The Bellows Free Academy varsity basketball team (Fairfax, VT) will host a conference game against Richford (VT) today at 7 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Richford vs Bellows Free Academy
When: Today, February 17, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Richford vs Bellows Free Academy
As the Vermont high school basketball season progresses, two teams stand out in Division IV: the Richford Falcons and the Bellows Free Academy (BFA) Bullets. Their journeys have been vastly different, yet they remain key players in the district as the playoffs loom.
Season Overview
Richford boasts an impressive 14-5 overall record, with a strong 10-3 standing in district play. Their consistency, especially at home (8-2), has made them a formidable opponent. The Falcons have also dominated against common opponents, posting a 13-5 record in such matchups.
Meanwhile, Bellows Free Academy has struggled to find the same level of success, holding a 7-12 overall record and a 3-8 mark in district play. Their performances on the road (4-6) and at home (3-5) have been inconsistent, contributing to their lower standings. Against common opponents, the Bullets hold a 6-9 record, showing flashes of potential but lacking sustained momentum.
Head-to-Head Matchup
Richford and BFA faced off earlier this season in a closely contested game on January 10, where Richford secured a narrow 47-43 victory. The rematch, scheduled for February 17 at BFA, presents an opportunity for the Bullets to even the series and gain a confidence boost heading into the season’s final stretch.
Scoring Breakdown
Analyzing the team’s scoring trends highlights Richford’s edge in offensive efficiency. The Falcons average 58.3 points per game, with a strong finishing ability in the fourth quarter (17.0 points per game). Bellows Free Academy trails slightly, averaging 54.6 points per contest. Their second quarter has been their strongest (14.7 points), but a weaker third quarter (12.7 points) has often put them in difficult situations late in games.
Key Performances Against Common Opponents
Richford’s ability to dominate lesser opponents has been a key factor in their success. Notably, they secured a convincing 75-34 victory over Enosburg Falls on December 13, while BFA also won their matchup against Enosburg Falls but by a smaller margin (63-36). Similarly, Richford edged out Winooski in two tightly contested matchups, while BFA suffered two double-digit losses to the same opponent.
Bellows Free Academy, however, has shown resilience against some tough teams. Their thrilling 72-70 victory over Stowe on February 3 highlighted their potential, while Richford also secured two wins over Stowe by comfortable margins.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Richford is well-positioned for a strong playoff push, with their balanced scoring and defensive prowess setting them apart. Their ability to close out games effectively will be a crucial asset in postseason play. BFA, on the other hand, will need to find consistency and capitalize on their home-court advantage in upcoming matchups. If they can improve their late-game execution, they could become a dangerous underdog.
With another head-to-head battle looming, both teams have much to prove. Richford will look to solidify their dominance, while BFA aims to flip the script and pull off an upset. As Vermont high school basketball heats up, fans can expect an exciting finish to the season.
