Good Eaton’: D1 CVU vs D2 Montpelier Coverage
It was an up-and-down affair with Montpelier’s high-pressure defense and CVU’s quick trigger shooting. Enjoy! Kyle Eaton, 5’8 G – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2024 In a game with lots of on-ball pressure, Kyle showed great agility,…
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Continue ReadingIt was an up-and-down affair with Montpelier’s high-pressure defense and CVU’s quick trigger shooting. Enjoy!
Kyle Eaton, 5’8 G – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2024
In a game with lots of on-ball pressure, Kyle showed great agility, change of pace, and ball security. Eaton displayed his numerous gears to ward off defenders, using quick footwork to create space as he set up the offense while constantly reminding defenders of his ability to blow by and get into the second layer. In addition, Eaton demonstrated his shot-making ability. He knocked down five or so threes with pretty good efficiency, mostly off the bounce. He can get hot in a hurry and at times takes heat check jumpers, but nonetheless he shot it with nice percentages. Defensively, Eaton hounded ballhandlers while maintaining good position and closed out shooters well with impressive quickness. Kyle was firing on all cylinders.
Tucker Tharpe Tucker Tharpe 6'6" | PF Champlain Valley | 2024 State New E , 6’6 F – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2024
Tharpe was electric on both ends of the court. His rim protection and rebounding were key to CVU’s defensive success as he must’ve reeled in double digit boards and tallied a few blocks at the hoop as well. Tucker’s timing, positioning, and verticality around the rim were on display as he contested shots straight up and with good elevation, often collecting rebounds with his quick second jump. Tharpe also showed his offensive arsenal. He took a couple boards coast-to-coast for finishes, one for a nice two-hand jam. He also made some nice perimeter moves to get to the cup and worked the post for finishes + free throws. Tucker posted a double-double as his two-way ability shined through.
Sam Sweeney, 6’2 G – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2023
Sweeney is someone who glues together CVU’s gameplan. Sam makes sure to hit guys in their spots, feeding Tucker with post touches and others with timely passes as they came off of screens and cuts. In addition, the lefty demonstrated his own scoring abilities. Sweeney hit numerous threes, many within the flow of the offense off of wise relocation, and a couple from a few feet beyond the arc. Moreover, he got inside the second layer with crafty moves and found teammates for finishes and kick outs. Defensively, Sam applied good on-ball pressure and rotated well when scrambling, closing out with choppy steps and measured contests. Sweeney has good feel for the game and high IQ.
Ronnie Riby-Williams, 6′ G – Montpelier High School Class of 2023
A next level athlete, Ronnie has great agility, strength, and athleticism. He applied those traits most often defensively, hawking ballhandlers with tough on-ball D where he forced multiple turnovers and collected steals himself. He’s also a wise off-ball defender as he reads passing lanes well and closes out with quick footwork and a hand to challenge shots. Ronnie jumped a few passes and got out in transition where he finished with strong takes to the rim, one being a tomahawk jam. In the halfcourt, Ronnie continued to do damage in the paint. He’s apt to go strong off of two feet and can finish through contact down low. A vertical rebounder with lots of hustle to go with it, Ronnie has nice two-way game.
Carter Bruzzese, 5’11 G – Montpelier High School Class of 2025
Bruzzese put in a lot of work on both ends of the court. Carter applied full court pressure all game and showed nice footwork + positioning to hang with guys. Even when he did get beat, Bruzzese was back in the play in an instant and rotated wisely as teammates adjusted. A natural floor general, Bruzzese was at the helm and guided Montpelier offensively. He displayed good ball security, got teammates into sets, and showed some scoring himself. Carter has a smooth stroke from deep and finished a few crafty moves around the rim. Moreover, his passing made those around him better as he found guys with on time and on target looks for shots. Carter is steady and skilled.
Carson Cody, 6’1 G/W – Montpelier High School Class of 2025
Long and agile, Carson has unique game. He’s your prototypical wing with his length and footwork, yet he can occupy numerous areas on the floor offensively. Cody showed wise cuts into the high and low post, and the short corner, making nice moves for short-range jumpers and drawing fouls around the rim. In addition, Carson knocked down a couple of tough threes, showing nice inside-out ability. Defensively, Carson’s length allows him to contest jumpers without overcommitting and he showed nice rotations when scrambling and closed well on shooters. Cody is someone I’ll be keeping tabs on.