansfield (Jericho, VT) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Burlington (VT) on Friday, February 14, at 7:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Burlington vs Mt. Mansfield
When: Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Burlington vs Mt. Mansfield
As the Vermont high school basketball season progresses, Burlington (24-25) has dominated the scene, boasting an impressive 19-2 overall record and maintaining a solid lead in their district with a 13-2 mark. Their consistent performance both at home (9-0) and on the road (5-2) highlights their resilience and ability to adapt to different environments, all while averaging an impressive 78.8 points per game. This robust offense, led by a well-balanced attack, is complemented by their strong defense, allowing only 1,131 points in 21 games—just under 54 points per game.
In contrast, Mt. Mansfield (24-25) has faced a more challenging season, with a 9-9 overall record and a 7-9 district performance. Their struggles have been apparent, particularly on the road (5-4) and in neutral-site games (0-2). Despite this, they continue to fight, with their offense averaging just 51.8 points per game. Mt. Mansfield’s defense has allowed 997 points, giving up an average of just over 55 points per game.
Head-to-Head: Burlington’s Dominance
When these two teams squared off earlier in the season, Burlington came out on top in both meetings. On January 13, Burlington defeated Mt. Mansfield by a commanding score of 78-50, and just a day later on January 14, the game ended with the same scoreline—78-50 in favor of Burlington. These dominant victories were a reflection of Burlington’s offensive depth, especially in their strong fourth-quarter performances where they scored an average of 19.5 points, a sharp contrast to Mt. Mansfield’s struggles in the final period.
Scoring Breakdown: A Tale of Two Teams
One of the most telling aspects of the two teams’ performances is their scoring trends throughout the game. Burlington’s scoring averages show a well-rounded attack that builds momentum, scoring an average of 18.5 points in the first quarter, 11.0 in the second, and a strong 21.0 points in the third quarter. In contrast, Mt. Mansfield tends to struggle in the first and third quarters, scoring an average of just 10.0 points in the opening and third quarters, with a slight improvement in the second (13.5) and fourth (12.0). This suggests that while Burlington has the firepower to keep the pressure on throughout the game, Mt. Mansfield faces difficulties when trying to match their intensity.
Common Opponents: A Glimpse of Each Team’s Strengths
Both teams have faced several common opponents throughout the season, and the results further highlight Burlington’s dominance. Burlington has a remarkable 15-2 record against common opponents, including wins against top teams like South Burlington, Essex, and St. Johnsbury Academy. On the other hand, Mt. Mansfield has posted a much more modest 6-7 record against the same teams, with notable losses to South Burlington, Essex, and St. Johnsbury Academy. This disparity in performance against shared opponents showcases Burlington’s superiority.
Looking Ahead: The February 14 Matchup
As both teams prepare for their next showdown on February 14 at Mt. Mansfield, Burlington enters the game as the clear favorite. With their high-scoring offense and tight defense, they will look to extend their winning streak and maintain their place at the top of their district. Mt. Mansfield, on the other hand, will need to find a way to overcome their struggles and come up with a plan to counter Burlington’s offensive firepower. If they can execute better in the early and third quarters, they may be able to give Burlington a tougher challenge in this highly anticipated matchup.
Conclusion
As the Vermont high school basketball season nears its conclusion, Burlington’s dominance is undeniable, while Mt. Mansfield continues to fight through a difficult season. The upcoming February 14 game will be crucial for Mt. Mansfield’s ability to bounce back and test their mettle against the state’s top team. Whether Burlington can keep their strong run going or Mt. Mansfield can make a surprise statement, this rivalry game is sure to be one to watch.
