Vt. HS Boys D-2, 3 and 4 title previews by the numbers
As part of my prep to cover the Divisions 2, 3 and 4 high school boys state championship game, here’s a look at three match-ups strictly by the numbers.
One interesting note to start you off, in each division there is a team that has never won a state title. Having three teams win their first state title - especially in that venue - on the same day would be a spectacle.
Division 2
No. 7 Enosburg (15-8) vs. No. 1 Woodstock (23-0), 3:45 p.m.
With a win over the undefeated Wasps the Enosburg Hornets would make history in a couple regards.
The Hornets have never won a state title in boys basketball and they would be the lowest seed to ever win a Division 2 title. Back in 1980, Winooski was a No. 6 seed and won the title.
The last time Enosburg competed for a title was in 1992. The other title-game losses were in 1984, 1986, 1987 and 1991.
The Hornets are a young team and after a 1-5 start it’s remarkable they are playing for the title. With this youth, this could be the start of a long run of trips to The Aud.
This is the first title game appearance for Woodstock since 2002. The Wasps have won four state titles and this is their 11th title game appearance. Their last title win was in 1999. They won the 1998, 1965 and 1964 titles, as well.
The teams did not play each other this season and have never met in the playoffs.
Division 3
No. 4 Rivendell (19-4) vs. No. 3 Williamstown (19-4), 7:30 p.m.
Unlike in Division II where the teams are unknown to each other, the Rivendell-Williamstown recent playoff history is reaching epic proportions, but only the Blue Devils are happy about that.
The teams have met on the bouncy Barre Auditorium floor for the last three seasons.
Williamstown is seeking its fourth straight title. Do the math. The Blue Devils have been the hammer in this relationship and the Raptors have been the nail.
Here are those past meetings
2014 - Semifinals - Williamstown 67, Rivendell 41
2013 - Semifinals - Williamstown 60, Rivendell 54
2012 - Finals - Williamstown 66, Rivendell 42
Also
2006 - First round - Williamstown 59, Rivendell 49.
The teams played twice in the regular season
Feb. 6 - Williamstown 64, Rivendell 59
Feb. 18 - Williamstown 77, Rivendell 58
If Rivendell can overcome all of those past defeats and win Saturday’s game, they’re be many reasons to rejoice - including a first-ever boys basketball title for the school.
The only other time the Raptors were in the finals was in 2012.
Williamstown would run it’s title streak to four straight with a win and it would be the seventh in school history. This is the fifth finals appearance in six years for the Blue Devils, who have built an impressive dynasty.
The Blue Devils - one of three teams to make the finals despite opening-game losses - started the season 1-3. They are 18-1 since.
Division 4
No. 4 Proctor (17-6) vs. No. 3 Sharon (20-3), noon
Sharon has the better record, better seed and a rabid fan base, but Proctor has the pedigree.
The Sharon Academy - fans serenaded the players with chants of T-S-A! in the semis - is playing in its’ first state title game.
Proctor is playing in its’ 23rd.
The teams did not play in the regular season.
The met once in the playoffs.
2007 - Semifinals - Proctor 50, Sharon 34
Proctor’s last title was in 2010 - the last of five straight championships.