D3/D4 VT All-Star Standouts: Underdog Energy
This was one of the most entertaining games of the day. Each side went back and forth, culminating in numerous lead changes, momentum swings and a competitive finish. The South, big underdogs as far as I was concerned, worked together…
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Continue ReadingThis was one of the most entertaining games of the day. Each side went back and forth, culminating in numerous lead changes, momentum swings and a competitive finish. The South, big underdogs as far as I was concerned, worked together and scrapped as they came away with a gritty 89-85 win. Dig in and get familiar with D3/D4s top gamers!
North Standouts:
Evan Dennis, 6’3 G/F – Blue Mountain School Class of 2023
A true point-forward, Dennis displayed an all-around feel for the game regardless of where he was on the floor. Evan grabbed boards and pushed coast-to-coast as he showcased nice court awareness and passing ability. Moreover, Dennis made it clear he’s a scorer as well. He finished looks at all three-levels, working the post, slashing and shooting, yet it never felt like the ball stuck to his hands. Lastly, he defended multiple positions with ease. Dennis is a natural with dynamic game.
Tyler Rivard, 6’5 F – Hazen Union High School Class of 2023
It doesn’t seem to matter what setting Rivard is in, he plays at the same high gear each day. Tyler was up to his usual business defending the paint and cleaning the glass. And per usual, his hustle running the floor was a constant going both ways. The hustle was rewarded with nice feeds from Dennis and Tre as Tyler found some offense at the rim and from the FT line. Additionally, Rivard demonstrated his savvy passing game as he facilitated from the elbows. Strong and steady stuff from the big fella.
Elia Varisco, 6’3 G – Richford High School Class of 2023
Elia has the feel of a pure scorer. He’s a natural 2 who created a ton of offense for this North squad as the ball ran through him while he was on the floor. Varisco displayed nice instincts out of ball screen situations, able to get downhill or dish it, but it was his shooting that was most evident. Elia has that microwave ability, and he was absolutely stroking it in the second half, dropping four 3s. Moreover, he showed he can guard multiple positions with his length, foot speed and IQ. Varisco is simply a hooper.
Trevon Bradley, 5’8 PG – Winooski High School Class of 2023
The natural floor general showed nice adaptability as he played alongside a number of other guys who can handle the ball and make plays. Of course, Bradley displayed his premier passing skills and vision as he hit guys with timely passes right as they were coming into space for a jumper or a finish at the rim. But he also showed wise off-ball movement and a good sense of spacing, moving in and out of gaps. In addition, he defended with good energy, collected a couple boards and pushed the ball en route to making plays for others. Always solid work with Tre.
Harry Molesworth, 6’4 F – Rivendell Academy Class of 2023
Watching Harry, it’s clear he’s an energy guy. But it’s also clear that he’s capable of so much more. Not only was he crashing the boards and defending inside/out with smarts and hustle, but he also showed nice instincts and a variety of skills. Molesworth put the ball on the floor and slashed from the perimeter for rim finishes. Plus, he showed the vision as he made a number of nice feeds from the post. I like what Harry brought to the table.
South Standouts:
Vuk Zivovic, 6’3 G/W – Grace Christian School Class of 2023
Vuk is one of those guys who’s blessed with size, athleticism, and the skills to play multiple positions. Zivovic is a combo-guard, basically able to play 1-3 and can feasibly defend some 4s. He showcased a smooth handle and the ability to read defensive layers as he slashed into gaps and read rotations for dishes or finishes. Moreover, he looks like a capable shooter with his smooth stroke. Vuk has a ton of tools with his strong frame, varied skillset, and the ability to produce from multiple positions.
Maison Fortin, 5’9 G – Windsor High School Class of 2023
A 1,000-point scorer, Fortin made clear exactly how he got all those buckets. First, it started on the defensive end. He has a stocky frame but agile footwork, able to be physical and stay in front of guys. In doing so, he bothered ballhandlers and forced TO’s, able to then get in the open court. And while he showed a nice jumper, it wasn’t falling, so he made the adjustment. Maison attacked the rim without hesitation, finishing an array of tough lays under defensive pressure. Fortin has a lot of grit, and it translates into strong two-way game.
Joel Roberts, 5’11 G – Mid Vermont Christian School Class of 2023
When Joel’s shot is falling he’s difficult to contain. Understandably, it was difficult to get going with the 12-minute break due to the subbing rotations, but nonetheless he got his jumper rolling. Joel displayed nice reads coming off of screens, particularly off the dribble. He slashed when the defenders went over the top and was locked and loaded whenever they went under. At times shooters take unsolicited shots, but Roberts didn’t take any that felt forced. Moreover, he showed solid defensive chops too. Good stuff from Joel.