BARRE – The Vermont Principals Association (VPA) announced earlier this month that there will be scheduling changes implemented for the Divisions II, III, and IV high school basketball girls’ and boys’ semifinal games at the Barre Auditorium next March.
For the first time in school history, both the Hazen Union girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball programs earned No. 1 seeds and made it to the Division III championship game last winter, with the Lady Cats cutting down the nets at the Aud for the first time since 1991. Championship runs over the years have been aided or hindered by luck of the draw scheduling with various teams playing their title games on unequal rest. The new changes in March hope to remedy that, with the VPA along with the Barre Tournament Committee shifting each division to now playing their semifinal games on the same night. Both the boys’ and girls’ state tournaments will continue to be played during separate, consecutive weeks.
While this change by the VPA to maximize the fairness and integrity of the state tournament will more than likely be welcomed with open arms by players and coaches around the state, a new fan protocol that will be implemented at the Aud in March may not get the same reception. In the past, a semifinal ticket at the Barre Auditorium gave the fan a seat to multiple semifinal games without exiting the building. The new protocol will now require the gymnasium to be cleared at the conclusion of each semifinal game. Fans who purchased tickets for the next scheduled semifinal match-up will then enter the gymnasium and exited fans who wish to take in more high school basketball that night will be required to purchase an additional ticket. According to a VPA’s statement, the adjustment is so “that both games and their respective spectators have ample access to seating within the Barre Auditorium without disruption. By clearing the gym between games, attendees can enjoy the full excitement of each matchup without compromise.”
Boys’ head coach and Hazen Union athletic director Aaron Hill has led his Wildcat program to 15 Final Fours and 11 state title game appearances, bringing six division III state championships back to the town of Hardwick during his 25 years on the sidelines. He’s not so sure this change in protocol enhances the fan experience going forward.
“I think the move to put all the division semifinal games on the same night makes sense, but I am concerned about clearing the gym between games. I don’t think people should have to now pay double to see two games. I’m concerned that the price along with the earlier start time to the first game could result in lower attendance,” said Hill.
VPA Assistant Executive Director Lauren Young has stated that the changes implemented by the VPA are not motivated by money in any way and claims that more tickets will now be available to each team’s fan bases.
“These changes are aimed at optimizing the tournament for players, coaches, and most importantly, the fans who make this event so special,” said Thomas, in a statement.
The VPA additionally stated, “The VPA at the Aud has a rich history of fostering camaraderie, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit within Vermont’s basketball community. With these new enhancements, the 2025 tournament promises to be the most memorable yet,”
