Capital Division Showdown: D2 Spaulding vs D3 Hazen
Hazen had Spaulding on the ropes as the top D2 and D3 teams duked it out in Barre. Spaulding pulled away in the fourth quarter but Hazen’s high-level effort and teamwork had me believing an upset was in order. Check…
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Continue ReadingHazen had Spaulding on the ropes as the top D2 and D3 teams duked it out in Barre. Spaulding pulled away in the fourth quarter but Hazen’s high-level effort and teamwork had me believing an upset was in order. Check out the top players in this matchup of two top-notch squads!
Tyler Rivard, 6’7 F – Hazen High School Class of 2023
The most physical and hardworking forward in the state was back at it. Rivard put up 12 points and 12 boards against one of the tallest and strongest teams in the state, and at times he totally dominated the interior. His constant work in the post, on the glass, and running the floor had Spaulding on their heels through much of the game but especially the first half. Moreover, his unique skillset of constant energy, fundamental footwork, touch around the iron, FT shooting, and passing had Hazen knocking on the door of the biggest upset of the year. Tyler is a top tier player.
Tavarius Vance, 6’2 G – Spaulding High School Class of 2023
The swingman was critical to the SHS cause. His smart defense, rebounding, and rhythmic offense were crucial as he led all scorers with 16 points. Tavarius defended the ball and moved quickly into help position in SHS’ man-to-man coverage, and his play at the forward-wing slot of Spaulding’s 2-3 showcased his inside/out abilities as a defender and rebounder. Moreover, I was slightly surprised he led all scorers because his offense came to smoothly and efficiently. Vance’s two-way effectiveness is instrumental for Spaulding’s success.
Cooper Diego, 6’2 G – Spaulding High School Class of 2023
Steady as they come, Diego showed wise decision making with his even-keeled approach as Spaulding weathered the Hazen storm. Cooper quarterbacked Spaulding through a physical game with coolness under pressure, defensive plays, and timely buckets. He started the second half with two big time blocks and a well-timed steal which turned to an and-1 at the other end, sparking life into Spaulding. Diego’s timely, two-way playmaking lifted SHS to victory over D3 favorites and Capital Division royalty, Hazen.
Xavier Hill, 6’1 G – Hazen High School Class of 2024
It’s Xavier who organizes Hazen offensively much of the time. The crafty lefty got the ball up the floor quickly with heads-up advance passes, essentially running the fast break even after made buckets. He’s a smart passer in the halfcourt too, and he made plays for others with hockey assists or dimes as he got into the second layer. Xavier’s defensive instincts around screens and cuts impressed too. He’s a savvy, hardworking, and reliable two-way guy.
Isaac Davis, 6’8 F – Spaulding High School Class of 2023
It took a little time to get going, but once Q3 came around Davis was rolling. He secured post position defensively with nice footwork and physicality, plus he provided nice help on Rivard in the 2-3, thwarting any rhythm Tyler was hoping to carry over to the second half. Isaac’s post offense came to life as well as he finished decisive post moves with power and grace. Davis’s interior performance was full of boards, post moves, and strong defense.
Riley Severy, 6’7 F – Spaulding High School Class of 2023
Severy defended Rivard on and off as SHS changed between man and 2-3 in the 2nd half, and it proved effective. Riley contained him with his combination of length, strength, and agility, as he ran the floor hard and played physical interior D. Severy sent a message defensively with a few blocks throughout the contest, and his work on the boards was crucial to keeping Hazen limited to single shot possessions. Riley’s the type who could go for 25 and 10 one game, then sacrifice and do the dirty work asked of him next game. He’s plug and play.
Brendan Moodie, 5’8 G – Hazen High School Class of 2025
The scrappy guard was constantly in the mix in this one. Brendan was in passing lanes, helping the helper, and running the floor for fastbreak dimes and finishes. Moodie got all of his scoring in transition or in the flow of the halfcourt offense and he sneakily led Hazen in scoring with 13. Moodie has a high motor and an intuitive feel for the game. I’m keeping my eye on him.