The Peoples Academy (Morrisville, VT) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Thetford Academy (Thetford, VT) on Friday, February 14 at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Thetford Academy vs Peoples Academy
When: Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Thetford Academy vs Peoples Academy

As the Vermont high school basketball season progresses, two teams in the state’s Division III standings are creating a buzz: Thetford Academy and Peoples Academy. With contrasting records and styles, the upcoming matchups between these two teams promise to offer intriguing storylines. Let’s take a closer look at their performance and key statistics heading into their next game.

Thetford Academy: A Dominant Force

Thetford Academy is currently one of the top teams in Vermont’s Division III basketball league, boasting an impressive record of 13 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie overall. Their district record stands at 8-3-1, showing a solid presence both at home and away. The team has consistently outperformed opponents, with a win percentage of .794 and a district win percentage of .708. They have scored 933 points and allowed 785 points, demonstrating their efficiency on both ends of the court.

In terms of scoring, Thetford Academy averages 54.9 points per game. The team’s offensive strategy is spread out across all four quarters, with their highest scoring period being the third quarter, where they average 10 points per game. Key to their success is the leadership of Jack Lafayette, who stands out in multiple categories: points per game (23.6), rebounds (3.2), assists (4.2), steals (2.8), and blocks (0.2). Lafayette’s all-around play is a major factor in the team’s success this season.

Peoples Academy: Struggling to Find Consistency

On the other hand, Peoples Academy has faced significant challenges this season. With an overall record of 5 wins and 12 losses, they sit at the lower end of the standings. Their district record is even more concerning at 3-5, while they’ve struggled both at home (2-6) and away (3-5). Despite this, the team has fought hard, scoring 899 points but allowing 1,044 points, revealing difficulties in both defense and offense.

Peoples Academy’s offensive output is modest, averaging 52.9 points per game. They start strong in the first half, averaging 17 points in the first quarter and 16.5 points in the second, but struggle to maintain momentum in the second half. Jack Lafayette, who also plays for Thetford Academy, leads this team in points per game with just 5.0, showing the significant gap in star power between the two schools.

Head-to-Head: A Close Encounter

Peoples Academy claimed a narrow victory in the last matchup between these two teams on January 8, winning 59-53 at home. This game marked a crucial moment for both teams, with Peoples Academy demonstrating their ability to close out tight contests, while Thetford Academy fell short despite strong individual performances.

The upcoming rematch on February 14 promises to be a compelling affair. While Thetford Academy has dominated most of their season, Peoples Academy will look to build on their previous win and keep the momentum going. Given the team’s struggles, it’s clear that they will need a near-perfect performance to repeat their victory over Thetford Academy.

Common Opponents: A Tale of Two Teams

When comparing the performance of both teams against common opponents, the disparity in their records becomes more evident. Thetford Academy holds a 9-2-1 record against these teams, showing their dominance. Peoples Academy, however, has a much tougher time, managing only a 2-11 record against the same opponents. This further highlights Thetford Academy’s strength, particularly in high-pressure games.

Notable matchups against teams such as Randolph, Hazen, Williamstown, and Lake Region have seen Thetford Academy come out on top in most of their contests. On the other hand, Peoples Academy has faced setbacks against these same schools, underlining the uphill battle they face in their upcoming games.

Conclusion: The Rivalry Continues

As the season moves forward, all eyes will be on Thetford Academy and Peoples Academy, especially their next head-to-head meeting. While Thetford Academy appears to have the upper hand in terms of talent and record, Peoples Academy’s resilience should not be underestimated. They will need to rely on their teamwork, defense, and discipline to stay competitive in their remaining games.

The February 14 game between Thetford Academy and Peoples Academy will be a key matchup in determining the final standings in Division III. Will Thetford Academy continue its dominant form, or can Peoples Academy pull off another upset? Only time will tell, but this rivalry is sure to offer exciting basketball action down the stretch.