As the Vermont high school basketball season continues to unfold, a key matchup is on the horizon for both the Poultney and West Rutland varsity teams. The two teams, both vying for dominance in their respective divisions, are set to face off in an away conference game on Friday, December 27, at 7:00 PM in West Rutland.

Poultney Panthers: Striving for Consistency

Poultney (2-4 overall, 1-2 district) has faced a challenging start to the 2024-2025 season. With a win percentage of just .333, the Panthers have struggled in both league play (1-2) and overall performance. Despite some close losses, they have shown resilience, with a solid scoring average of 47.5 points per game, with a notable increase in scoring through each quarter: 5.0 in the first, 14.0 in the second, 15.0 in the third, and 18.0 in the fourth. Their offense tends to gain momentum as the game progresses, and if they can manage to improve their early-game performance, they could be a stronger competitor in future matchups.

However, Poultney will need to overcome their defense, which has allowed an average of 337 points (around 56.2 points per game) to their opponents so far. Against a tough West Rutland team, the Panthers will need to adjust their defensive strategies to avoid falling behind early, particularly since their opponents average 57.0 points per game.

West Rutland Golden Horde: Dominating Early

On the other hand, West Rutland (4-0 overall, 3-0 district) has been on a hot streak to start the season. With a perfect 1.000 win percentage both overall and in their district, they have proven themselves to be one of the most formidable teams in Vermont’s Division 3 basketball scene. West Rutland’s offense has been impressive, scoring an average of 57.0 points per game, outpacing their opponents in each quarter of play: 12.0 in the first, 11.0 in the second, 11.0 in the third, and 20.0 in the fourth. Their ability to finish strong in the final quarter is a hallmark of their play, and it makes them a dangerous team to face, especially at home.

Their defense has been effective as well, allowing only 183 points across four games, a much lower average (45.8 points per game) compared to Poultney’s defense. West Rutland’s well-rounded performance, both offensively and defensively, gives them a strong advantage heading into this game.

Head-to-Head Breakdown: A Competitive Rivalry

Looking ahead to their December 27th matchup, West Rutland holds the upper hand with an undefeated record, but Poultney’s ability to rally in the second half of games could make this a closely contested battle. Historically, both teams have faced common opponents with varied results. Poultney has a 2-2 record against common opponents, while West Rutland boasts a perfect 3-0 record.

Some of their shared opponents this season include Mill River, Proctor, Grace Christian, Arlington Memorial, and Sharon Academy. For instance, Poultney defeated Mill River 40-30 on December 7, 2024, while West Rutland secured a dominant 71-38 win over the same team just a few days later. In their matchups with Proctor, Poultney fell 65-52, while West Rutland emerged victorious 54-38.

The Road Ahead

Looking beyond their December 27th game, both teams have additional challenges and opportunities to prove themselves. On February 11, 2025, Poultney will host West Rutland at home, which could be a crucial rematch as both teams continue their push for district supremacy.

Conclusion

With Poultney still finding its footing and West Rutland maintaining an undefeated streak, this matchup promises to be an exciting contest. West Rutland’s offensive firepower and solid defense will be tough for the Panthers to overcome, but if Poultney can capitalize on their scoring potential in the later stages of the game and tighten up defensively, they may be able to pull off an upset. Fans of both teams will surely be in for an exciting game on December 27th.