The Bellows Free Academy (St. Albans, VT) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against Rice Memorial (South Burlington, VT) on Friday, February 14 at 7:30 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Rice Memorial vs Bellows Free Academy
When: Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 7:30. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Rice Memorial vs Bellows Free Academy

The Vermont high school basketball scene has been full of exciting action this season, with Rice Memorial and Bellows Free Academy (BFA) showcasing their talents in what promises to be an unforgettable match-up.

Team Performance Overview

Rice Memorial (24-25):
The Rice Memorial team has been performing exceptionally well this season, with a solid 15-4 record. Their district performance has been particularly impressive, boasting a 12-2 record and showing dominance both at home (6-1) and away (7-2). The team has a notable offensive presence, averaging 70.6 points per game, led by a strong showing in the third quarter where they score 19.0 points on average. With a win percentage of .789 overall and an even more impressive district percentage of .857, Rice Memorial has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in Vermont’s basketball landscape.

Bellows Free Academy (24-25):
On the other hand, Bellows Free Academy has faced more challenges, with an overall record of 8-11. However, the team has managed to shine in district play, securing a perfect 3-0 record. Their scoring average of 51.5 points per game highlights a struggle to keep pace with teams like Rice Memorial, especially in the second and third quarters where their scoring dips. With a district win percentage of 1.000, BFA has shown resilience in their local matchups, but their overall performance remains inconsistent with a win percentage of .421.

Head-to-Head Showdown

Rice Memorial recently triumphed in their last meeting with Bellows Free Academy, securing a dominant 74-56 victory in a non-conference game on January 14. This match-up will surely weigh on the minds of the BFA team as they prepare for their next contest against Rice Memorial on February 14. The upcoming game, scheduled for 7:30 PM at Bellows Free Academy, offers a chance for BFA to redeem themselves and prove they can compete at a higher level.

Common Opponents: A Comparative Look

Both teams have faced several of the same opponents throughout the season, offering a glimpse into their relative strengths and weaknesses. Rice Memorial has triumphed over tough teams like Mt. Mansfield, South Burlington, Essex, St. Johnsbury Academy, and Champlain Valley Union, boasting an impressive 12-2 record against common opponents. On the other hand, Bellows Free Academy has struggled against these same teams, posting a 4-10 record.

Notable matches include:

• Mt. Mansfield: Rice Memorial defeated them 68-56 (12/27/24), while BFA lost 55-51 (1/17/25).
• South Burlington: Rice Memorial swept their matchups with wins (68-58, 70-53, 70-53), while BFA lost both encounters (66-46, 51-35).
• Essex: Both teams met Essex with Rice Memorial coming out on top in three contests (81-70, 81-70, 85-55), while BFA secured only a single victory, 65-53 (1/18/25).

Rice Memorial’s performance against these teams speaks to their offensive firepower and ability to control games, while Bellows Free Academy’s struggles against these same opponents highlight the challenges they face.

Looking Ahead: Key Players and Strategies

As both teams prepare for their next meeting, all eyes will be on how Bellows Free Academy can adjust their strategies to better compete with Rice Memorial’s fast-paced offense. With BFA’s average points per game significantly lower than Rice Memorial’s, it will be essential for them to improve their scoring output, particularly in the second and third quarters, where they have struggled. Their defense, which has allowed an average of 1,113 points this season, will need to tighten up if they hope to keep pace.

Rice Memorial, on the other hand, will look to continue their momentum with strong performances from their top players. Their ability to score consistently throughout all four quarters will be key to maintaining their dominance in this rivalry.

Conclusion

Rice Memorial enters this game with a clear edge, having won the previous match-up decisively. However, Bellows Free Academy will be looking for redemption, hoping to use their undefeated district record as a foundation for an upset. Fans of Vermont high school basketball can expect an intense and competitive game as both teams strive to make their mark. The February 14 game at Bellows Free Academy is shaping up to be an exciting battle that will have major implications for both teams moving forward in the season.