The Oxbow (Bradford, VT) varsity basketball team will play a home non-conference game against Winooski (VT) on Friday, January 17, at 7 p.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Vermont High School Basketball
Who: Winooski vs Oxbow
When: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: Winooski vs Oxbow

As the 2024-2025 Vermont high school basketball season progresses, two teams, Winooski and Oxbow, have made notable marks in their respective divisions. Their season records provide a fascinating glimpse into their performances, with Winooski showing strong promise and Oxbow facing more challenges.

Winooski’s Strong Start

Winooski has posted a solid record so far this season, with an overall win-loss tally of 3-2. Within the district, they are performing even better, holding a 2-1 record. Their overall win percentage stands at a respectable .600, and they have achieved a district win percentage of .667. The team’s scoring has been solid, averaging 49.2 points per game, a figure that suggests a well-rounded offense.

Winooski’s strength lies not only in their ability to rack up wins but also in their consistent performance against common opponents. They’ve gone 2-1 in matchups against teams that Oxbow has also faced. Notably, Winooski’s victories have come against Bellows Free Academy (65-45) and Stowe (62-46), showcasing their offensive capabilities.

The team’s defense has also held steady, allowing only 218 points across five games. Their upcoming matchups, including a tough home stretch, will be crucial in maintaining their momentum and solidifying their standing within the league.

Oxbow’s Struggles

On the other hand, Oxbow has had a tougher road this season. With a 3-7 overall record, including a 0-2 district mark, the team has faced significant challenges. Their win percentage is .300 overall, with an even lower district win percentage of .000. Oxbow’s average points scored per game stands at 46.5, slightly behind Winooski’s, but they’ve struggled defensively, giving up 602 points across their 10 games.

Oxbow’s record against common opponents paints a sobering picture. The team has posted a 1-3 record in these matchups, with losses to teams like Danville (77-49) and Twinfield (70-67). Their only victory against a common opponent came against Blue Mountain, with a 53-43 win, but they will need to build on this performance to improve their overall record.

Record Breakdown

A breakdown of their respective records highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two teams:

• Overall Record: Winooski (3-2), Oxbow (3-7)
• District Record: Winooski (2-1), Oxbow (0-2)
• Home Record: Winooski (0-1), Oxbow (3-1)
• Away Record: Winooski (3-1), Oxbow (1-3)
• Non-League Record: Winooski (1-1), Oxbow (3-5)
• Playoff Record: Both teams have yet to play playoff games this season.

While Winooski’s balance of home and away success gives them an edge, Oxbow’s struggles on the road (1-3) have held them back. However, Oxbow has shown strength in neutral-site games, which may provide some hope for future matchups.

Common Opponents

In terms of common opponents, the two teams have faced several of the same schools with differing outcomes. Winooski holds a 2-1 record against these teams, while Oxbow has gone 1-3. Notably, Winooski defeated Bellows Free Academy and Stowe, while Oxbow faced tougher challenges in their losses to teams like Danville and Twinfield. These results further illustrate the gap in performance between the two teams when facing similar competition.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, both Winooski and Oxbow have several key matchups on the horizon that could shape their standing in the district and overall rankings. Winooski’s next few games against teams like Twinfield and Williamstown will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge. Oxbow, on the other hand, needs to bounce back from their tough district losses and find ways to close out games, particularly on the road.

For Winooski, their balanced offense and defensive capabilities will be key to continuing their strong season. For Oxbow, it’s all about consistency, defense, and finding ways to turn close losses into victories as they push for a stronger second half of the season.

As the Vermont high school basketball season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see if Winooski can maintain their success or if Oxbow can turn things around and start climbing the standings.