July Runs: Monday Night Risers – EHS Summer League Superlatives
First and foremost, I hope everyone got home safely after Monday night’s slate of games. VT is experiencing serious flooding throughout the state due to ongoing and substantial rain, including Chittenden and Washington Counties, where each team was traveling from.…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingFirst and foremost, I hope everyone got home safely after Monday night’s slate of games. VT is experiencing serious flooding throughout the state due to ongoing and substantial rain, including Chittenden and Washington Counties, where each team was traveling from. Best wishes to everyone. And now, let’s get into some hoop. Check out six under-the-radar guys who rose to the occasion Monday night.
Best Playmaker: Tobey Bellows Tobey Bellows 6'4" | PG Harwood Union | 2024 New E , 6’1 G – Harwood Union H.S. Class of 2024
Tobey’s playmaking was on point the entire evening. Bellows started the game scoring the rock, particularly from deep. His range was dialed in, especially off the bounce. And once the defense adjusted, he slashed, punctured the second layer, and finished plays with crafty footwork. Yet it doesn’t stop there. Tobey’s passing was just as effective. Bellows set guys up with high-IQ reads and dimes that came on time and on target without any “tells” to give the defense a heads up. Tobey played an all-around game and made his teammates better.
Impact Glue Guy: Nick Blasius, 6’2 G/W – Champlain Valley Union H.S. Class of 2024
Blasius was everywhere for CVU. Nick reeled in boards and ran transition lanes for dimes and hockey assists. Plus, in the halfcourt, Nick’s decision making and passing was just as precise. His off-ball movement was effective and timely as he exploited defensive gaps, and his court awareness shone through as he set teammates up with heady passes for open looks. Blasius is a hustle guy who defends, rebounds, and makes the basketball play.
Swiss-Army Knife: Luke Allen, 6’3 G/W – Champlain Valley Union H.S. Class of 2025
With his all-around game, Luke brought a lot to the table. With his size, length, and quickness, Allen covered numerous positions with his switch-ability, rebounded the rock, and showed some rim protection as well. Once he collected the ball, he was a threat. Luke pushed the tempo, made plays in transition, and set up the halfcourt offense with crisp orchestration. The multi-positional athlete did a little of everything.
Best Incoming Freshman: Ryan Lockerby, 6’3 W/F – BFA St. Albans Class of 2027
Lockerby is expanding his game and skillset, but he’s not foregoing his work as a big. Ryan showed himself to be a capable slasher from the wing and the mechanics on his jumper are smooth and dialed. Furthermore, he showed nice awareness on his drives and post ups, hitting spot-up shooters whenever the defense collapsed. At the same time, Lockerby asserted himself around the paint on both ends with his rebounding, rim protection, and interior finishing. I’m interested to see where his game goes from here.
Inside/Out Big: Ethan Wagner, 6’3 W/F – Essex H.S. Class of 2025
A natural 4 who’s game is evolving to be more of a swingman, Ethan showed flashes of improved skills. Wagner displayed the ability to push the ball off of rebounds, make plays in the halfcourt, and knockdown jumpers off the catch. Ethan’s passing vision was on point as he hit cutters and spot-up shooters out of the post and from the wing, sneaking in passes for open looks. Ethan’s development as a playmaker from various spots on the floor certainly bolsters an EHS team that graduated upwards of five starters.
Hustle n Bustle: Tucker Buffom, 6’2 W – Harwood Union H.S. Class of 2025
A true energy guy who does so much dirty work, Tucker Buffom. TB was on the floor for loose balls, snatching boards with physicality, and applying pressure on the defensive end. Moreover, he ran transition lanes hard and found easy buckets in the open court. Then in the halfcourt, Buffom made simple decisions as a passer and a slasher, putting pressure on the rim and moving the ball quickly. I’m told he’s grown four inches this summer, and if that happens to continue, he’ll be a sizable 3/4 man with ample length and athleticism to defend multiple positions and play inside/out.