Open Court Clinic: D1 BFA St. Albans vs D1 Rice
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There was a playoff atmosphere in St. Albans Wednesday night. This one went down to the wire as BFA clawed back in the final frame. Check out who put the work in! Sharif Sharif Sharif Sharif 6'2" | PG Rice…
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Continue ReadingThere was a playoff atmosphere in St. Albans Wednesday night. This one went down to the wire as BFA clawed back in the final frame. Check out who put the work in!
Sharif Sharif Sharif Sharif 6'2" | PG Rice Memorial | 2023 State NLG , 6’2 G – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2023
It was another offensive masterpiece from Sharif as he finished with 29 points against a rugged defense in BFA. Sharif got to the rim often off of his shifty handle and shot fake. He finished wisely at the cup, using the rim to protect the ball from shot blockers. In addition, he racked up free throws and converted at a nice clip. In addition, Sharif dropped a couple threes and hit some pull-ups in the mid-range. The three-level scoring of Sharif is top tier in VT.
Drew Bessette Drew Bessette 6'7" | PF Rice Memorial | 2024 State NLG , 6’7 F – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2024
Steady and controlled, Drew punched in a 14-point performance with a number of rebounds and assists to go with. Bessette showed great versatility and poise on both ends in the one. He reeled in boards, hit quick outlets, and pushed the ball himself when the lanes were there. Drew finished his looks at a high percentage, both in the paint and on the perimeter, and held it down on the defensive end. His versatility is unmatched in the VPA.
Mo Kanneh, 6’7 F – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2023
Rice’s defensive anchor in the interior had a whole lot on his plate against a drive-heavy BFA offense. Nonetheless, Mo rotated well against BFA’s slashers and consistently contested shots without fouling. With his large frame and athleticism, he was a significant presence inside the paint on both ends. He finished a couple looks at the hoop, set solid screens out of RMHS’ sets, and ran the floor with great hustle. Kanneh’s insistence on doing the little things makes a big difference.
Abdi Sharif, 6’4 G – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2025
The defensive stopper was back at it. Abdi utilized his length and agility to quell some of the perimeter scoring of BFA. Sharif picked a few pockets on-ball and caused chaos in both RMHS’ full court and half court pressure. Naturally, he turned that defense into offense with heads up advance passes for transition finishes. In addition, Abdi rebounded the ball at a high rate. Sharif is cementing himself as one of the best perimeter defenders and rebounders in the VPA, and he’s only a sophomore.
Noah Earl Noah Earl 6'2" | CG BFA-St. Albans | 2023 State NLG , 6’3 G – BFA St. Albans High School Class of 2023
Noah’s impact on the game goes well beyond his ability to score. And on an evening where there seemed to be a lid on the bucket for Earl, he upped his production elsewhere. Noah defended at a high level on the perimeter, especially against ball screens. He forced tough shots and kept ballhandlers from getting to their spots with his strength and agility. He also rebounded at a good clip and facilitated on offense, garnering a number of assists. Noah was dynamic and effective regardless of point totals.
Will Hughes, 6’0 G – BFA St. Albans High School Class of 2024
Hughes was electric from the start. Will displayed his open court abilities and wise decision making early, finishing a number of tough plays in transition with his own finishes and with heady passes to teammates. In the halfcourt too, Will got to the rim well off of assertive attacks. His mid-range and three ball were falling as well, especially off the catch, and he led BFA with 21 points. Moreover, Will played tough perimeter defense and worked ballhandlers in full court pressure. A solid first impression from the junior guard.
Seth Richards, 6’7 F – BFA St. Albans High School Class of 2023
It had been a while since I’ve seen Seth on the floor, and I’ve got to say he’s looking polished as ever. Richards did his typical work running the floor for transition finishes and defensive coverage, plus he kept plays alive with his hustle and cleaned the glass. Yet on offense he showed really nice movement around the post. Richards cut well to the block to garner post position. And his movement behind the defense was exceptional. He cut wisely as drivers attacked and slipped behind for easy twos. Seth’s stock is rising.
Liam Howrigan, 6’3 W – BFA St. Albans High School Class of 2023
A rugged wing, Howrigan made a strong first impression. Liam showed his dynamic playstyle as he worked hard for boards on both ends, collected 50/50 balls with his physical pursuit of the rock, and attacked the cup. Howrigan used his strong frame all game and was adamant about getting to the rim. He drove to the rack and finished through the defense while collecting a number of fouls as well, finishing with 15 points. Howrigan showed exceptional two-way abilities and work ethic.