The White River Valley varsity basketball team (Royalton, VT) will host a conference game against Leland & Gray (Townshend, VT) today at 2:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Leland & Gray vs White River Valley
When: Today, January 17, 2025
Time: 2:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Leland & Gray vs White River Valley

As the Vermont high school basketball season heats up, the match-up between Leland & Gray and White River Valley has become a focal point. These two teams are on very different trajectories this season, as reflected in their records, head-to-head performance, and common opponent outcomes. Here’s a deep dive into their performances as they head toward their next showdown.

Leland & Gray’s Struggles

The Leland & Gray (Townshend, VT) varsity basketball team has had a challenging season so far. With an overall record of 1-8, they are struggling to find their rhythm on both sides of the ball. Their district record stands at 1-4, with a low win percentage of just .111. They have faced several defeats this season, including losses to Springfield (65-42), Bellows Falls (52-26), and Green Mountain (67-33). Despite these setbacks, Leland & Gray has shown flashes of competitive play, including a solid 55-46 victory over Rivendell Academy on January 8th.

Offensively, Leland & Gray has averaged just 41.6 points per game, highlighting their struggles to put up consistent numbers. Their defense has allowed an average of 60.2 points per game, contributing to their losing record. The team’s inability to finish games strongly has been a significant factor in their struggles, and they will need to improve their performance in all quarters to climb out of the bottom half of the standings.

White River Valley’s Dominance

On the other hand, White River Valley (Royalton, VT) has been the dominant force in their league. With a perfect 9-0 overall record and a flawless 4-0 mark in district play, they are looking to extend their impressive streak. Their win percentage of 1.000 reflects their near-perfect form this season, and they have been particularly strong on the road, with a 7-0 away record.

Offensively, White River Valley has been outstanding, averaging 68.2 points per game, with strong performances across all four quarters. Their consistent offensive output includes 27.0 points in the first quarter, 23.0 in the second, 17.0 in the third, and 10.0 in the fourth. The team’s defense has been equally effective, allowing only 44.7 points per game.

One of their most notable victories came on January 10th, when they triumphed over Twin Valley with a commanding 77-51 win. Other dominant wins include victories over Rivendell Academy (66-41) and Woodstock (60-57), showcasing their ability to compete with top teams.

Head-to-Head Matchup

The two teams will face off twice in the upcoming weeks, with the first game scheduled for today at White River Valley at 2:30 PM. The teams will meet again on February 11th at Leland & Gray.

Given their current form, White River Valley enters as the heavy favorite, but the home-court advantage for Leland & Gray could play a role in keeping the game competitive. For Leland & Gray to have a chance, they will need to improve on both ends of the floor and find ways to break through White River Valley’s tight defense.

Common Opponents

Looking at their performance against common opponents offers further insight into their season. Leland & Gray has struggled, posting a 1-3 record against teams like Springfield, Bellows Falls, and Rivendell Academy. White River Valley, on the other hand, has dominated these same teams, posting a perfect 4-0 record. These contrasting results further highlight the disparity in team performance.

For example, both teams faced off against Springfield, but Leland & Gray lost by a wide margin, 65-42 and 59-45. In contrast, White River Valley defeated Springfield 67-33, underscoring their superior performance.

Looking Ahead

With both teams having different objectives for the rest of the season, Leland & Gray will be looking to build momentum and turn things around, while White River Valley aims to continue their undefeated streak. Fans can expect an exciting contest when the two teams meet, with White River Valley’s dominance facing off against Leland & Gray’s hope for an upset.

As the season progresses, Leland & Gray will need to improve their offense and defense to compete with the top teams in the district. White River Valley, on the other hand, seems poised for a deep playoff run if they can maintain their form and continue their unbeaten streak.