The Hazen (Hardwick, VT) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against Montpelier (VT) on Friday, February 7 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

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

Game Preview: Montpelier vs Hazen

As the Vermont high school basketball season heats up, two teams have emerged at the top of their respective divisions: Montpelier and Hazen. Both teams boast strong records, dominating their districts, and showing off some impressive individual performances. Here’s a breakdown of their performance so far this season and how they stack up against each other.

Montpelier’s Dominance

The Montpelier basketball team has been nothing short of dominant this season. With a stellar 14-1 record, the team has shown incredible consistency, particularly in district play, where they have yet to drop a game, sitting at 9-0 in their district. Their overall winning percentage of .933 showcases their ability to consistently perform at a high level.

Montpelier’s offense has been particularly potent, averaging 77.6 points per game, significantly higher than Hazen’s 59.7. Leading the charge for Montpelier is Carter Bruzzese, who has been an offensive powerhouse, contributing 15.9 points per game. Bruzzese is also a key player on the defensive side, with 2.5 steals per game, showing his ability to impact the game on both ends. Atif Milak, with 10.7 rebounds per game, helps anchor the team’s rebounding efforts.

Montpelier’s game has been defined by their fast-paced play, which has allowed them to rack up huge point totals in blowout victories. For instance, their 99-44 win over U-32 and 86-38 thrashing of Spaulding highlight their offensive firepower.

Hazen’s Strong Performance

While Hazen has had a slightly more challenging schedule, they have still proven to be a formidable force, with a 12-2 record overall. Their district play has been equally impressive, with a perfect 3-0 record so far. Hazen’s strength lies in their balanced approach to the game, with a well-rounded team effort in both scoring and defense.

Though their scoring average of 59.7 points per game trails Montpelier, Hazen has been known for their defensive intensity. Players like Carter Bruzzese have been standout performers, with his 1.5 blocks per game and 9.6 steals per game showing his commitment to both protecting the rim and disrupting the opposing offense.

Hazen’s success is built around key wins, including victories over teams like Peoples Academy and Lake Region. They’ve also managed to weather a close defeat against Lyndon Institute, which showed their resilience even in tight matches.

Team Comparisons

When comparing the two teams, several key statistical categories reveal the difference in playing style. Montpelier excels in scoring, averaging 75.9 points per game, thanks to their quick offensive style, while Hazen has a more balanced approach with a slightly lower average at 59.7 points per game.

Rebounding has also been a key factor. Montpelier leads the way with 34.3 rebounds per game, with Atif Milak pulling down 10.7 rebounds per game individually. Hazen, while strong defensively, averages fewer rebounds per game, which could pose a challenge when facing high-scoring teams like Montpelier.

Assists and steals are areas where Montpelier shines, with Carter Bruzzese averaging 5.8 assists per game, contributing to the team’s dynamic offensive scheme. Hazen, however, relies on individual performances like Bruzzese’s steals to fuel their defense, where they rank with a solid average of 9.6 steals per game.

Common Opponents: A Glimpse at the Competition

Both teams have faced off against some common opponents this season, and the results have been fairly similar. Montpelier and Hazen both managed wins against teams like Lamoille, Harwood, and Spaulding, with Montpelier holding a 12-0 record against common opponents compared to Hazen’s 10-2. This shows that while both teams are strong, Montpelier has proven to be slightly more dominant in head-to-head matchups.

One notable game for Hazen was their hard-fought victory over Randolph, where they won 62-61. Montpelier, on the other hand, had a commanding 84-49 win over Peoples Academy, showcasing their offensive superiority. The competition has been fierce, and the comparisons reveal just how closely matched these teams are in terms of talent and strategy.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Potential

With both Montpelier and Hazen continuing to dominate in their respective districts, it is clear that these teams will be strong contenders in the playoffs. Montpelier’s high-scoring offense and impressive record make them the team to beat, but Hazen’s well-rounded defense and balanced approach make them a tough matchup for anyone.

As the regular season winds down, these two teams will continue to fine-tune their strategies, eyeing a potential showdown in the postseason. Whether it’s Montpelier’s offense or Hazen’s defensive grit, one thing is certain: Vermont high school basketball is in for an exciting conclusion to the season.