The Champlain Valley Union (Hinesburg, VT) varsity basketball team will host South Burlington (VT) for a home conference game on Friday, January 17, at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: South Burlington vs Champlain Valley Union
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: South Burlington vs Champlain Valley Union

As the Vermont high school basketball season continues to heat up, two teams in the same district are making waves with their competitive performances. South Burlington and Champlain Valley Union (CVU), both with a 5-4 overall record, are preparing for an exciting showdown that promises to be a highlight of the season.

Team Performance Overview

South Burlington has posted a strong start with a 5-4 overall record, and has an impressive 4-1 home record. The team has performed well at home but faced some challenges on the road, with a 1-3 away record. South Burlington’s offense averages 60.3 points per game, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to scoring across all quarters.

On the other hand, Champlain Valley Union has also secured a 5-4 overall record, but with a slightly less consistent performance in district play. Their 2-3 district record shows they may have more ground to cover in their own conference. CVU’s average scoring per game stands at 49.3, with notable peaks in the first two quarters (23.0 in Q1 and 22.0 in Q2) but a more subdued performance in the second half (18.0 in Q3 and 10.0 in Q4). This discrepancy in scoring could be something for both teams to focus on when they meet.

Key Matchups

The first game between South Burlington and Champlain Valley Union is scheduled for January 17, 2025, at 7 PM at Champlain Valley Union in Hinesburg, VT. Both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs, but this matchup could prove to be a crucial turning point as both teams look to build momentum.

The return game at South Burlington is set for February 18, 2025, at 7 PM, providing an additional opportunity for each team to fine-tune their strategies and adjust their gameplay. These games will not only have implications for district standings but could also play a pivotal role in playoff positioning.

Common Opponents

Both South Burlington and Champlain Valley Union share several common opponents this season, giving fans a comparative look at how each team fares against similar competition:

• Rutland: Both teams fell to Rutland, with South Burlington losing 59-54 at home and CVU losing 52-40 at home.
• Burr & Burton: South Burlington triumphed 63-45 at home, while CVU will face them on February 14.
• Burlington: South Burlington faced Burlington at home but suffered a tough loss, 80-56. CVU also fell to Burlington on January 3, 71-35.
• Bellows Free Academy: Both teams found success against Bellows Free Academy, with South Burlington winning 66-46 at home and CVU winning 48-33 at home.
• Rice Memorial: Both teams lost to Rice Memorial, with South Burlington falling 68-58 and CVU losing 62-42 on the road.

These matchups highlight both teams’ ability to compete against strong opponents but also reveal some vulnerabilities, particularly on defense and late-game performance.

Looking Ahead

Both South Burlington and Champlain Valley Union will need to capitalize on their strengths while addressing areas where they’ve struggled. South Burlington’s higher scoring average and strong home record give them an edge in their upcoming game. However, CVU’s ability to explode early in games could challenge South Burlington’s defense, especially as they look to limit scoring in the second half.

As the season progresses, the head-to-head battles between these two teams will likely become more significant, shaping their playoff hopes. For fans, these games offer a fantastic opportunity to witness high school basketball at its best, with the promise of intense competition and thrilling finishes.

The game on January 17 marks the first chapter in this rivalry for the 2024-2025 season—don’t miss it!