As the Vermont high school basketball season unfolds, two teams are making waves in their respective conferences: Mt. Mansfield and Rice Memorial. The two schools, which will face off in a key conference game this Friday, December 27, at Rice Memorial in South Burlington, bring a combination of solid early season performances and anticipation for their head-to-head matchup.

Mt. Mansfield: Dominating the Early Season

Mt. Mansfield, based in Jericho, has had a flawless start to the season with a perfect 3-0 record, maintaining a 100% win rate. The Cougars have been impressive both at home and on the road, with a solid 1-0 home record and a 2-0 away mark. Their offensive and defensive balance has been evident as they’ve averaged 60.3 points per game while allowing 127 total points in their victories. Mt. Mansfield’s early success reflects strong performances in their opening games, including a 55-48 win over Essex on December 19, 2024.

Rice Memorial: A Mixed Start

Rice Memorial, located in South Burlington, has had a more mixed start to the season with a 1-1 record. They’ve faced challenges at home, suffering a loss, but have shown resilience with a win on the road. Their scoring has been prolific, averaging 76.5 points per game, but their defense has been tested, giving up 127 points so far this season. Rice’s matchup against Mt. Mansfield this Friday promises to be a pivotal game in their efforts to build momentum for the rest of the season.

Head-to-Head Matchup

The highly anticipated game between Mt. Mansfield and Rice Memorial will take place this Friday, December 27, at 7 p.m. in South Burlington. This matchup is one of the key early-season contests in Vermont high school basketball, as both teams will look to assert their dominance in the league. Mt. Mansfield’s perfect record puts them in a strong position, but Rice Memorial will have home-court advantage, and their high-scoring offense could be a major factor in the game.

These two teams will meet again on January 27, 2025, in Jericho, for another round of their exciting rivalry.

Common Opponents and Performance Breakdown

Both teams have faced some common opponents, including Essex, South Burlington, Champlain Valley Union, and Colchester. Mt. Mansfield has already secured a win over Essex, while Rice Memorial will face Essex for the first time in early January. How both teams perform against shared opponents in the upcoming months will likely have an impact on their standings and playoff hopes.

For example, Mt. Mansfield will take on Champlain Valley Union on December 30, while Rice Memorial’s first encounter with them will be on January 10. Similarly, both teams will meet Colchester at different points, with Mt. Mansfield facing them on January 7 and Rice Memorial playing them on January 17. These matchups are crucial for both teams as they prepare for the later stages of the season.

Team Records and Season Outlook

At this stage in the season, Mt. Mansfield holds a clear edge with their 3-0 overall record and undefeated league play (3-0). On the other hand, Rice Memorial, with a 1-1 overall record, still has plenty of time to regroup and find their rhythm. The team’s ability to tighten up defensively while maintaining their offensive explosiveness will be key as they look to bounce back.

Looking ahead, Mt. Mansfield has a more favorable record against common opponents, with a 1-0 mark against Essex, while Rice Memorial still has several of these matchups ahead. With a series of games scheduled throughout January and February, including their second encounter on January 27, both teams will have plenty of opportunities to fine-tune their strategies and vie for playoff positioning.

Conclusion

The upcoming game between Mt. Mansfield and Rice Memorial is set to be a thrilling contest that could provide a preview of what’s to come for the rest of the Vermont high school basketball season. While Mt. Mansfield looks to continue their undefeated run, Rice Memorial is determined to prove themselves, especially on their home court. With both teams preparing for a tough schedule, the outcome of this game could set the tone for their respective seasons as they pursue district titles and playoff spots. Fans will not want to miss this exciting match on December 27, 2024, at Rice Memorial.