802 View – December W/Fs: Five Favorites from Opening Month
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VT is chock full of the modern 3/4 versatile forward prototype, and we’ve got a number of them in here. Get familiar with the 802s top wings and forwards from the first quarter of the season. Drew Bessette Drew Bessette…
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Continue ReadingVT is chock full of the modern 3/4 versatile forward prototype, and we’ve got a number of them in here. Get familiar with the 802s top wings and forwards from the first quarter of the season.
Drew Bessette Drew Bessette 6'7" | PF Rice Memorial | 2024 State New E , 6’8 W/F – Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2024
The UVM commit is one of the steadiest, most consistent players around. We’ve gotten consistent spot-up shooting, tough and timely slashes, and a whole lot of second chance points. Bessette’s formidable presence around the rim has led to high FG pct. inside, and on the other end, it’s led to strong contests at the cup, a bunch of rebounding, and quick transition feeds. Bessette’s physicality, court awareness, and team-first approach has been key as Rice reloads after last year.
Dez Krakowka, 6’4 W/F – Rutland H.S. Class of 2025
The transfer from Mt. St. Joseph has stepped in nicely for a Rutland team that needed some extra firepower. Dez brings a tenacious inside/out presence. He has solid back-to-the-basket game on the block and in short corners, using his strength and elevation to finish at the rim. Yet he’s consistently shown a clean jumper from the perimeter and a crafty slashing bag. Moreover, Krakowka’s a savvy facilitator inside or out, greasing RHS’ offense. A versatile defender and tough rebounder, he’s one who can spark the break himself too. Dynamic to say the least.
Tucker Tharpe Tucker Tharpe 6'6" | PF Champlain Valley | 2024 State New E , 6’8 F – Champlain Valley Union H.S. Class of 2024
One of the more classic forwards in here, the RPI commit has been steadily taking care of business. Tharpe’s collected a few double-doubles this year off of his typical work. A sound rim protector and excellent last line of defense, Tucker’s paint presence has equaled poor shooting performances in the paint from opponents. In turn, his rebounding numbers have been reaching double figures. From there, Tucker can push in transition or outlet and run the floor for fastbreak buckets. In the halfcourt he’s been super solid with his facilitations from the post and interior scoring. Tough.
Will Ameden, 6’5 W/F – Burr and Burton Academy Class of 2024
An intuitive player, Will is someone who’s shown savvy both as a facilitator and off-ball player. His orchestration from the top of the key and around the post spots has led to some big scoring outbursts and savvy distribution with BBA’s cutting prowess. Yet he’s aware off the ball, wise to relocate on drive, spot-up for jumpers, or cut from the weak side. A stout defender too, Will defends 3-5 and has been rebounding at a good clip. Off to a good start.
Grant Cieplicki Grant Cieplicki 6'5" | SF Rice Memorial | 2025 State New E , 6’4 W/F – Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025
Rice is so fortunate to have a guy like Grant. He’s a skilled player with great instincts and considerable hustle. Cieplicki has been a key defensive cog for the Green Knights, holding it down with his intuitive off-ball positioning, rotations, communication, and sound rebounding. On the other end it’s wise off-ball movement with well-timed cuts and screens in addition to his knockdown shooting and passing. Grant’s ability to make quick reads with the ball and react a step ahead of the opponent has been clinical.