Grit and Grind: D1 MMU vs D1 RHS
Rutland traveled upstate to take on a defensively minded Mount Mansfield squad, giving them a run for their money until the second half came around. Check out this bit full of defensive prowess. Eli Pockette, 5’11 G – Rutland High…
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Continue ReadingRutland traveled upstate to take on a defensively minded Mount Mansfield squad, giving them a run for their money until the second half came around. Check out this bit full of defensive prowess.
Eli Pockette, 5’11 G – Rutland High School Class of 2023
It was clear from the jump that much of RHS’ offense runs through Eli. RHS had a couple sets they worked through, but regardless, Pockette was the creator of most of it. He was patient within the sets but when RHS couldn’t get anything going he stepped up. Eli broke the defense down in 1v1 and ball screen situations, and he got to his spots at all three-levels. In classic Rutland fashion, Pockette played gritty man-to-man defense in the halfcourt. His on-ball defense and help rotations were solid, but his ability to get through screens became a concern as his matchup got hot off of catch-and-shoot threes. Overall, Eli put work in on both ends.
Aidan Johnston, 6’5 F – Mount Mansfield Union High School Class of 2023
Johnston kept MMU afloat when the going got tough offensively. MMU had only hit three shots after 12 minutes of game time and it was Aidan who sparked a run with numerous tough finishes around the cup. He battled for offensive boards and finished through the defense with nice physicality and elevation. In addition, Aidan showed flashes of his passing ability, sneaking wise slip passes around the post to the fellow big. Moreover, Johnston played hardnosed defense, rebounded the ball at a high clip, and ran the floor going both ways. His hustle and determination were key to MMU’s bounce back second half.
Owen Pinaud, 5’11 G – Mount Mansfield Union High School Class of 2023
An absolute dog on defense, Pinaud got the nod to take on Pockette, and understandingly so. His agility and footwork defensively showed how seriously he takes his craft. Owen talked constantly, got into the ballhandler to slip over screens, and his ability to recover when the ballhandler got outside his hips and drove impressed me. Moreover, Owen was highly efficient on the offensive end. He got MMU into sets and hit guys in their spots as they came off of screens and cuts. Plus, he finished a couple tough takes to the cup and hit four or five threes, which came off of good reads on down screens. Pinaud’s grimy defense, execution on offense, and shot making pushed MMU to a solid home win.
Luke Delbianco, 6’4 F – Rutland High School Class of 2023
Delbianco’s interior presence gave MMU trouble whenever he was on the floor. He’s a stout post defender and he used his frame well to bump cutters and prevent post players from garnering advantageous positioning. Moreover, he kept a handful of offensive possessions alive by tapping the ball out to the perimeter as it came off the rim. Offensively he showed solid passing instincts, however I didn’t see him assert himself as a scorer even though he flashed decent touch around the rim. All in all, Luke’s inside presence was key.
Josh Syverson, 6’3 F – Mount Mansfield Union High School Class of 2023
It took a little time for Syverson to get his feel in this one, but he came alive in the second half. Josh’s interior work ethic gave MMU a big boost as he battled for offensive boards and finished timely inside buckets. Additionally, he kept the paint locked down on D and was a crucial component as MMU kept RHS to single shot possessions. Josh rose to the occasion and helped MMU get separation on the scoreboard in the 4th.
William Fuller, 6’2 W – Rutland High School Class of 2024
Agile and aggressive, Fuller showed gritty defensive tendencies. He used his athletic frame well to stick with guys when defending off-ball, plus he read passing lanes instinctively. William got his hands on a few passes, and he collected a couple steals due to his anticipation and strength. Offensively Fuller showed nice off-ball instincts. He cut hard into the second layer, set strong screens, and moved the ball quickly. If he develops post finishes and hits jumpers consistently he’ll be a solid two-way guy.