The Vermont high school basketball season is underway, and two conference rivals, Harwood and U-32, are gearing up for an exciting matchup on Friday, December 20. Let’s break down the early-season dynamics and preview this clash.

Team Overview and Rankings

• Harwood (1-0, 24-25 Season Record)
  Harwood started the season with a dominant win, defeating their opponent 65-40. Their impressive performance showcased a well-rounded offense and a solid defense. With this victory, Harwood holds a perfect 1.000 win percentage and leads the early standings.
• U-32 (0-0, 24-25 Season Record)
  U-32 has yet to take the court this season, leaving their potential a mystery. Their upcoming game against Harwood marks their season opener, and they’ll aim to start strong against an opponent already riding momentum.

Scoring Averages

Harwood’s lone game of the season sets their scoring average at 65.0 points per game, a promising sign of offensive prowess. U-32 has yet to establish their scoring profile, making this game pivotal in setting the tone for their season.

Head-to-Head Matchups

The teams will meet twice this season:

1. December 20, 2024 – U-32 will host Harwood in Montpelier for their season opener.
2. February 7, 2025 – Harwood will host U-32 in Moretown for the return matchup.

These meetings will provide a glimpse into how these teams stack up against each other as the season progresses.

Key Storylines

1. Harwood’s Momentum
   The Highlanders’ strong start gives them a confidence boost heading into their first road game. Can they maintain their form against a rested U-32 squad?
2. U-32’s Season Opener
   Playing at home in their first game, U-32 has the opportunity to make a statement. The Raiders will look to shake off early-season jitters and challenge Harwood’s perfect record.
3. Impact of Common Opponents
   Both teams face several common opponents this season, including Montpelier, Lamoille, and Middlebury. Their performance against these teams will serve as benchmarks in the race for playoff positioning.

Record Breakdown

Harwood:

• Overall: 1-0
• Non-League: 1-0
• Home: 1-0
• Away: 0-0

U-32:

• Overall: 0-0
• Non-League: 0-0
• Home: 0-0

Game Preview

The Harwood-U-32 rivalry promises an intense and competitive atmosphere. Harwood’s early success positions them as the favorite, but U-32’s home-court advantage and fresh legs could prove decisive.

Basketball fans in Montpelier won’t want to miss this conference clash. Tip-off is set for 7 PM on Friday, December 20, at U-32. Stay tuned for updates as these teams battle it out for bragging rights and early-season supremacy!