VT AAU States: Upper Echelon - Varsity Standouts

In what was one of the oddest State Championships I've seen (due to lack of numbers), VT Elite lent four guys to the opposing team in what became a VT Elite vs VT Elite finals matchup. Even so, that may have been the best scenario considering how it played out. It was a back-and-forth game all 32, went to OT, and finished 96-94 in what was an offensive masterclass and an uphill battle for both defenses. Get familiar with the standouts below!   [player_tooltip player_id='1585138' first='Sharif' last='Sharif'], 6'2 G - VT Elite 12th Class of 2023   My goodness! Sharif put on a scoring clinic over the weekend. And he capped it off with a 60-piece in the championship, going absolutely bananas. Sharif filled it up at each level, balancing his attack with slithery slashes and finishes on each side of the cup, a little mid-range work, FTs, and a barrage of 3s with high efficiency. Moreover, he kept the defense honest as he passed out of doubles and hit cutters ahead of the defensive rotation. It should be noted, Sharif has yet to commit to a school; he's one of the best scoring guards around yet to commit. Get in touch.   Trevon Bradley, 5'9 PG - VT Elite 12th Class of 2023   A dynamic scorer and playmaker, Trevon put in a ton of work over the weekend. In the finals, Bradley must've gone for 30 himself. Tre found buckets at each level, using his savvy floater game and athleticism at the rim to finish in the second layer. Moreover, he knocked down numerous 3s on solid efficiency. In addition, he orchestrated, feeding others and getting the big fella involved for an inside/out attack. Bradley has yet to commit to a school himself, and his well-rounded game of scoring, passing, and pressure defense + rebounding is electric.   [player_tooltip player_id='2312980' first='Drew' last='Bessette'], 6'6 W/F - VT Elite 12th Class of 2024   The inside/out ability of Bessette was on full display throughout the states weekend. Drew did his usual work, finishing strongly inside and stretching the floor to knock down 3s. Plus, his pnr game and off-ball movement of screening and cutting showed his high-IQ approach to off-ball work as he opened up the floor for others, and himself. Moreover, he defended at a high-level as he provided smart help, locked down his matchup, and rebounded the rock. An all-around gamer, Drew showed his two-way steadiness and high efficiency scoring all weekend.   Sam Sweeney, 6'2 G - VT Elite 12th Class of 2023   The combo-guard put in that steady work as a second option in the final's matchup. Sweeney's ability to serve at both the 1 or the 2 aided to alleviate ball pressure and allow others to get to their spots off the ball with Sam's facilitation. Then off the ball, Sweeney moved intuitively. He hit spot-up jumpers, set screens and made cuts, and relocated wisely to space for kick outs. Then defensively, Sam held it down. With his solid frame and footwork, Sam kept guys in front, stayed on their hip, and forced difficult shots. Moreover, he corralled boards from the perimeter. So smart and so smooth.   Daniel Bogre, 5'9 PG - VT Elite 12th Class of 2023 / Norwich University Class of 2027   A natural facilitator and an impressive athlete, Bogre showed his ability to orchestrate an offense and lock in defensively. First, Daniel used his tight handle, vision, and passing to cut up the defense and make plays for others. Moreover, his work on the glass and collecting 50/50 balls provided numerous extra possessions on the offensive end. And defensively, Daniel made it tough on everyone he was guarding. With his agility and length, he got into guys' airspace, making life tough on ballhandlers and shooters. The communicative leader will bring his skillset to Norwich University come Fall.   Adam Bilodeau, 6'2 G - VT Elite 12th Class of 2023 / Castleton University Class of 2027   A gritty combo-guard with a balanced approach, Adam put in work. Bilodeau used his length and physicality to get into guys defensively. And while his shots weren't falling early on, Adam turned it up once it came into clutch time. He hit a couple 3s and a mid-range jumper in the final minutes of regulation, bringing his team back, and they ultimately finished it off in OT. Bilodeau's grittiness and resilience shined through. He'll be playing at Castleton University next year.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547032' first='Dallas' last='St. Peter'], 5'10 G - VT Elite 12th Class of 2025   Dallas served as a strong role player who did the little things. St. Peter moved well off the rock and opened gaps in the defense, creating space for his shot and others. Moreover, he ran transition lanes exceptionally, finding most of his offense from his hustle on the break. Then defensively, Dallas dug in. He worked ballhandlers, communicated in screening actions, and did his part to keep guys off the boards. Dallas is one to keep an eye on.

In what was one of the oddest State Championships I've seen (due to lack of numbers), VT Elite lent four guys to the opposing team in what became a VT Elite vs VT Elite finals matchup. Even so, that may have been the best scenario considering how it played out. It was a back-and-forth game all 32, went to OT, and finished 96-94 in what was an offensive masterclass and an uphill battle for both defenses. Get familiar with the standouts below!