Why This Directory Exists

Vermont basketball training doesn’t come with the same volume of options you’ll find in Massachusetts or Connecticut. That can actually be an advantage — fewer programs means families can get to know coaches personally, attend games, and make informed decisions based on real observation rather than marketing.

But it also means there’s less public information available. This page gathers what we know about Vermont’s basketball landscape — from VPA season structure and high school rankings to college programs and evaluation frameworks — so you can plan thoughtfully.

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Vermont Basketball Season Calendar: When Everything Actually Happens

This timeline exists to help you plan thoughtfully, not to create panic about deadlines. Understanding when different programs run helps families make decisions that fit their schedule rather than reacting to last-minute pressure.

High School Season (VPA)

• Early December: First practice allowed by the VPA (typically December 2)
• Mid-December: First games begin (typically December 13)
• December–February: Regular season — your school team’s primary focus across all four VPA divisions
• Late February–Early March: VPA playoff brackets released, playdowns and quarterfinals begin. Boys wrap first, girls follow about a week later.
• Early–Mid March: State semifinals and finals across D1–D4, often held at UVM’s Patrick Gymnasium in Burlington

AAU/Select Basketball Season

Here’s what surprises many Vermont families: AAU tryouts often start in late February and early March — while the high school season is still happening. Programs like Vermont Elite, Blueprint Basketball, and Rise To The Top form rosters quickly to prepare for spring tournaments.

• February–March: Tryouts happening (yes, during school season)
• March–April: Season launches after VPA state tournaments end
• April–May: Spring tournament season — many Vermont teams compete in New England regional events
• June–July: Peak summer tournaments — teams often travel to Massachusetts, Connecticut, and national events in Orlando or Las Vegas
• August: Season winds down, transition to fall training

Basketball Camps

• June: Early summer camps start
  • UVM Catamount Basketball Camps in Burlington
  • Vermont State University–Johnson summer basketball camps
  • Lone Wolf Athletics camps and clinics
• June–July: Peak camp season across Vermont — Blueprint Basketball clinics, Rise To The Top programs in Williston, and private trainer camps statewide
• August: Final summer opportunities before fall training begins

Year-Round Training

• September–November: Fall skill development season — programs like Swish League in Essex and Blueprint Basketball run fall leagues. Private trainers are typically busiest preparing players for school tryouts in December.
• March–July: The overlap season — AAU practices, tournaments, and camps all happening simultaneously. This is when families feel stretched.
• Anytime: Private training is available year-round in the Burlington metro area and Rutland. Availability thins in rural areas.

The Vermont Reality: If you’re in the Burlington metro area, you’ll have access to most AAU programs, camps, and private trainers. If you’re in the Northeast Kingdom, Rutland County, or the southern tier near Brattleboro, you’ll drive to Burlington or cross into New Hampshire and Massachusetts for select-level competition. That’s not a failure — that’s Vermont geography. Plan accordingly, and don’t let distance pressure you into committing to a program before you’re ready.

For official VPA season dates and schedules, visit the Vermont Principals’ Association basketball page. For coaching resources, the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association maintains season information and a coaches’ poll.

Types of Basketball Programs in Vermont

Each type serves a different need. None is inherently better — they’re tools for different stages of development and different family situations.

Vermont High School Basketball Rankings

Vermont’s VPA uses an Index Points system to rank and seed teams for the state tournament across four divisions (D1–D4). These rankings reflect this season’s competitive snapshot — they help you understand the landscape, not define any player’s potential.

College Basketball Programs in Vermont

Vermont is home to 8 college basketball programs spanning NCAA Division I through Division III. While that’s fewer options than most states, the range of competitive levels means there’s a realistic path for Vermont high school players who want to continue playing.

NCAA Division I

NCAA Division II

NCAA Division III

How to Evaluate Vermont Basketball Programs

Vermont’s smaller basketball market means you’ll likely know (or know of) many coaches and programs. That familiarity is valuable, but it doesn’t replace asking the right questions. Here’s what to look for — specific to Vermont’s unique landscape.

Questions to Ask Private Trainers

• In a market as small as Vermont, where many trainers also coach school teams, ask: are there any conflicts of interest between your training clients and your school team roster decisions?
• Vermont players often need to develop versatility since schools have smaller rosters. Does your training emphasize multiple positions and skills, or specialize in one area?
• With limited local competition for scrimmages, how do you create game-like pressure in training sessions?
• What connections do you have with college programs — particularly UVM, Saint Michael’s, and the D3 schools in Vermont?

Questions to Ask AAU/Select Programs

• Vermont AAU teams often travel to Massachusetts and Connecticut for tournaments. Get the full cost picture: season fees, tournament entry, travel expenses, and hotel costs for away weekends.
• Programs like Vermont Elite and Blueprint Basketball have different tournament schedules and travel expectations. Ask specifically: how many weekends require travel out of state?
• Vermont’s AAU season runs March through July. That’s a lot of commitment alongside school and other activities. What’s your policy on attendance flexibility for families managing multiple priorities?
• If your goal is college exposure, ask: which specific tournaments do you attend, and at what level are the college coaches who attend those events? AAU Northeast Conference events are different from local showcases.

Red Flags in Vermont’s Market

• Programs promising “Division I exposure” without specifics — UVM is Vermont’s only D1 school and recruits nationally. Vermont AAU alone won’t get a player noticed by UVM unless they’re competing in higher-level New England or national events.
• Trainers claiming to have produced college players without naming specific players and schools — in a state this small, those claims are easy to verify. Ask for names.
• AAU programs charging $1,500+ without clearly explaining where that money goes. Blueprint Basketball’s published range of $775–$1,250 gives you a reasonable benchmark for Vermont programs.
• Anyone suggesting your child must leave Vermont for AAU to have a shot at college basketball. Many Vermont players earn college opportunities through strong VPA seasons, school-based exposure, and targeted camp attendance.

Pricing Expectations in Vermont

• Private training: $50–$100/hour individual, $25–$50/hour group sessions
• Day camps: $150–$400 per week
• AAU/select teams: $775–$1,250/season plus tournament travel ($200–$600+ per tournament weekend for out-of-state events)
• Community leagues (Swish League, rec programs): $100–$500 per season

Vermont Basketball by City

Vermont’s basketball activity concentrates in a handful of population centers, with the Burlington metro area serving as the hub. Here’s what to know about basketball in each major community.

Whether you’re new to Vermont or new to basketball development, here’s a simple framework for navigating the process.