The Middlebury varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against Hartford (White River Junction, VT) today at 12:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Hartford vs Middlebury
When: Saturday, January 11, 2025
Time: 12:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Hartford vs Middlebury
The Vermont high school basketball season is in full swing, and teams like Hartford and Middlebury are making their marks on the court. Let’s dive into the statistics and performance breakdown of these two Division II competitors for the 2024-2025 season.
Team Performance: A Tale of Two Records
Hartford Hurricanes
- Overall Record: 5-2
- League Record: 2-0
- Home Record: 2-2
- Away Record: 3-0
- Winning Percentage: .714
- Points For (PF): 413
- Points Against (PA): 314
Hartford has had an impressive start to their season, winning 71.4% of their games and maintaining an undefeated record in league play. The Hurricanes have been particularly strong on the road, going 3-0, which demonstrates their resilience in hostile environments. With a scoring average of 59 points per game and a solid defensive performance, Hartford is positioning itself as a top contender.
Middlebury Tigers
- Overall Record: 2-4
- Home Record: 1-3
- Away Record: 1-1
- Winning Percentage: .333
- Points For (PF): 304
- Points Against (PA): 300
Middlebury, on the other hand, is off to a slower start, winning only a third of their games. Their struggles at home (1-3) have been a key factor in their overall record. Despite this, their scoring average of 50.7 points per game suggests the Tigers are capable of putting up a fight.
Head-to-Head and Common Opponents
While Hartford and Middlebury have yet to face each other this season, a comparison of their performances against common opponents paints a clear picture:
- Hartford: Undefeated (3-0) against common opponents.
- Middlebury: Winless (0-2) against the same teams.
Key Results Against Common Opponents:
- Otter Valley: Hartford won their matchup (50-40), while Middlebury has yet to play them.
- Essex: Hartford secured a solid 58-47 victory, but Middlebury fell short, losing 60-49.
- Fair Haven: Hartford edged out a win (51-47), whereas Middlebury lost decisively (48-35).
Hartford’s dominance in these games highlights their strength and consistency, while Middlebury’s struggles suggest room for improvement.
Scoring Averages
Hartford has a scoring average of 59 points per game, showcasing their offensive capabilities, while Middlebury averages 50.7 points, reflecting a slight disadvantage. Hartford’s ability to outscore opponents by an average margin of nearly nine points per game (59 PF vs. 45 PA) has been a critical factor in their success.
Breaking Down the Records
- Hartford: Their 5-2 overall record is bolstered by a strong in-state performance and a perfect record in league play. Their balanced attack and defensive discipline make them a formidable opponent.
- Middlebury: With a 2-4 record, Middlebury has struggled to find consistency, particularly in non-league and home games. Despite this, their close scoring differential (304 PF vs. 300 PA) suggests they have the potential to turn their season around.
What to Watch For
As the season progresses, the performance of these two teams will be pivotal in shaping the Division II standings. Hartford’s road success and league dominance position them as favorites, while Middlebury will aim to capitalize on any opportunities to climb the ranks.
For basketball enthusiasts in Vermont, these teams’ eventual head-to-head matchup could provide a thrilling showdown, testing Hartford’s dominance against Middlebury’s hunger for redemption. Stay tuned!