NEWPORT — In first-round high school boys’ basketball playoff action this week, Middlebury advanced, but Mount Abraham and Vergennes were eliminated.
The Tigers, seeded No. 6 in Division II, ousted No. 11 Lamoille, 66-58 on Wednesday. The 10-11 Lancers erased the Tigers’ 35-26 halftime advantage to take a one-point lead entering the fourth quarter, but Coach John Howe said “strong defense and a few heads-up plays” allowed the Tigers to prevail.
Senior Tyler Buxton sparked MUHS with 31 points, 15 rebounds, four steals, and three assists, and classmate Tim Goettelmann added 10 points and five steals. Junior Gabe Dunn contributed eight points and seven assists for MUHS.
The 12-9 Tigers will next take on No. 3 Montpelier (18-3) on Saturday at 2 p.m.
On Tuesday host No. 4 North Country knocked No. 13 Mount Abe out of the D-II playoffs, 68-49.
The setback ended a competitive campaign for the 8-13 Eagles, who lost eight regular-season games by 10 points or fewer, six by five points or fewer.
Brett Roy (17 points) and Corbin Brueck (16) paced the 17-4 Falcons. North Country led at the half, 36-16, and sank 28 of 41 free throw attempts.
Mount Abe senior Liam Kelliher tossed in 17 points for the Eagles, and juniors Quincy Cook and Griffin Paradee contributed 10 points apiece.
On Wednesday in D-III, No. 2 Randolph (14-7) knocked off No. 15 VUHS, 71-38.
Wyatt Messier sparked the Ghosts with 17 points and 12 rebounds. 
Despite the efforts of seniors Kevin Jackson (13 points) and Luke Bergmans (12), the Commodores finished 0-21.