Lamoille Lancers Claim Historic D-II Basketball Crown

Underdog team shocks unbeaten Hartford in thrilling championship game

Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:50pm

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The Lamoille Lancers basketball team pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the heavily favored Hartford team to claim the Division II state championship in a dramatic game. Lamoille's coach Hosea Crittenden credited his team's confidence and belief in themselves as the key factors that allowed them to overcome the odds and defeat the previously unbeaten Hartford squad.

Why it matters

This victory marks a historic achievement for the small-town Lamoille Lancers, who were not expected to win against the dominant Hartford team. The win showcases the power of determination and self-belief, inspiring the local community and highlighting the unpredictability of sports.

The details

In the championship game, the Lamoille Lancers played with poise and aggression, refusing to be intimidated by their more acclaimed opponents. They executed their game plan effectively, making key plays down the stretch to secure the upset victory.

  • The championship game took place on March 14, 2026.

The players

Hosea Crittenden

The head coach of the Lamoille Lancers basketball team, who led his squad to the unexpected championship victory.

Lamoille Lancers

The underdog high school basketball team from Lamoille, Vermont that defeated the heavily favored Hartford team to claim the Division II state championship.

Hartford

The previously unbeaten high school basketball team that was upset by the Lamoille Lancers in the Division II state championship game.

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What they’re saying

“We just weren't scared of them. We believed that we were the better team.”

— Hosea Crittenden, Head Coach, Lamoille Lancers

What’s next

The Lamoille Lancers will be celebrated by their community and may receive additional recognition for their historic championship victory.

The takeaway

The Lamoille Lancers' triumph demonstrates the power of self-belief and the unpredictable nature of sports, inspiring underdogs everywhere to never count themselves out and to play with the confidence that they can achieve the seemingly impossible.