Top 802/VPA Guards: First Half of the Season (cont.)
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VT’s guard play is so deep that I couldn’t do it justice without a second piece! Get familiar with eight more high-level hoopers. Kyle Eaton, 5’8 G – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2024 With a combination of…
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Continue ReadingVT’s guard play is so deep that I couldn’t do it justice without a second piece! Get familiar with eight more high-level hoopers.
Kyle Eaton, 5’8 G – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2024
With a combination of quickness, ball security, and shooting touch, Eaton has proven to be a go-to scorer for CVU at times. Kyle has great change of direction and change of pace, able to shake defenders as he gets CVU into sets or create space for a shot. His quick release is difficult to guard, and he utilizes the shot-fake well to get defenders off balance. Kyle can play the 1 or the 2 on either side of the ball and is a pest in pressing defenses. Eaton is tough.
Tyler Bergmans Tyler Bergmans 6'2" | SG South Burlington | 2024 State NLG , 6’2 G – South Burlington High School Class of 2024
I’ve said it before, Bergmans is one of the best perimeter rebounders in the VPA. He’s collected 10+ in numerous games and it’s due to his strength, anticipation, and work ethic. Moreover, he transitions into offense quickly, capable of making plays in the open court for himself and others. Tyler can finish at all three-levels, yet he’s an intentional slasher who is patient and smart in the second layer. He’s a natural 2 but defends 1-3, and some 4’s, with his two-way game. He’s as versatile as anyone on the defensive end and steady on O.
Carter Bruzzese, 5’10 PG – Montpelier High School Class of 2025
One of my favorite 25’s, Carter clearly understands this game thoroughly. Bruzzese has fantastic court awareness, ball security, and vision on the offensive end. He can pick apart defenses with his passing, yet he’s always in control and not one to force the issue. Moreover, he can fill it up with crafty finishes inside and is a consistent shooter from all over the floor. Defensively he’s quick with great footwork. He presses hard, navigates screens well, and rotates wisely. Plus, he’s shown exceptional poise against the toughest teams in the state as a sophomore. Carter is a natural.
Eli Pockette, 5’11 PG – Rutland High School Class of 2023
The lefty is legit! Pockette carries a heavy load for this RHS squad as the offense runs directly through him. Eli facilitates naturally, hitting guys in their spots with timely passes. Furthermore, he provides a ton of offensive creation with his three-level scoring and shifty handle. Eli gets into the second layer with ease, has fantastic elevation on his jumper, and harbors a savvy finishing package. On the defensive end he’s tough as nails and has nice footwork. Pockette is fluid and fearless.
Owen Traynor, 6’0 G – Mount St. Josephs Academy Class of 2023
Traynor may have secured the highest scoring game of the year with a 53-piece; the kid is a bucket. He’s a sharpshooter who can get going in a hurry. Owen can knock down looks off the bounce or catch + he gets to the iron often for finishes and FT’s. On the other hand, he has solid ball security and savvy passing skills, particularly when entering the ball into the post. He’s a rugged defender who loves to get out in transition off of turnovers and boards. I’ve got my eye on Traynor.
Harry Geng Harry Geng 6'1" | PG St Johnsbury Academy | 2024 State NLG , 5’11 G – St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 2024
Mr. Steady, Harry is consistent as anyone. Geng has great energy on both sides of the ball and is always in the play. He moves naturally into defensive help positions and closes out on the ball quickly. Moreover, he can get in the passing lanes and turn defense to offense in a flash. Harry has the feel of a 2 but can play the 1 as well with his smart decision making and ball security. He’s a threat at all three-levels and doesn’t need to dominate the ball to find his offense. Harry is high IQ and hardworking.
Owen Eaton Owen Eaton 6'2" | CG Rice Memorial | 2025 State NLG , 6’1 G – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2025
Owen has been the sixth man for a stacked Rice squad through the first half of the season, but he’d easily be a key starter on most every other team. Eaton is already an all-around hooper with two-way abilities. He’s an explosive slasher, a smart decision maker with the ball in his hands, a three-level scorer, and smart mover off the ball. Moreover, he defends 1-3 with impressive athleticism, rebounds at a high clip, and has had a number of emphatic blocks and jams this year. Owen is having a breakout season.
Freddie Bacon, 5’10 PG – Colchester High School Class of 2026
The freshman starter for CHS has shown no fear as he goes head-to-head against some of VT’s best guards night in and night out. Freddie has tight ball security with his change of pace + change of direction and can manipulate defenses with savvy ball fakes and no look passes. Additionally, when Bacon slips into the second layer, he’s patient and tactful, finishing looks in control or hitting kick outs and dump passes. On the defensive end he has the footwork and quickness to stay in front of agile guards, is a crisp rotator, and pushes the ball well in transition. Freddie is the best guard I’ve seen out of the class of 2026.