Giants of the 802: D1 Rice vs. D2 Montpelier
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Phew! It was an electric, energized contest between two team a top their respective divisions. Montpelier would not budge, scoring effectively all first half, even after a second quarter scoring explosion from Owen Eaton Owen Eaton 6'2" | CG Rice…
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Continue ReadingPhew! It was an electric, energized contest between two team a top their respective divisions. Montpelier would not budge, scoring effectively all first half, even after a second quarter scoring explosion from Owen Eaton Owen Eaton 6'2" | CG Rice Memorial | 2025 State New E . But the 2nd half proved too much. Rice locked in defensively, only giving up 21 points in the final two quarters as they made their way to an 82-65 victory. Check out the standouts below.
Owen Eaton Owen Eaton 6'2" | CG Rice Memorial | 2025 State New E , 6’2 G – Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025
The flamethrower was spraying in the second quarter. Much of Owen’s team-high 25 points came in the second frame as he led Rice on a huge run. He canned four three pointers in the quarter, a few in transition and one simply spotting up. Moreover, he got out in the open court and finished numerous moves at the cup, including an emphatic one-hand jam off of a picked pocket on the other end. Eaton read the floor well off ball, made nice cuts, and scored with solid efficiency. He’s hardnosed defender too. If he’s not on your watchlist he should be.
Carson Cody, 6’3 G/W – Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025
A natural creator of offense, Carson put together a game-high 27-points and did it with beautiful footwork and shooting. He punctured the paint often, consistently getting defenders off balance with shot fakes and jabs. He drove well for rim finishes and numerous turnaround jumpers, pivoting back as defenders prepared to challenge at the rim. Carson ate well off that move. Furthermore, Cody knocked down multiple threes within the flow of the offense and at a good percentage. He defended well too with his long frame, but it was his offense that shone bright. Carson is well on his way to 1,000 points.
Abdi Sharif, 6’4 G/W – Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025
Abdi’s unique versatility is one thing I love most about his game. At times, Sharif orchestrated the offense and attacked from the perimeter, other times he played the high post against the zone and facilitated from there. The common thread between those two spots is that he found ways to finish inside. Abdi put together 16 points, finding them at the rim and the FT line. Plus, he wore down MHS’ point guard over the duration of the game with his hawk-like defense and challenges at the rim, a crucial aspect of Rice’s win. Abdi’s an efficient two-way guy who does so many things.
Drew Bessette Drew Bessette 6'7" | PF Rice Memorial | 2024 State New E , 6’8 W/F – Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2024
Drew does whatever’s required to win. Bessette has the talent to have the offense run through him, but he’s an unselfish player who plays various roles. Against MHS, Drew took on the role of defensive anchor, rebounder, and fast break sparker. His rim protection kept MHS’ shots challenged at the rim and once he cleaned glass he was throwing crisp hit-ahead passes, juicing the transition offense. Offensively he collected second possessions off the rim, finished with toughness inside, and greased the offensive wheels. He’s plug and play.
Atif Milak, 6’8 F – Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025
Atif had his hands full with this athletic, slashing Rice team who relentlessly attacked the cup. Nonetheless, he did well to challenge shots whilst staying relatively tagged to Bessette, a multi-level scoring threat who doesn’t need much space. Milak’s board cleaning service was in high demand; he reeled in 14 rebounds and helped MHS limit second chance opportunities. Moreover, he added 12 points, a few off of inside finishes and he flashed the catch-and-shoot 3-ball. A stout screen setter too, Milak opened space up for shooters and drivers. He’s an X-factor in the capital city.
Carter Bruzzese, 5’10 G – Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025
Put “undersized” guards on your radar! Carter had a first half feast against the substantial size of Rice’s defense. He had 6’4 Abdi Sharif hawking him all game and nonetheless, Bruzzese wormed his way into the paint found the bucket quite efficiently with savvy, sneaky up-and-under finishes and short-range jumpers. Furthermore, Carter navigated Rice’s various defenses with composure and set guys up off of his penetration. His defense was solid and isn’t one you can just attack because he’s not 6’0+. Kid can play.