VT Introductions: Preseason Preview of Premier Forwards
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In a state not well known for big bodies and dynamic forwards, these guys challenge that belief. Check out five of Vermont’s top forwards! Drew Bessette Drew Bessette 6'7" | PF Rice Memorial | 2024 State New E , 6’7…
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Continue ReadingIn a state not well known for big bodies and dynamic forwards, these guys challenge that belief. Check out five of Vermont’s top forwards!
Drew Bessette Drew Bessette 6'7" | PF Rice Memorial | 2024 State New E , 6’7 F – Rice Memorial High School Class of ’24
Drew is the state’s best example of the modern stretch forward. Bessette is long and athletic, able to switch throughout a possession on defense and hold it down inside and on the perimeter as well. He’s an emphatic shot blocker, but his sheer length disrupts passing windows and shot attempts without the need of over-committing to a block attempt. Furthermore, he rebounds exceptionally well and sparks fastbreaks with heady outlets while harboring the ability to lead the break himself. Offensively savvy, Drew can score at all three levels, whether that’s from his own creation in an iso or off a drive, or within the flow of the offense, such as a dump into the post. Bessette is a prolific scorer and a top prospect in the state.
Logan Vaughan, 6’4 F – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of ’23
One of the first things I caught on to when watching Logan play was his offensive arsenal. He has clever footwork and feints in the post and is comfortable finishing with the right or left baby hook, unlocking a variety of moves and counters that keep the defense guessing. Moreover, he can facilitate from the post position, setting up cutters and shooters with on point passes. Defensively, Vaughan has a strong frame, utilizing it well to leverage guys out of position or box out to clean the glass. Lastly, he’s able to defend inside or out, keeping with guys on the perimeter and rotating back inside when possible. Logan has a good sense of the game on both sides of the ball.
Mo Kanneh, 6’6 F – Rice Memorial Union High School Class of ’23
Watching Mo on the defensive side of the ball is a treat. Kanneh effects the entire floor with constant communication and defensive savvy. Mo clogs driving lanes intuitively while staying ready to deflect interior passes. Moreover, he has a great sense of where offensive players are cutting into the lane, moving his feet quickly to challenge every pass or shot within the paint. With his impressive strength and athleticism, Mo rebounds exceptionally well and keeps his eyes up for fastbreak opportunities. Lastly, Kanneh is a problem inside on offense, filling it up with baby hooks, dunks, and a short-range jumper, finding most of his scoring opportunities in the post or pick-and-roll. Mo is a defensive pillar and an offensively sound forward.
Tucker Tharpe Tucker Tharpe 6'6" | PF Champlain Valley | 2024 State New E , 6’5 F – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of ’24
Tucker is a long and strong forward who’s comfortable handling the ball on the wing just as much as in the post. Tharpe can create looks with strong drives to the rim, often finishing through contact or by being patient and finding the open man with a dump pass or a kick out. He can knock down shots at all three levels, being most efficient off the catch. Defensively, Tharpe is as switchable as they come. He’s got quick feet to defend guards, the length to defend wings, and the strength to battle in the paint. Tucker is a plug and play in most any system.
Seth Richards, 6’4 F – BFA St. Albans Class of ’23
Seth is a defensive leaning inside presence. He’s got great length and athleticism to bother drivers and post players inside and the will to compete with anyone. Richards is a hustle player who does the dirty work cleaning the glass, being physical in the post, setting hard screens on offense and forcing second chance opportunities through sheer will. He finishes well inside the paint with hook shots over the top of defenders and finishes at the rim. I look forward to seeing more of him come winter.