July Live Period Preview: Cerebral Two-Way Players – Pt. 1/2
Pads and pens, get ’em out! Here’s five hoopers who you can find all over the U.S. this July. Tap in! Sam Sweeney, 6’3 G – VT Elite 12th Class of 2023 (AAU Nat. Orlando, FL 7/8-7/16, Las Vegas Big…
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Continue ReadingPads and pens, get ’em out! Here’s five hoopers who you can find all over the U.S. this July. Tap in!
Sam Sweeney, 6’3 G – VT Elite 12th Class of 2023 (AAU Nat. Orlando, FL 7/8-7/16, Las Vegas Big Time Tournament 7/17-7/21)
A combo-guard with knockdown shooting and quick decision making, Sam greases the wheels offensively. Sweeney’s off-ball movement constantly puts him in advantageous positions. His spot-up shooting is consistent, his passing snappy, and when he attacks closeouts, he makes plays for others. Plus, he’s a heady defender who impacts the game on the ball and off with a hunger for 50/50s. High-IQ and efficient.
Carter Bruzzesse, 5’10 G – Green Mountain Select 10th/11th Class of 2025 (Fitchburg, MA Basketbull Summer Championship 7/14-7/16)
An exceptional young hooper from Central VT, Carter is a pure point guard. Bruzzesse’s facilitation is on point, consistently making those around him better with his passing and creation. Moreover, his understanding of the game, pace, spacing + timing all coalesce to make a very intuitive guard who knows when to strike as a scorer, dimer, and facilitator. Plus, he knows how to apply ball pressure in the half or fullcourt and take teams out of rhythm. A real floor general with a ton of poise.
Luke Allen, 6’3 G/W – Blueprint Basketball 9th/10th Class of 2025 (Manheim, PA Hoop Group Summer Final 7/15-7/16)
A sizable perimeter guy who I’ve seen play 1-3, Luke’s adaptable game is quite interesting. He can handle the rock and create offense himself as a capable shooter and slasher. Furthermore, his over-the-top vision provides him nice court awareness and a ton of passing angles which he utilizes well. Then defensively, he can cover numerous positions both inside and out, clear boards, and make plays in transition. Highly versatile and so skilled.
Grant Cieplicki Grant Cieplicki 6'5" | SF Rice Memorial | 2025 State New E , 6’4 W – VT Elite 10th Class of 2025 (AAU Nat. Orlando, FL. 7/8-7/16, Las Vegas Big Time Tournament 7/17-7/21)
The Cieplicki name is synonymous with VT hoop excellence, and Grant is no exception. His feel for the game is quickly evident on both sides of the rock. His defensive rotations are always on time, and he can alter shots inside + hit the glass with his size and length. And offensively, he can hurt teams in so many ways; as a passer, scorer, and cutter/screener, he glues it together. Cieplicki scores it inside and out, makes quick and decisive moves, yet is never hurried. His game is easy to appreciate.
Freddie Bacon, 5’10 G – Blueprint Basketball 9th/10th Class of 2026 (Manheim, PA Hoop Group Summer Final 7/15-7/16)
Freddie’s composure and skill quickly shine through. Bacon’s a natural at the 1 with his orchestration, care for the ball, and ability to make those around him better, but his off-ball instincts are all there too. Freddie punctures the paint and makes plays inside with control, yet he can step out and hit jumpers too. Defensively he’s anticipatory and measured, steadily wearing his opponent down and taking advantage of little mistakes that add up. Freddie’s intuitive and quite efficient.