As the 2024-2025 Vermont high school basketball season unfolds, two teams have shown distinct paths on the court: Richford and Bellows Free Academy (BFA) from Fairfax. With a range of wins and losses across both conference and non-conference games, the two teams continue to showcase their skills and strategies in a competitive season.

Richford’s Strong Performance

Richford’s boys’ basketball team has been in impressive form this season. With a solid 10-2 record overall, their performance in the district stands at an even stronger 7-1, giving them a winning percentage of .833. On the court, they have shown offensive prowess, averaging 58.8 points per game while holding opponents to 47.5 points on average. The team has been particularly strong at home, posting a 7-1 record at Richford, demonstrating the power of home-court advantage.

Their consistent scoring distribution across quarters—14.0 points in the first, 9.0 in the second, 13.0 in the third, and a high 17.0 in the fourth—suggests a well-rounded and resilient team capable of finishing games strong. The most recent win over BFA, 47-43, demonstrates their ability to close out tight contests. Looking ahead, Richford’s next challenge is an away game at Bellows Free Academy on January 31, 2025, which will be another key matchup in their campaign.

Bellows Free Academy’s Struggles

On the other side, Bellows Free Academy has had a more difficult season, sitting at 5-8 overall, with a 2-4 record in district play. Their scoring averages are a bit lower compared to Richford, with the team putting up 54.3 points per game while allowing an average of 54.9. Their second and third quarters show decent scoring, with 10.0 and 14.0 points respectively, but they have been challenged to maintain consistency in the final quarter, averaging just 14.5 points in the fourth.

BFA’s performance at home has been more favorable than on the road, posting a 3-1 home record but struggling with a 3-5 record away. In their previous game against Richford, BFA fell short, losing by a narrow 47-43 margin. Despite the loss, BFA continues to fight through a challenging schedule and will aim to bounce back as they prepare for the rematch on their home court.

Head-to-Head: A Competitive Rivalry

The most recent head-to-head meeting between these two teams on January 10, 2025, saw Richford narrowly defeat Bellows Free Academy 47-43. This closely contested game revealed the competitive nature of both squads. Richford was able to edge out the victory despite the balanced offensive attack from BFA. The upcoming game on January 31 will surely be another exciting matchup as both teams look to capitalize on their strengths.

Common Opponents: A Shared Path

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, providing further insight into how they measure up against similar competition. Richford’s record against common opponents is 9-2, while BFA has a 4-5 record against the same teams. Notable games include Richford’s dominant wins over Enosburg Falls (75-34, 64-30) and Stowe (58-33), while BFA also found success against Stowe (60-48), but struggled against teams like Danville and Winooski.

Upcoming Games and Playoff Picture

As both teams continue to work through their schedules, the focus for Richford is maintaining their strong form and securing their position in the playoff picture. For Bellows Free Academy, they will need to string together victories to turn their season around and keep playoff hopes alive. Their next few games against teams like Winooski, Stowe, and Williamstown will be crucial in determining their postseason fate.

In summary, while Richford is currently in a stronger position, Bellows Free Academy has shown resilience and determination throughout the season. The January 31 game promises to be another exciting chapter in this season’s rivalry, with both teams hoping to push their way to the top of the standings. Fans can expect an intense matchup as these two teams battle it out in Vermont high school basketball.