802 Playoffs: D2 Action – #1 Spaulding vs #4 Montpelier
I’m not sure if MHS was considered an underdog since they’ve been to the finals the last three years or so, but they dropped two games to SHS earlier in the year. Those losses didn’t faze them. MHS was focused…
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Continue ReadingI’m not sure if MHS was considered an underdog since they’ve been to the finals the last three years or so, but they dropped two games to SHS earlier in the year. Those losses didn’t faze them. MHS was focused and crisp, executing well on both ends of the floor and taking SHS out of their rhythm. Check out the standouts from the D2 Final Four!
Carson Cody, 6’1 G – Montpelier High School Class of 2025
This kid is a bucket! Carson exploded for a cool 30 points, finding the range at all three-levels in his balanced attack. Cody was intentional about getting into the second layer and finishing in the paint regardless of Spaulding’s extensive size. He utilized jump stops and shot fakes to take defenders out of position and finished through traffic. Moreover, his three ball was dropping at a high clip, whether off the bounce, catch, 20 feet or 23 feet, it didn’t matter. Carson isn’t simply a scorer though. He has great length and foot speed, bothering ballhandlers and shooters out of MHS’ various defenses. The kid showed out.
Andrew Tringe, 6’6 F – Montpelier High School Class of 2023
Tringe had a lot on his plate, but MHS’ gameplan set him up for success. Andrew matched up with SHS big man Isaac Davis, and although Davis has a few pounds on him, Tringe showed it was no issue. He boxed out adamantly, keeping Spaulding off the offensive boards all game. Plus, his rim protection was dialed in. Tringe blocked shots at the cup, prevented post entries, and played strong, straight up defense. Andrew played his role perfectly as the backbone of the MHS defense.
Ronnie Riby-Williams, 6’1 G – Montpelier High School Class of 2023
When I say Ronnie was everywhere, it literally seemed like he was everywhere. Riby-Williams hauled in seven boards regardless of the five-inch height differential between him and his matchup. But at the same time he provided excellent help defense. Ronnie’s help clogged driving lanes and forced tough shots, plus he had a few steals which opened up MHS’ transition offense. And in the halfcourt offense, Ronnie was sly. He moved wisely into gaps, made heady passes, and finished looks at the rim, closing with a quiet 13 points. All in all, the high-energy and athletic Riby-Williams put together a two-way masterpiece with excellent efficiency.
Carter Bruzzese, 5’10 PG – Montpelier High School Class of 2025
Carter’s shot was on and off in this one, but that didn’t stop him from being effective otherwise. Bruzzese orchestrated the offense with ease, getting MHS into their stuff. He handled whatever ball pressure came his way with drives to get by or quick passes to keep the defense working. Plus, his off-ball movement and ability to get hot from deep made him a constant threat, opening up driving lanes for others. Then defensively, he was squeaky clean. Carter played defense with his feet, rarely took chances, and forced SHS to beat them from the perimeter. Impressive work from the sophomore.
Tavarius Vance, 6’2 G – Spaulding High School Class of 2023
Everything looked easy for Tavarius in this one. His offense was smooth and free flowing. He exploited gaps in MHS’ 3-2 defense, finishing looks at all three-levels with strong, simple shots off the catch. Then off the bounce, he didn’t force or dominate the ball; he simply read the defense, made a move to get to his spot and rose up. Vance added nice work defensively and on the glass, finishing with 19 points and six rebounds. TV was steady and efficient all game.
Cole McAllister, 5’8 G – Spaulding High School Class of 2023
Throughout the year Cole often filled the role of a glue guy, making everything work smoothly on both sides of the ball. However, I knew he could erupt offensively, and Monday night he provided just that. McAllister put together a strong 18-point performance with smart offensive work. He finished looks inside and in transition, and he also found the stroke from three. Moreover, he’s better known as a defender, and he put a lot of work in on that end too. Heady steals in full court pressure, quick feet, and a whole lot of hustle. Cole’s production kept the door open for SHS, but it wasn’t quite enough.