The Vermont high school basketball season is well underway, and two teams in the Vermont Division have been struggling to find their rhythm: Leland & Gray (Townshend) and Arlington Memorial (Arlington). Both teams have faced tough challenges, but as they prepare for their upcoming matchup, there is a lot to analyze regarding their performances, statistics, and records.

Leland & Gray’s Struggles Continue

Leland & Gray has yet to earn a win in the 2024-2025 season, holding a disappointing 0-6 record overall. Their district performance also hasn’t been much better, with a 0-3 record. Whether playing at home (0-4) or on the road (0-2), the team has faced significant struggles in both their offensive and defensive efforts. In their six games, Leland & Gray has scored 224 points, while allowing 364 points—a differential that highlights their challenges both defensively and offensively.

The team’s scoring average is notably low, with their total points per game standing at just 37.3. While they have had close contests, their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities has kept them at the bottom of the standings.

Arlington Memorial Shows Some Promise

Arlington Memorial has fared slightly better with a 2-4 overall record, though they too have had difficulty in district play, holding a 1-3 record. However, their overall performance and competitiveness suggest some potential. At home, they are 0-2, but their away record is more balanced at 2-2, indicating they have been able to perform on the road, even when facing tough opponents.

Arlington’s scoring average is noticeably higher than Leland & Gray’s, with 48.2 points per game. Although they’ve faced similar struggles in terms of point differential, their offense has been more efficient in comparison.

Head-to-Head: Arlington Memorial Edges Out Leland & Gray

The two teams met last month, with Arlington Memorial emerging victorious in a 48-35 win. This game, played on December 16, was a significant blow to Leland & Gray, which will be looking for redemption when they face off again on January 10 at Arlington Memorial.

In their previous encounter, Arlington Memorial dominated the second half to secure the win, a game in which Leland & Gray never quite found their offensive rhythm. The upcoming rematch will be an important opportunity for Leland & Gray to prove they’ve made the necessary adjustments and can compete against a fellow struggling team.

Common Opponents: Tough Competition for Both Teams

Both teams have struggled against common opponents this season, with Leland & Gray and Arlington Memorial each facing tough losses. Some of their mutual opponents, such as Long Trail, Springfield, and Poultney, have come out on top in each contest. These results show that both teams are grappling with their consistency and overall performance.

Arlington Memorial’s matchups against Long Trail and Springfield have mirrored Leland & Gray’s outcomes, with both teams suffering losses to these powerful programs. However, Arlington Memorial’s slightly better performance against some of these teams may give them the edge as they move into the second half of the season.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

As the season progresses, Leland & Gray will look to break their losing streak. Their performance against common opponents indicates that they need to adjust both offensively and defensively to keep up with more competitive teams. With a challenging remaining schedule, including matchups against Green Mountain, Twin Valley, and West Rutland, they will need to find a way to capitalize on these games to avoid falling further behind.

For Arlington Memorial, the team has the opportunity to build on their 2-4 record and push for a stronger district finish. With a balanced schedule ahead and an ability to perform well on the road, they will look to build momentum and secure more wins. Their game against Leland & Gray on January 10 will be pivotal in determining if they can maintain their upward trajectory.

Conclusion

Both Leland & Gray and Arlington Memorial have faced their fair share of challenges in the early part of the season. While neither team has yet found sustained success, their upcoming matchup will be a critical moment in their respective seasons. For Leland & Gray, a win could signal a turning point, while Arlington Memorial will look to continue its small successes and build toward a more competitive finish. With plenty of basketball still to be played, the outcome of these teams’ future games will be crucial in determining their playoff hopes.