The Montpelier (VT) varsity basketball team will host a home conference game against Harwood (Moretown, VT) today at 7 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Harwood vs Montpelier
When: Friday, January 24, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Harwood vs Montpelier

As the 2024-2025 Vermont high school basketball season unfolds, two teams are emerging as clear powerhouses: Harwood and Montpelier. Both squads have displayed exceptional performances, with Montpelier boasting an impressive 9-1 overall record and Harwood at 7-2. Let’s dive into their seasons, stats, and head-to-head matchups to understand what makes them so successful.

Harwood’s Strong Season

Harwood has had a solid season, sitting at 7-2 overall and 4-1 in district play. The team has shown their dominance particularly on the road, where they are undefeated with a 4-0 away record. They also have a strong home presence, with a 2-2 record at their own gym. Harwood’s offensive power has been impressive, averaging 58 points per game, while their defense has kept opponents to 443 points throughout the season.

Key Players:

• Carson Cody: Leading the team with 15 points per game, Cody is one of Harwood’s most reliable offensive weapons.
• Atif Milak: A force on the boards, Milak grabs an average of 11.3 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to Harwood’s second-chance opportunities.
• Carter Bruzzese: Bruzzese is Harwood’s playmaker, leading the team with 5.9 assists per game and 2.2 steals per game, showcasing his ability to both distribute and create turnovers.

Harwood’s upcoming matchups will likely test their depth and ability to maintain their impressive performances, especially as they head into a challenging stretch of games against teams like North Country Union and Lyndon Institute.

Montpelier’s Dominance

Montpelier has been on an impressive run, currently standing at 9-1 overall and a perfect 5-0 in district play. Their ability to dominate both at home and away speaks to their consistency, with a 4-0 record on the road. Montpelier’s offense has been electric, averaging 77.2 points per game, a significant boost from their opponents’ 563 points this season.

Key Players:

• Carson Cody: With an average of 15.0 points per game, Cody is the go-to scorer for Montpelier, often leading the charge in critical moments.
• Carter Bruzzese: Like his counterpart at Harwood, Bruzzese shines as the team’s primary playmaker, averaging 5.9 assists per game.
• Atif Milak: Milak continues to dominate the boards, grabbing an impressive 11.3 rebounds per game for Montpelier, giving his team the extra possessions they need to stay on top.

Montpelier’s 5-0 district record showcases their ability to thrive in the competitive environment of their league, with notable wins over teams such as U-32, Lamoille, and North Country Union. They’ll be aiming to maintain this form as they head toward their postseason aspirations.

Head-to-Head Matchup: Montpelier vs. Harwood

The most recent head-to-head matchup between Montpelier and Harwood took place on December 27, 2024, where Montpelier won convincingly with a 71-49 scoreline. The victory highlighted Montpelier’s offensive firepower and defensive prowess, as they outscored Harwood in every quarter.

This result further solidifies Montpelier’s dominance in the district, as they are currently undefeated in league play and remain a formidable opponent for any team. Harwood, however, will have the opportunity for redemption when they face off again in an upcoming game.

Team Stats Comparison

When comparing the two teams’ stats, Montpelier edges Harwood in nearly every category. Montpelier’s higher points per game (77.2 vs. 58.0) and stronger defense have helped them dominate opponents, while Harwood has managed to keep pace with solid individual performances, particularly in rebounds and assists.

• Points Per Game: Montpelier (77.2) vs. Harwood (58.0)
• Rebounds Per Game: Harwood (34.0) vs. Montpelier (34.0)
• Assists Per Game: Montpelier (20.1) vs. Harwood (20.1)
• Steals Per Game: Harwood (8.9) vs. Montpelier (8.9)
• Blocks Per Game: Harwood (1.3) vs. Montpelier (1.3)

Both teams are balanced in key categories, but Montpelier’s consistent scoring has allowed them to pull ahead in most matchups.

Common Opponents

Looking at common opponents, both teams have been dominant, with Montpelier boasting a 6-0 record against shared opponents, while Harwood holds a 5-1 record. Notably, both teams have defeated U-32, Lamoille, and North Country Union, showing that they are equally capable against competitive teams in the district.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, Harwood and Montpelier are both positioning themselves for playoff runs, with a chance to meet again in the postseason. Montpelier’s perfect district record and high-powered offense give them an edge, but Harwood’s resilient defense and balanced attack make them a formidable opponent.

Whether it’s Montpelier’s depth or Harwood’s defensive strategy that prevails will be the key storyline as both teams continue their successful campaigns and set their sights on championship glory.

With several key matchups on the horizon, including Montpelier’s upcoming game against U-32 and Harwood’s clash with Lyndon Institute, basketball fans will be eagerly watching these two teams as they battle for supremacy in Vermont high school basketball.