As the 2024-2025 Vermont high school basketball season unfolds, both Vergennes and Stowe find themselves grappling with early challenges. With no wins yet this season, the two teams are striving to establish their rhythm and turn things around. Here’s a breakdown of their performance so far, along with an analysis of their strengths and areas for improvement.

Team Overview: Vergennes Commodores

Current Record: 0-2

Vergennes has had a tough start, dropping their first two games, both at home. Despite close contests, the Commodores have struggled to close games. Their most recent matchup against Danville resulted in a 47-41 loss, highlighting both their potential and the need for stronger finishes.

Key Stats:

• Points For (PF): 88 (44.0 per game average)
• Points Against (PA): 96
• Home Record: 0-2
• Scoring Trends: Vergennes averages 44 points per game but needs to improve defensively to keep opponents below their scoring average.

Upcoming Challenges:

Vergennes has a packed schedule with matches against competitive teams like Williamstown and Peoples Academy. Developing consistency in offense and defense will be crucial to securing their first win of the season.

Team Overview: Stowe Raiders

Current Record: 0-1

Stowe has only played one game so far, a 64-54 loss at home to Milton. While their scoring average of 54 points per game is higher than Vergennes, defensive lapses allowed Milton to edge them out.

Key Stats:

• Points For (PF): 54
• Points Against (PA): 64
• Home Record: 0-1
• Scoring Trends: Stowe has shown promising offensive potential but must tighten their defense to compete against top-tier teams.

Upcoming Challenges:

With games scheduled against Danville and Williamstown, Stowe has opportunities to recalibrate and gain momentum. The Raiders need to focus on executing under pressure, especially in close games.

Common Ground: Shared Opponents

Both teams face overlapping challenges in their schedules, with matchups against Danville, Williamstown, Twinfield, and Peoples Academy. While Vergennes has already faced Danville, Stowe will play them later in the season. These common opponents will serve as benchmarks for gauging progress and potential.

Shared Opponent Record:

• Vergennes: 0-1 (vs. Danville)
• Stowe: 0-0

Key Focus Areas for Improvement

1. Defense: Both teams need to tighten their defensive efforts. Vergennes has allowed an average of 48 points per game, while Stowe has given up 64 in their sole contest.
2. Closing Games: Both teams have kept games competitive but need to develop better strategies to secure wins in the final minutes.
3. Offensive Consistency: Stowe’s higher scoring average (54.0) gives them an edge, but Vergennes must aim to improve offensive production to stay competitive.

Looking Ahead

While the start of the season has been challenging for Vergennes and Stowe, the high school basketball calendar is long and filled with opportunities. With determination and focus on improvement, both teams have the potential to turn their seasons around and make a statement in Vermont basketball.

Fans and supporters will be watching eagerly as these squads battle through their schedules, looking for their first wins and a chance to build momentum for a strong finish to the season.