Quick Scope: 802 Teams of Intrigue D1 Selection – Rice Mem. H.S.
In this article:
Welcome to the Quick Scope series! I’m touching base with my most interesting teams in each division and giving y’all a glimpse at their roster and games to watch. Some may be title contenders; some may be up-and-coming programs with…
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Continue ReadingWelcome to the Quick Scope series! I’m touching base with my most interesting teams in each division and giving y’all a glimpse at their roster and games to watch. Some may be title contenders; some may be up-and-coming programs with prospects bound to breakout. Up first is Division 1 and I’ve got Rice, the perennial contenders, getting the nod. Let’s dig in!
The Team:
There might not be a team with as much turnover as Rice and as much firepower as Rice. They graduated six to seven seniors last year, all of whom were either starters or integral role players. Nonetheless, Rice is still atop my D1 preseason rankings. They are returning two starters, Drew Bessette Drew Bessette 6'7" | PF Rice Memorial | 2024 State New E , the 6’8 sharpshooting modern forward who committed to D1 University of Vermont in mid-October, and 6’4 Abdi Sharif, the best perimeter defender in the state and a combo-guard who has shown more confidence, facilitation, and intuition on the offensive end. Plus, they have numerous guys who could’ve started on most any team in the state last year that are now just getting their chance to shine.
The first that come to mind are 6’2 twins Owen and Evan Eaton Evan Eaton 6'2" | CG Rice Memorial | 2025 State New E . Not only do they look identical, but their games are similarly lethal too. Both are athletic guards with savvy offensive creation, making nice reads both on the ball and off with shooting at each level. Plus, they each have nice ups and will surprise opponents at the rim with their elevation, shot blocking and rebounding. 6’4 W Grant Cieplicki Grant Cieplicki 6'5" | SF Rice Memorial | 2025 State New E has been busy through the Spring and Summer after an early Winter season injury last year, and his heady play greases the offensive wheels with intuitive passing and efficient shooting. Plus, Grant guards 2-4 and cleans glass. This first five is the strongest in the division and Coach Pecor does well getting the most out of his role players. Rice, yet again, are my title favorites.
Games to Watch:
Rice squares up with D2 Champs Montpelier on Dec. 13 at 7pm in the capital city. And Friday, Jan. 5th, they take on the CVU Redhawks at home, a cross-town rivalry and Finals rematch. It should be noted too, these guys had a JV game go to double-OT last year and plenty of those guys from each team should be Varsity members this time around. Let’s see if this Rice team can redeem themselves from last year’s Finals loss.