VT AAU States: Top Tier – JV Standouts
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With VT Elite’s two teams, their guys really impressed. But nonetheless, there were numerous guys from other groups that caught my eye from the weekend. Tune into the JV standouts and keep your eyes peeled for the under-the-radar guys later…
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Continue ReadingWith VT Elite’s two teams, their guys really impressed. But nonetheless, there were numerous guys from other groups that caught my eye from the weekend. Tune into the JV standouts and keep your eyes peeled for the under-the-radar guys later this week!
Rex Hauser Rex Hauser 6'5" | SF St. Johnsbury Academy | 2025 State NLG , 6’4 W – VT Elite 10th Class of 2025
I knew Rex could hoop, but he showed an extremely well-rounded game this weekend that put him a few notches up my list. Hauser seemed to do it all. His defense in full-court pressure culminated in a ton of steals and transition buckets. Plus, his halfcourt defense caused intense disruption, and he hit the glass as well. In addition, he showed nice decision making on the fastbreak, exceptional shooting off the catch, highly efficient slashing, and the vision to create for others with smart reads. Rex was dominant all weekend.
Abdi Sharif, 6’3 G/W – VT Elite 10th Class of 2025
Abdi showed an element of his game I’d yet to see, which was an ability to facilitate. Sharif orchestrated with ease and created offense with his ability to get in the second layer and feed others. Moreover, he showed glimpses of his range extending beyond the arc. But of course, it’s Abdi’s defense and hustle that make him so intriguing. At 6’3 with great length and athleticism, he can cover multiple perimeter positions, rebound the ball, and collect extra possessions. Abdi is a skilled swiss-army knife who leans defensively, and his scoring package is improving.
Pascal Munezero, 5’9 PG – VT Elite 9th Class of 2027
An eighth grader playing up, Pascal showed age doesn’t matter. Munezero was absolutely cooking this weekend. He’s an elite two-level scorer already with his impeccable finishing package and shooting from 3, whether off the bounce or catch. Moreover, Pascal showed impressive leadership for a young player. He communicated extensively on both sides of the ball, was constantly lifting up teammates, and his decision making with the rock was excellent. Plus, his hustle and defense were always on point, no plays off. Pascal is one to watch.
Khamis Ali, 6’0 G – VT Elite 10th Class of 2025
Super steady, smart, and aggressive defensively, Khamis put together a nice weekend. Ali was always engaged defensively, applying full-court pressure which often caused turnovers and faulty possessions. In addition, his willingness to dive for loose balls and battle for 50/50s was clear each game. And offensively, Khamis is consistent. He knocked down open jumpers, finished well around the rim, and his off-ball movement put him in scoring position without needing to pound the ball. Khamis is rising.
Deng Aguek, 6’1 G – VT Elite 10th Class of 2025
Deng’s balanced approach and skillset were on full display. Aguek showed prowess at both the 1 and the 2, able to move seamlessly between both roles. Deng’s 3-level scoring ability was balanced with snappy passing and intuitive facilitation. Moreover, he was smart off the ball and made plays with limited dribbles. Then defensively, he applied tough full-court pressure, got in passing lanes, rotated crisply, and made plays in transition. Aguek’s two-way ability and high-IQ approach make him so efficient.
Hayden Boivin, 6’4 W/F – North Country Falcons Class of 2025
With the ability to play inside/out, Hayden brings nice versatility. He’s a stocky swingman who showed the range from 3 off the catch. Yet he was most impactful and efficient when he worked the post and the elbows. He made quick, powerful moves around the rim, plus, his passing and decision making were often quick and crisp. Then defensively, Boivin held down the paint with nice rim protection and strength, and he stepped out and cover the wing. Hayden rebounded the ball well and showed he can push the break too; Boivin is solid.
Grant Cieplicki Grant Cieplicki 6'5" | SF Rice Memorial | 2025 State NLG , 6’3 W – VT Elite 10th Class of 2025
A natural 3, Grant is getting his feet back under him as he comes back from injury. Regardless, Cieplicki didn’t skip a beat. His spacing and passing were crisp as ever, and his shooting touch looked smooth and confident. Moreover, his smart screening and cutting opened gaps for himself and teammates. Defensively, Grant utilized his anticipation and length to disrupt offenses, challenge shots, and clean the glass. I’m excited to see Grant back in action.
Kole Fotion, 6’0 G – Hartford Storm Class of 2026
Fotion’s combination of athleticism and handle were in full effect. Kole worked through ball pressure in order to get the offense rolling, and his slashing created some offense for himself and others. Moreover, he showed a nice stroke off the catch, but such opportunities were few and far between since he needed to facilitate. And defensively, Kole can really dig in. He covered guards with nice agility and length, and he consistently forced tough shots. Kole is someone to keep on the radar.