The Leland & Gray varsity basketball team (Townshend, VT) will host a home conference game against Grace Christian (Bennington, VT) on Friday, December 27, at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Grace Christian vs Leland & Gray
When: Friday, December 27, 2024
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Grace Christian vs Leland & Gray

As Vermont’s high school basketball season heats up, two teams—Grace Christian and Leland & Gray—have already showcased distinct early season performances. Let’s take a closer look at their records, head-to-head matchups, and common opponents as they progress through the 2024-2025 season.

Grace Christian: Strong Start to the Season

Grace Christian has had a solid start to the 2024-2025 season, boasting a 2-1 overall record. Their performance in the district has been equally strong, with a 2-1 record in district play, resulting in a .667 win percentage. The team has been effective both at home and on the road, securing a perfect 2-0 record at home while struggling a bit on neutral ground, where they’ve lost once.

With an average of 52 points scored per game, Grace Christian has shown offensive capability, and their defense has allowed 148 points across three games. Their wins include a close victory over Long Trail on December 13, 2024, with a 52-50 final score, and a commanding 63-52 win over Poultney on December 19, 2024. However, they faced a tough challenge in their December 21, 2024, matchup against West Rutland, which ended in a 46-41 loss.

Leland & Gray: Struggling to Find Form

On the other hand, Leland & Gray has had a tough start to their season, with a 0-2 overall record. Their district play has been equally challenging, as they are still searching for their first district win, holding a 0-1 record. Leland & Gray has struggled both at home and away, and their offense has averaged just 37.5 points per game.

The team’s season has been marked by difficult losses. Their most recent defeat was a 64-40 loss to Long Trail on December 20, 2024, and they were also defeated by Arlington Memorial 48-35 earlier in the season on December 16, 2024. Despite these setbacks, Leland & Gray will look to regroup and bounce back, as they have yet to find success in their league or non-league matchups.

Head-to-Head: Grace Christian Takes Early Advantage

When looking at the head-to-head comparison, Grace Christian has the upper hand with a 2-1 record against common opponents. Their win against Long Trail, which they narrowly edged out 52-50, contrasts with Leland & Gray’s 64-40 loss to the same team. Additionally, Grace Christian secured a win over Poultney (63-52), while Leland & Gray will face them again on December 30, 2024, looking to improve their performance.

Looking ahead, both teams have games scheduled against rivals and common opponents that will continue to shape their season. Grace Christian will look to maintain their momentum, while Leland & Gray will need to find a way to break their losing streak and turn their season around.

Common Opponents: Key Matchups Ahead

The battle between Grace Christian and Leland & Gray’s common opponents highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. Grace Christian’s 2-1 record against teams like Long Trail, West Rutland, and Poultney stands in stark contrast to Leland & Gray’s 0-2 record. These matchups suggest that Grace Christian has found a rhythm early in the season, while Leland & Gray’s struggles have been more pronounced.

Upcoming games, including those against Rivendell Academy and Arlington Memorial, will be crucial for both teams. Grace Christian’s upcoming matches with Long Trail and West Rutland are also pivotal in determining whether they can stay on track for a successful season. For Leland & Gray, their games against common opponents like Rivendell Academy and Arlington Memorial will be important for building confidence and momentum.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, both teams will face tough competition. Grace Christian will look to continue their solid play and potentially extend their lead in district play, while Leland & Gray will aim to bounce back from their early struggles. With key matchups ahead, both teams will have plenty of opportunities to turn the page and make a strong push as the season unfolds.

With a focus on improving both offense and defense, Leland & Gray has the potential to regroup, while Grace Christian looks to solidify its place as a strong contender in Vermont high school basketball this season. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of both teams, making their matchups one to watch closely.