The Rutland (VT) varsity basketball team will host a conference game against Mt. St. Joseph Academy (Rutland, VT) on Friday, January 31, at 6:30 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Mt. St. Joseph Academy vs Rutland
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 6:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Mt. St. Joseph Academy vs Rutland
As the Vermont high school basketball season progresses, two teams from Rutland are experiencing vastly different journeys. Mt. St. Joseph Academy (MSJA) and Rutland High School have faced off this season, but their records tell contrasting stories of triumph and struggle.
Team Performance Overview
Mt. St. Joseph Academy
MSJA has endured a tough season, holding a 2-11 overall record with no district wins (0-3). Their home and away performances have mirrored each other at 1-5, and they have yet to secure a neutral court victory (0-1). With a win percentage of just .154, the team has faced difficulties on both ends of the court, scoring a total of 571 points while allowing 716 points from opponents.
Rutland High School
In stark contrast, Rutland High School has enjoyed a strong season with a 9-3 overall record, including an undefeated 5-0 district performance. Their home record stands at 5-3, while they have been dominant on the road, winning all four away games. With a stellar .750 win percentage and an impressive district record, Rutland has tallied 743 points while allowing only 555.
Head-to-Head Battle
The two teams met on January 20th, and Rutland showcased their dominance with a crushing 75-22 victory over MSJA. This result reinforced Rutland’s stronghold in the district, while MSJA struggled to compete against their crosstown rival.
A rematch is set for January 31st, where MSJA will look to redeem themselves in an away conference game at Rutland High School. Given the teams’ performances so far, MSJA faces a tough challenge in reversing their fortunes.
Scoring Averages and Performance Trends
When analyzing the scoring averages per quarter, Rutland maintains steady offensive production:
- Q1: 15.0
- Q2: 12.0
- Q3: 15.0
- Q4: 22.0
- Final: 61.9
On the other hand, MSJA has struggled with consistency, particularly in the second quarter:
- Q1: 15.0
- Q2: 6.0
- Q3: 20.0
- Q4: 15.0
- Final: 43.9
MSJA’s tendency to falter in the second quarter has put them at a disadvantage, as seen in their significant loss to Rutland earlier in the season.
Common Opponents and Strength of Schedule
Rutland holds a clear advantage when comparing performances against common opponents:
- MSJA: 0-2 record
- Rutland: 3-1 record
For example, against Mount Anthony, MSJA lost a close battle (61-58), whereas Rutland dominated them (72-33). Similarly, MSJA suffered a defeat to Brattleboro (73-56), while Rutland won their matchup (64-50). These results further highlight the gap in performance levels between the two teams this season.
Looking Ahead
MSJA still has several opportunities to turn their season around with upcoming games against Burr & Burton, Hartford, Fair Haven, and Brattleboro. However, facing another tough contest against Rutland on January 31st will test their resilience.
For Rutland, their sights are set on maintaining their dominance and securing a top spot in the district as they prepare for the playoffs. With their balanced scoring attack and strong defensive play, they are poised to be a formidable contender in Vermont high school basketball.
Final Thoughts
Basketball seasons often tell stories of perseverance, growth, and competition. While MSJA has faced a challenging season, each game presents an opportunity for improvement and development. Meanwhile, Rutland continues to thrive, demonstrating why they are a top-tier team in Vermont. As the rematch approaches, fans from both schools will be eager to see if MSJA can rise to the occasion or if Rutland will once again assert their dominance on the court.
