State Champions! Panthers Defeat Hazen to Take Second Consecutive Title
March 11, 2025
Go Panthers! In a showdown at the Barre Auditorium last weekend, Thetford Academy’s Panthers defeated the Hazen Wildcats 58-44 to take the Division III state title for the second year in a row. This was the Panthers’ 4th crown in seven seasons and eighth overall. The team entered the playoffs in the second seed with a solid 17-3 season record. In the semifinals, the Panthers breezed over Winooski 62-46 in game that the Valley News described as having “little drama” and an impressive defensive strategy.
On Saturday, the Panthers opened with a a “red hot first half” and executed their well-practiced defense to take the win. Senior Hunter Clay credited Coach Jason Gray’s for the team’s success, telling Valley News ““That’s four years of having one of the best coaches in the state.” Gray for his part, puts the credit back to his athletes: “These guys worked so hard and deserve it so much. I’m happy to be the coach who helped put them where they are.” The Panthers graduate six seniors from the team: Hunter Clay, Spencer Durkee, Dempsey McGovern, Liam Murphy, Dillon Vance, and Matt Vivian.
To read more about the Panthers’ “Journey to the Tourney” check out the Valley News sports coverage from Thursday’s semifinal game and the championship game. To view additional photos from the game, visit the website of Thetford Academy’s wonderful volunteer photographer, Dan Grossman.
Congratulations, Panthers, we are proud of you!
