Vermont High school basketball predictions

The 2024 Vermont high school boys basketball playoffs are about to begin.  The road to a state championship started in November and after this week, only the 16 best teams will head to the final four (at UVM in D1, Barre Aud in D2, D3 and D4).  With that being said, here are my predictions of the teams who I believe will compete in the semis.

Division 1

It is a toss-up figuring out the 4 teams that will make it to Patrick Gym next week for the D1 semifinals.  CVU and Rice are the likely favorite with dominating regular season runs.  After that, St. Johnsbury and Rutland are the higher seeds, but don't sleep on Burlington (who knocked off Rice on Saturday) and South Burlington (who have the players that can pull off an upset or two).  But everyone in the first round has to be careful because we could see a few close calls like we did in 2023, especially in the north/south contests (MAU @ BFA, BRAT @ BUR, BBA @ COL).

Semifinals

Burlington vs. CVU

South Burlington vs. Rice

Championship Game

CVU vs. Rice

Division 2

Montpelier may be the defending state champions, but Hartford is #1 with a bullet after a program-record 19-win regular season.  The road to a championship showdown sees Harwood, North Country and Fair Haven as potential roadblocks.

Semifinals

Fair Haven vs. Hartford

Harwood vs. Montpelier

Championship

Montpelier vs. Hartford (Hurricanes win their first state championship since 1929)

Division 3

Hazen is on a revenge tour with Xavier Hill leading the way.  Defending champions Winooski would be their opponent in the Semifinals should they make it that far.  Thetford and White River Valley are in the mix on the bottom half of the bracket and either one of them can play spoiler.

Semifinals

Winooski vs. Hazen

White River Valley vs. Thetford

Championship

Thetford vs. Hazen

Division 4

The rankings in D4 changed dramatically over the last week.  West Rutland was #1 but dropped to 3 after a loss to Long Trail Friday night.  Danville and Grace Christian were the benefactors from that, moving ahead of the Golden Horde in the standings.

Semifinals

Twin Valley vs. Danville

West Rutland vs. Grace Christian

Championship

West Rutland vs. Danville