The Long Trail varsity basketball team from Dorset, VT, will host a non-conference game against Leland & Gray from Townshend, VT, on Friday, December 20, at 6:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Leland & Gray vs Long Trail
When: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 6:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Leland & Gray vs Long Trail
As the Vermont high school basketball season gets underway, two teams—Leland & Gray and Long Trail—are finding their footing in what promises to be a competitive campaign. Both teams have played one game each, resulting in losses that underscore areas for growth and provide insight into their current standings.
Leland & Gray (0-1, 0-1 District)
Leland & Gray’s season opener against Arlington Memorial ended in a 48-35 loss. Offensively, the team struggled to generate consistent scoring, averaging 35 points in their debut game. Defensively, they allowed 48 points, leaving room for improvement on both ends of the court. Their next opportunity for redemption comes in upcoming matchups with Grace Christian, Springfield, and Poultney, where they will aim to build momentum.
Key Statistics:
- Home Record: 0-1
- District Record: 0-1
- Points For (PF): 35
- Points Against (PA): 48
- Win Percentage: .000
Leland & Gray will need to focus on enhancing offensive output while tightening defensive strategies to stay competitive in the league.
Long Trail (0-1, 0-1 District)
Long Trail narrowly lost their season opener to Grace Christian in a tightly contested 52-50 game. While the team showed potential with a stronger offensive performance, their defense conceded just enough points to cost them the win. This high-scoring effort positions Long Trail as a team with offensive upside but in need of defensive adjustments to close out games effectively.
Key Statistics:
- Away Record: 0-1
- District Record: 0-1
- Points For (PF): 50
- Points Against (PA): 52
- Win Percentage: .000
Long Trail will look to translate their offensive capabilities into victories as they face challenging opponents like Arlington Memorial, Springfield, and Poultney in the coming weeks.
Head-to-Head Outlook and Common Opponents
Both teams share Arlington Memorial as a common opponent, with Leland & Gray losing their opener and Long Trail scheduled to face them shortly. These games against shared opponents will provide a clearer picture of where each team stands within the league.
Areas to Watch
- Offensive Consistency: While Long Trail has shown stronger scoring ability, both teams must work on maintaining consistent offensive pressure throughout games.
- Defensive Adjustments: Both teams have allowed more points than they’ve scored, signaling a need for defensive improvement.
- Clutch Performance: Long Trail’s close loss highlights the importance of closing out games, a skill both teams will need to master as the season progresses.
Upcoming Games
- Leland & Gray: Matches against Grace Christian, Springfield, and Poultney provide a chance to gain their first win and set the tone for the season.
- Long Trail: With a slightly stronger start, Long Trail faces Arlington Memorial and Springfield in games that could define their early-season trajectory.
Final Thoughts
Though both teams are winless early in the season, their contrasting performances offer insights into their strengths and weaknesses. Leland & Gray will aim to establish a rhythm, while Long Trail will seek to convert close contests into wins. As the season unfolds, their ability to adapt and improve will be crucial in determining their success within Vermont high school basketball.
