The Burlington (VT) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Essex (Essex Junction, VT) on Friday, December 27, at 7:30 p.m.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Essex vs Burlington
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Essex vs Burlington
The high school basketball season in Vermont is off to an exciting start, with Essex and Burlington emerging as two teams to watch. As the season progresses, these two teams are shaping up to have an intriguing rivalry, and their head-to-head matchups will be crucial in determining their standings in the state.
Team Records & Standings
Essex (24-25 Season)
- Overall Record: 1-2
- District Record: 0-1
- Home Record: 0-2
- Away Record: 1-0
- Win %: .333
- District %: .000
- Points For (PF): 155
- Points Against (PA): 162
Essex has faced a tough start to the season, with a 1-2 record. While their offense has shown promise, averaging 51.7 points per game, their defense has struggled, giving up an average of 54 points per game. Their only win came on the road, showing potential for improvement in future away games.
Burlington (24-25 Season)
- Overall Record: 2-0
- District Record: 1-0
- Home Record: 2-0
- Away Record: 0-0
- Win %: 1.000
- District %: 1.000
- Points For (PF): 165
- Points Against (PA): 120
Burlington, on the other hand, is off to an excellent start with a perfect 2-0 record. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, averaging an impressive 82.5 points per game. With a solid defense that has allowed only 60 points per game, Burlington is looking like a formidable contender in the district.
Head-to-Head Showdown
The rivalry between Essex and Burlington will intensify when the two teams face off on Friday, December 27, at 7:30 PM in Burlington. This matchup is especially important for both teams, as Essex seeks to bounce back from a tough start, while Burlington looks to maintain its perfect record. Their second encounter will be on Monday, January 27, at 7:30 PM in Essex, which promises to be just as thrilling.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar opponents in the early part of the season. Essex’s lone win came against South Burlington, but they were defeated by Mt. Mansfield 55-48. Burlington has managed to win against South Burlington with an 80-56 scoreline and has a perfect 1-0 record against common opponents like Mt. Mansfield.
As the season progresses, these matchups will be critical in shaping both teams’ playoff aspirations. For instance, Essex still has games scheduled against tough teams like Rice Memorial and Champlain Valley Union, while Burlington will face off against St. Johnsbury Academy and Colchester in the coming weeks.
A Glimpse at Team Dynamics
- Essex’s Struggles: Despite strong individual performances, Essex has struggled to perform consistently at home, with two losses on their own court. Their ability to play well in hostile environments, like their away win earlier this season, will be key in turning around their record.
- Burlington’s Dominance: Burlington has looked like one of the top teams in the state, with an undefeated record and a high-scoring offense. Their ability to consistently perform at home, where they’ve won both of their games, will give them a strong foundation moving forward.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming matchups between Essex and Burlington will be crucial for both teams as they strive for playoff positioning. Essex will need to improve their defense and consistency if they hope to compete with Burlington in their next meeting. Burlington, on the other hand, will look to continue their strong start and maintain their dominance as one of the top teams in Vermont high school basketball.
Stay tuned for these exciting head-to-head games, as the rivalry between Essex and Burlington promises to deliver high-energy basketball and plenty of drama as the season unfolds!
