Preseason Primer: Top 2025’s in the 802
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The season is a mere month or so away and now is the time to get familiar with the top players within each class. Tune in to a highly talented 2025 group. Dig in! Owen Eaton Owen Eaton 6'2" |…
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Continue ReadingThe season is a mere month or so away and now is the time to get familiar with the top players within each class. Tune in to a highly talented 2025 group. Dig in!
Owen Eaton Owen Eaton 6'2" | CG Rice Memorial | 2025 State New E , 6’2 G – Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025
An explosive combo-guard with an array of scoring abilities, Owen is among the top tier in VT. His offensive creation is potent at all three levels with his athleticism around the rim, shooting touch, and solid distribution. Moreover, he’s sly off the ball and can find offense off the catch. A versatile defender who can shoot the gaps, bother perimeter players and protect the rim, Eaton is bound for a big year.
Abdi Sharif, 6’4 G – Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025
Hands down the best perimeter defender in state, Abdi Sharif. With his length, athleticism, and anticipation, Abdi completely shuts down opponents with suffocating defense and off-ball denial. Moreover, he’s showcased his scoring touch and orchestration with solid finishing in the mid to short-range alongside his distributor’s mindset. I expect Sharif to take a big leap this year with increased responsibility on both ends.
Carson Cody, 6’3 G – Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025
A prolific scorer with a short memory, Carson is a natural when it comes to creating offense. He likes the rock in his hands, able to break defenders down and get to the rim, create in the pnr, and shoot the lights out off the bounce or the catch. Additionally, he’s a versatile defender with his wiry frame and solid height, utilizing it well to disrupt passing lanes and bother shots, and make plays in transition. One of the best in D2.
Carter Bruzzese, 5’10 G – Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025
Carter Bruzzese has that point guard pedigree. He’s a natural orchestrator of the offense and his distribution ensures teammates find themselves in advantageous position. Plus, the lefty can create offense when called upon, dicing defenders to get paint touches or knocking down open jumpers. A pesky fullcourt defender with nice agility, Carter is a leader on both ends.
Rex Hauser Rex Hauser 6'5" | SF St. Johnsbury Academy | 2025 State New E , 6’5 G/W – St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 2025
A favorite of mine to watch, Rex’s versatility is quickly apparent. Hauser’s flashed his comfort in numerous positions; he can facilitate from the post against zone defenses, slash from the wing, hit jumpers off the catch, and make plays in transition. In addition, his athleticism and frame allow him to defend essentially 2-5, switch onto anything, and wreak havoc out of fullcourt pressure. His game has no holes.
Deng Aguek, 6’2 G – South Burlington H.S. Class of 2025
There’s a little more space in the backcourt now and I think Deng’s game will flourish with more usage. He’s a savvy ballhandler, able to facilitate it or create offense. With his athleticism, he gets by defenders and can knock down looks at each level, particularly out of the pnr. An agile defender who can turn on the jets in transition, Aguek’s skill + athleticism make him so impactful.
Evan Eaton Evan Eaton 6'2" | CG Rice Memorial | 2025 State New E , 6’2 G – Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025
Evan didn’t get much burn last winter due to a deep, senior heavy Rice team, but he would’ve been a key cog on every other team in the state. The Middlesex Magic product is a good decision maker at each level; he can finish looks inside and out and distributes wisely when the defense rotates. His defensive chops are all there with good awareness, and he can burst out into transition, making plays in the open court. Keep watch.
Grant Cieplicki Grant Cieplicki 6'5" | SF Rice Memorial | 2025 State New E , 6’4 W – Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025
Cieplicki missed the bulk of last winter due to injury, but he’s had a solid AAU season and is back in form. Grant’s a smart player on both ends; offensively he’s a sly cutter, screener, and relocator, creating scoring opportunities for himself + others without needing the rock. He knocks down looks at each level off the catch and sees the floor well, often setting up teammates with nifty passes. Grant is the modern swingman who rebounds, defends 2-4, can handle, and finish plays with sound ball skills.