Vermont’s Elite: Cast Your Vote for the Burlington Free Press Girls Basketball Preseason Player of the Year

The crisp echo of a dribble in a nearly empty gymnasium. The scent of polished hardwood. The anticipation of a new season. As Vermont’s landscape prepares for winter, a different kind of excitement is building for the 2025-26 high school girls basketball season. Before the first official tip-off, the spotlight turns to you, the passionate fans, players, and communities who fuel this vibrant sports culture. The Burlington Free Press, in partnership with Delta Dental, proudly presents your chance to shape the narrative: Vote now for the Vermont High School Girls Basketball Preseason Player of the Year.

This is more than a poll; it’s a celebration of the exceptional talent that graces courts from Bennington to the Northeast Kingdom. Our editorial team has meticulously compiled a ballot of the state’s premier returning stars, based on last season’s BFP All-State honors, coaches’ all-league selections, and coveted Dream Dozen recognition. These athletes have already etched their names in Vermont basketball lore. Now, it’s your turn to decide who enters this new campaign with the prestigious mantle of preseason player of the year. The ballot is live, and voting closes at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11—the eve of the regular season’s launch.

The Contenders: A Showcase of Vermont’s Finest

This year’s preseason watchlist is a testament to the depth and diversity of skill across all divisions. We’re looking at a field that includes dominant post presences, sharpshooting guards, and versatile forwards who can change a game on either end of the floor. While the official, comprehensive watchlist is being finalized for later publication, the players on this ballot represent the confirmed cream of the crop. These are athletes who have not only posted impressive statistics but have also demonstrated leadership, clutch performance, and a tangible will to win. From leading their teams deep into the playoffs at the University of Vermont’s Patrick Gymnasium to turning heads in regular-season showdowns, their resumes speak volumes.

Think of the player who seems to grab every critical rebound, the one whose defensive intensity sparks a game-breaking run, or the cold-blooded scorer who demands a double-team the moment she crosses half-court. They are likely on this list. This vote recognizes that foundational excellence and projects it forward onto the new season’s canvas.

Beyond the Stats: What Makes a Preseason Player of the Year?

Selecting a preseason honoree involves a unique calculus. It’s not just about last year’s points per game, though those certainly matter. Our expert analysis considers a holistic view of what elevates a player from standout to superstar. Here are the key factors that distinguish the frontrunners:

• Proven Production & Consistency: The ability to deliver night after night against every opponent’s best defensive scheme is paramount.
• Leadership & Intangibles: How does a player elevate her teammates? Does she command respect in huddles and lead by example through work ethic?
• Clutch Performance: A true player of the year candidate shines brightest when the pressure is highest, in tight fourth quarters and playoff atmospheres.
• Two-Way Impact: The best players don’t take possessions off. We value lockdown defenders and rebounders as highly as prolific scorers.
• Anticipated Growth: Based on their trajectory, which player is poised for an even more dominant campaign in the 2025-26 season?

This award, powered by Delta Dental, also symbolizes the overall health and strength of Vermont school sports. Just as Delta Dental promotes wellness for athletes, this recognition highlights the robust and competitive spirit thriving in girls basketball across the state.

The Fan’s Voice: How and Why to Vote

This is where you take center stage. The Burlington Free Press preseason player of the year award carries weight because it is infused with the voice of the Vermont basketball community. Your vote is a powerful show of support for these remarkable young women. We encourage every fan, parent, student, and teammate to participate.

Athletes: This is your moment. Mobilize your support system. Share the voting link with your family, friends, and across your social media platforms. Let your community rally behind you as you embark on this new journey. This vote is a testament to your hard work and a thrilling way to kick off your final campaign or next chapter.

The process is simple: Visit the Burlington Free Press sports page, find the dedicated voting ballot, and select your choice. You can vote as often as you like before the deadline of 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11. Every click is a celebration of Vermont girls basketball. And while you’re there, be sure to also check out and participate in the vote for the Vermont H.S. boys basketball preseason player of the year, also powered by Delta Dental.

Tip-Off Expectations and Season Predictions

This preseason vote is the opening act to what promises to be a captivating winter drama. The players vying for this honor will be at the heart of their teams’ championship aspirations. We anticipate that the winner of this fan vote will not only carry that momentum into opening night but will also be a central figure in the conversation for postseason accolades.

Look for these stars to face even greater challenges as opponents design entire game plans to stop them. The true measure of a player of the year is how they adapt and overcome that heightened attention. Will they become more efficient distributors? Will they expand their range or add a new post move? The answers to those questions will define the season. Furthermore, the competition within this elite group will raise the level of play across the state, making every matchup must-see basketball and setting the stage for unforgettable playoff battles come March.

Your Vote, Your Legacy

As the countdown to December 11th continues, the energy is palpable. This vote is more than a popularity contest; it’s a communal recognition of excellence, a way to honor the dedication these athletes show year-round. The player who emerges victorious will do so with the backing of a passionate state that values grit, skill, and sportsmanship.

So, make your voice heard. Analyze the contenders, champion your favorite, and engage in the debate that makes sports fandom so rich. The journey to Patrick Gymnasium and the 2026 state championships begins now, with your click. Vote for the Burlington Free Press Girls Basketball Preseason Player of the Year, powered by Delta Dental, and help us crown the player who will define the season before it even begins. The court is yours.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.

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