802 Playoffs: D1 #1 CVU vs #4 BFA St. Albans
CVU took control of this game early, but that’s not to say BFA didn’t make it hard on them. CVU’s combination of snappy ball movement and a multitude of scorers had BFA scrambling defensively. Yet BFA ate well at the…
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Continue ReadingCVU took control of this game early, but that’s not to say BFA didn’t make it hard on them. CVU’s combination of snappy ball movement and a multitude of scorers had BFA scrambling defensively. Yet BFA ate well at the rim, finding a lot of buckets in the paint. But a lack of shooting and CVU’s team defense proved too much. Key in on some of D1’s standouts from the Final Four!
Logan Vaughan, 6’5 F – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2023
The big fella came out firing. Logan set the tone in the first quarter with numerous post finishes on both blocks, settling any nerves CVU may have had coming in. And he was steady from there, finishing in and around the paint throughout the game, featuring a nasty two-hand jam late in the second half. Moreover, he defended the post well and cleaned the glass thoroughly, collecting 10 rebounds on the night. Logan’s 15-10 double-double paced CVU as they find their back to the Finals.
Tucker Tharpe Tucker Tharpe 6'6" | PF Champlain Valley | 2024 State NLG , 6’6 F – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2024
Tucker’s versatility and hoop-IQ continue to shine. Offensively, Tharpe showed his inside/out repertoire. His work in the post was exquisite as he made nice moves on the block with fundamental footwork. Then he stepped it out to 3 and knocked down the jumper, forcing the defense to respect his shot. Upon receiving extra attention from the defense, Tucker opted to work the ball and find teammates for clean shots as he worked off the ball and flashed into defensive gaps. Tharpe’s steadiness culminated in a 15-point, five rebound outing en route to the D1 Finals.
Alex Provost, 5’11 PG – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2023
I have to say, Alex is one of those PG’s every hooper wants on their team. Provost led and facilitated wonderfully in this one, controlling the tempo all game and getting CVU into their stuff. His passing was crisp and quick, and he balanced his perimeter orchestration by attacking the paint and dishing it from the second layer. Moreover, the kid absolutely scraps on defense. Alex was on the floor for loose balls, he tracked down long rebounds, and was in BFA’s pocket all game long. Alex plays a winning brand of basketball every night.
Sam Sweeney, 6’2 G – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2023
High-IQ and efficient, Sam took care of business in this one. Sweeney balanced his ability to shoot it with swift ball movement and interior feeds, forcing BFA to put in a ton of effort defensively. His movement into space was sharp, and with the ball in his hands he made quick choices; rise up and shoot it when open or feed it inside as CVU outmatched them in the post. Moreover, he padded the paint defensively as he moved into help position and forced non-shooters to shoot. Simple and effective work from Sweeney.
Liam Howrigan, 6’0 W – BFA St. Albans Class of 2023
Mr. Downhill, Howrigan was all about attacking the iron. All night Liam got to the rim, and wisely so because his slashing created a wealth of scoring for a team that struggled to get going. He got to his spots with his strength and physicality, playing some bully ball to create separation. Once in the second layer he welcomed any contact, which he absorbed and finished or got to the FT line. Liam played hardnosed defense too, but CVU’s ball movement proved too much for BFA.
Will Hughes, 5’11 G – BFA St. Albans Class of 2024
This is a guy who will battle to the final buzzer. Will’s two-way tenacity was a constant as he sought to make plays on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Hughes made sound reads off the ball, moving into space and finding seams to attack. With the rock in his hands, Will made a number of strong, crafty moves to finish inside. Furthermore, he battled defensively, jostled for 50/50 balls, and put in the effort regardless of the scoreboard. Gotta appreciate the hustle.