The Colchester (VT) varsity basketball team will host a conference game against Mt. Mansfield (Jericho, VT) today at 7 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Mt. Mansfield vs Colchester
When: Today, February 17, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Mt. Mansfield vs Colchester

As the Vermont high school basketball season progresses, two teams in focus are the Mt. Mansfield Cougars and the Colchester Lakers. With both teams competing in a challenging league, their performances offer insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and potential for the remainder of the season.

Season Performance and Rankings

Mt. Mansfield holds an overall record of 9-10 with a 7-10 district record. Their home record stands at 4-4, while they have fared slightly better on the road at 5-4. Despite their efforts, the Cougars have struggled against stronger opponents, leading to a .474 win percentage and a .412 district win percentage. Their total points for (PF) and points against (PA) stand at 972-1,054, showcasing their offensive and defensive efforts.

On the other hand, Colchester has faced a challenging season, with an overall record of 4-13 and a district record of 1-10. Their home record stands at 3-6, while they have struggled away, going 1-7. The Lakers have a .235 win percentage and a .091 district win percentage. Their PF and PA stand at 772-1,011, indicating their struggles on both ends of the court.

Head-to-Head Matchup

Mt. Mansfield and Colchester faced off on January 18, 2025, where the Cougars emerged victorious with a 61-53 win. This matchup highlighted Mt. Mansfield’s ability to close out games against struggling opponents.

A rematch between the two teams is scheduled for February 6, 2025, at Colchester. The result is yet to be reported, but with both teams looking to gain momentum, it will be an important game for both squads.

Scoring Averages and Game Trends

Mt. Mansfield averages 51.2 points per game, with their strongest quarter being the second, where they average 13.5 points. Colchester, on the other hand, averages 45.4 points per game, with their highest scoring quarter being overtime at 13.0 points, though their regulation quarters remain lower than Mt. Mansfield’s.

Common Opponents Analysis

Both teams have faced similar opponents throughout the season, providing a basis for comparison. Mt. Mansfield holds a 5-10 record against common opponents, while Colchester stands at 2-11. Notable results include:

• Vs. Milton – Colchester secured a dominant 61-34 victory, while Mt. Mansfield did not face them.
• Vs. Essex – Mt. Mansfield went 2-0 against Essex, winning 55-48 and 68-54, whereas Colchester went 0-2, losing 62-59 and 55-47.
• Vs. Rice Memorial – Both teams struggled, with Mt. Mansfield going 0-2 and Colchester losing their first matchup 74-49 with a second game yet to be played.
• Vs. Champlain Valley Union – Mt. Mansfield secured two wins (49-48, 42-31), while Colchester split their matchups (1-1).

Key Takeaways and Playoff Implications

As the season winds down, Mt. Mansfield appears to be in a slightly better position heading into potential playoff contention, with a more balanced overall record and a stronger showing against common opponents. Colchester will need to capitalize on home-court advantage and make defensive improvements to close out their remaining games on a positive note.

Their upcoming rematch will be a crucial indicator of their progress, and with both teams eager to finish strong, fans can expect an intense and competitive showdown.