ESSEX — Two local high school basketball all-stars and one who will play in these parts next winter helped the Vermont boys defeat New Hampshire, 89-84, in Saturday’s Twin State Basketball Classic pitting recent high school graduates from each state in games played at Essex High School.
The New Hampshire girls defeated Vermont, 61-59, despite the coaching work of Mount Abraham’s Connie LaRose. No local athletes played for the Green Mountain State.
Otter Valley forward Ryan Kelley chipped in nine points in the Vermont boys’ win, and Vergennes point guard Zach Ouellette also contributed his ballhandling skills. VUHS coach Peter Quinn reported a college coach observing the game said he was impressed with Ouellette’s ability to push the ball and create offense.
Middlebury College recruit and Missisquoi star Matt St. Amour led the Vermont boys with 18 points and eight rebounds, and he hit two key free throws in the late going after N.H. cut the lead to two.
Hartford’s Stephanie Grobe led the Vermont girls with nine points.
New Hampshire leads the all-time series, 19-12 on the girls’ side and 18-13 on the boys’ side.
The games had not been played in the past three years, but were revived this summer. Organizers intend to play next summer’s contests in New Hampshire.