The Vermillion (SD) varsity basketball team will host Groton (SD) for a non-conference game on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Game Details:
- Matchup: Groton vs Vermillion
- Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Live stream: Watch Here
Groton vs. Vermillion: A Comparative Analysis of the 2024-25 Season
The 2024-25 basketball season has showcased two strong teams in South Dakota—Groton and Vermillion. Both teams have demonstrated their prowess on the court, securing impressive records, but how do they truly compare? Let’s break down their performances, strengths, and weaknesses.
Season Overview
Groton has put together a solid season with an 8-4 overall record, including an undefeated 4-0 mark in regional play. Vermillion, on the other hand, holds a stronger 11-3 overall record, though they have struggled within their region, going 1-2.
| Team | Overall | Region | Home | Away | Neutral | Win % | Region % | Points For (PF) | Points Against (PA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groton | 8-4 | 4-0 | 3-2 | 4-2 | 1-0 | .667 | 1.000 | 757 | 542 |
| Vermillion | 11-3 | 1-2 | 3-3 | 5-0 | 3-0 | .786 | .333 | 911 | 665 |
Vermillion holds a higher win percentage (.786) compared to Groton (.667), and they have scored more total points (911 to Groton’s 757). However, Groton has dominated regional play, making them a strong contender within their classification.
Scoring Breakdown
Examining their scoring trends across quarters, Groton starts strong but slows down in the fourth quarter. Vermillion, however, tends to build momentum as the game progresses.
| Quarter | Groton | Vermillion |
| Q1 | 17.5 | 10.0 |
| Q2 | 17.5 | 11.0 |
| Q3 | 19.5 | 20.0 |
| Q4 | 11.0 | 16.0 |
| Final | 63.1 | 65.1 |
Groton takes early control, averaging 17.5 points in the first two quarters, while Vermillion starts slower but picks up in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter, where they outscore Groton significantly.
Performance Against Common Opponents
Both teams have faced similar challenges against common opponents, with mixed results.
| Date | Groton Opponent | Result | Date | Vermillion Opponent | Result |
| 12/20/24 | West Central | L 54-38 | 12/17/24 | West Central | L 64-62 |
| 1/11/25 | Lennox | L 63-55 | 1/16/25 | Lennox | L 58-36 |
| 1/18/25 | Dakota Valley | L 70-64 | 2/11/25 | Dakota Valley | TBD |
| 2/1/25 | Dell Rapids | W 67-41 | 1/30/25 | Dell Rapids | W 57-53 |
Both teams struggled against West Central and Lennox but managed to secure wins against Dell Rapids. Groton has played one more common opponent game so far, which could provide more clarity as the season progresses.
Home vs. Away Performance
Vermillion has been dominant on the road, boasting a 5-0 away record compared to Groton’s 4-2. However, Groton has been slightly stronger at home (3-2) versus Vermillion’s 3-3. Vermillion’s 3-0 neutral court record suggests they perform well in tournament settings, which could be a key factor in postseason play.
| Team | Home | Away | Neutral |
| Groton | 3-2 | 4-2 | 1-0 |
| Vermillion | 3-3 | 5-0 | 3-0 |
Conclusion
While Vermillion holds a better overall record and has a strong road presence, Groton’s regional dominance cannot be ignored. Groton’s ability to secure wins early in games gives them an edge, but Vermillion’s second-half strength makes them dangerous. Their matchup, should they meet in the postseason, would be a battle of contrasting styles.
