Burlington and Rice Vie for Vermont Basketball Supremacy

Two powerhouse programs seek more championship hardware in 2026 season

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:39pm

In the world of Division I boys basketball in Vermont, two teams have consistently risen above the rest over the years: Burlington High School and Rice Memorial High School. These two perennial powers are once again gearing up for the 2026 season, each aiming to add more championship trophies to their already impressive collections.

Why it matters

Burlington and Rice have dominated Vermont high school basketball for decades, combining for over 30 state titles. Their rivalry is deeply ingrained in the state's sports culture, with fans eagerly anticipating their matchups each season. The continued success of these two programs speaks to the strength of basketball in Vermont and the healthy competition that drives both teams to excellence.

The details

Both Burlington and Rice boast rich histories of basketball excellence. Burlington has won 18 state championships, the most of any program in Vermont. Rice is close behind with 14 titles. The two teams have met in the state championship game a remarkable 12 times, creating an intense and longstanding rivalry.

  • The 2026 high school basketball season in Vermont is set to tip off in November.

The players

Burlington High School

A perennial powerhouse in Vermont high school basketball, having won a record 18 state championships.

Rice Memorial High School

Another dominant force in Vermont basketball, with 14 state titles to their name, second only to Burlington.

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What’s next

The two teams will face off in the regular season in January 2026, with their highly anticipated rematch likely coming in the state championship game in March.

The takeaway

The continued success of Burlington and Rice in Vermont high school basketball underscores the state's passion for the sport and the healthy rivalry that drives both programs to excellence year after year.