802 Preseason Projections: First Team All-D2
My goodness, cutting this down to five was brutal! Had to drop some honorable mentions below because of it. Tap in and get a glimpse of VT’s D2 talent. Let’s go! Carter Bruzzese, 5’10 G – Montpelier H.S. Class of…
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Continue ReadingMy goodness, cutting this down to five was brutal! Had to drop some honorable mentions below because of it. Tap in and get a glimpse of VT’s D2 talent. Let’s go!
Carter Bruzzese, 5’10 G – Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025
With his poise and craftiness, Carter makes MHS click. He’s a pure PG who understands how to organize the O, get guys the ball in scoring position, and make the game easy for his teammates. Moreover, the southpaw is a consistent shooter from all over the court, using screens and catch-and-shoot opportunities + a developing arsenal off the bounce to flourish. A heady defender who loves to go 84×50 and impact the opposition on the ball or off, Bruzzese brings nice two-way IQ and leadership to the fore.
Tobey Bellows Tobey Bellows 6'4" | PG Harwood Union | 2024 New E , 6’1 G – Harwood Union H.S. Class of 2024
While catching some of Tobey over the summer I just couldn’t get enough of his playmaking. His court vision is impeccable, seeing little gaps in rotations to snap passes through, whether he’s threading the rock to a big or swinging it ahead of the rotation to a shooter. Moreover, he flashed his shooting touch from deep and the mid-range. Tobey’s vision translates defensively; in turn, he closes those little gaps and reads ballhandlers well to diminish scoring opportunities, cause TOs and break out in transition. I got Bellows breaking out this winter.
Carson Cody, 6’3 G/W – Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025
Carson Cody is a bucket and it’s undeniable. He’s a natural offensive creator with his strong handle and sheer confidence to knock down looks in all sorts of situations regardless of where he is on the floor. Moreover, his wiry frame + athleticism provides him the ability to shoot over challengers, finish through traffic, or draw contact and eat at the FT line. A long defender who plays the passing lanes well, hits the glass a bit, and competes with the utmost passion, Cody is one of VT’s top talents.
Joe Buxton, 6’5 W/F – Fair Haven Union H.S. Class of 2024
Buxton is the modern 3/4 forward with his ballhandling + playmaking combined with an inside/out presence. Joe establishes himself well around the post and has a thorough arsenal of moves to find his shot. Yet, he’s comfortable as a popper or short roller in ball screens, an initiator in the halfcourt, or slashing from the wing. Additionally, he’s versatile on the defensive end, able to cover 3-5 and switch comfortably onto most anyone. A strong rebounder and solid rim protector who can push in transition, Buxton is that swiss-army knife and lead guy in Fair Haven.
Hayden Boivin, 6’4 W/F – North Country union H.S. Class of 2025
I’ve seen Boivin’s game evolve from last February through the summer. Hayden’s developed his handling and shooting, coming into his own as someone with a more guard-based skillset. Boivin is liable to do the dirty work inside, protecting the rim, snatching boards, and using nice physicality on both ends. Yet he’s become a consistent shooter from deep and a reliable ballhandler, making nice decisions on the perimeter or pushing in transition. NCU has a nice 2025 duo with Boivin and Chilafoux.
Honorable Mentions:
Clayton Foster, 5’10 G – Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025
Haidin Chilafoux, 6’0 G – North Country Union H.S. Class of 2025
Brody Tyburski, 6’5 F – Hartford Union H.S. Class of 2024