As the Vermont high school basketball season progresses, two teams in the state—Essex and South Burlington—are looking to make their mark in the 2024-2025 season. Both teams are navigating a challenging schedule, with Essex struggling to find consistency and South Burlington working to improve its standing.

Team Overview

Essex (1-7 Record)
Essex is off to a tough start in the 2024-2025 season with a 1-7 overall record. Their district record is even more difficult, at 0-5, indicating challenges within their local competition. The team has shown resilience in their play but has struggled to convert close games into victories, leading to their current record. Despite the challenges, they have averaged 54.1 points per game, showing they have the offensive capability to compete but need to tighten up on defense, as they have allowed an average of 66 points per game.

South Burlington (3-4 Record)
South Burlington, with a 3-4 record overall and a 1-2 district record, has had a relatively stronger start. They have won 2 of their 3 home games, showing a solid home-court advantage. Their average points per game are 57.7, with a slight edge over Essex in scoring. However, they have also faced difficulties on the road, where they have posted a 1-3 record. Their defense, much like Essex’s, needs improvement, with the team giving up 58.0 points per game.

Head-to-Head

The rivalry between Essex and South Burlington is heating up as they are set to meet twice during the season. The first game will take place on Friday, January 10, 2025, in South Burlington. The second matchup is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Essex. These games are sure to be a key part of the season for both teams, as they look to improve their records and standings within the district.

Common Opponents

Both Essex and South Burlington have faced off against several common opponents this season. Notably, Essex has struggled, posting a 0-6 record against these teams, while South Burlington has fared better with a 3-3 record. Some of their shared opponents include teams like Mt. Mansfield, Burlington, Rutland, Rice Memorial, and Champlain Valley Union.

For instance, Essex fell to Mt. Mansfield 55-48 on December 19, 2024, while South Burlington defeated Mt. Mansfield 58-43 on January 3, 2025. Similarly, both teams faced off against Burlington, with Essex losing 82-55 and South Burlington losing 80-56.

Scoring Averages

Both teams show promise offensively, but there are noticeable differences in their scoring consistency. Essex averages 54.1 points per game, while South Burlington averages 57.7. This suggests that South Burlington may have a slight edge when it comes to scoring, but both teams will need to sharpen their defense to make a real impact in the season ahead.

The Road Ahead

As the season progresses, both Essex and South Burlington will need to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses. Essex, despite a tough start, has the potential to rebound and improve. Meanwhile, South Burlington is looking to build momentum and capitalize on their wins to push further up the standings.

Their upcoming meetings in January and February will likely have significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations. Fans should be sure to keep an eye on these games as they unfold. The competitive nature of Vermont high school basketball ensures that every game could be a turning point for either team, and these matchups will certainly add to the excitement of the season.