Cross-Town Get Down: D1 BHS vs D1 SB

Phew, I mean, what a game. It felt like BHS was in control for the first full 24 minutes of action, and then SB just caught fire with Bergmans attacking the rim. I took two things away from this game. First, BHS is knocking on the door of being in the top tier of D1. They might be 6th in standings, but they've been injured and have played each top 5 team rather well even though they're 0-5 against those teams. Second, [player_tooltip player_id='2387335' first='Tyler' last='Bergmans'] can dominate a game and SB's three-headed monster, listed below, can erupt for 50-60+ any night. Let's dive in.   South Burlington:   [player_tooltip player_id='2387335' first='Tyler' last='Bergmans'], 6'2 G - South Burlington H.S. Class of 2024   It seemed like BHS had quelled Tyler enough through the first three quarters to snatch this one, but Bergmans had other plans. Tyler turned it all the way up in the second half and BHS couldn't stop him. He posted 15 points in the 4th quarter off of relentless drives + post ups, finishing an array of tough moves at the rim and collecting free throws. He did his typical work on the glass, and off his boards he made multiple hit ahead passes for clean lays at the other end. Tyler's 24 points, 10 rebounds, and sheer will led SB to the W. It's work like this that has stamped TB as a top guard in the 802. Stay tuned on that...   [player_tooltip player_id='2453004' first='Deng' last='Aguek'], 6'2 G - South Burlington H.S. Class of 2025   There were a few times where it looked like Deng just couldn't find the rhythm in this one, but then I noted he put up a quiet 18 points and I realized how much he made happen. Aguek hit a number of 3s from a few steps behind the line, and he worked to finish a number of looks in transition even though his inside lays just weren't falling at the outset. Regardless, Deng didn't let it affect his energy elsewhere. He led all rebounders with 11 total and played exceptional defense on the ball and off against a good driving + shooting team. Big double-double on what felt like an "off" night, at least to me.   Paul Comba, 5'10 G - South Burlington H.S. Class of 2026   It was Paul's offensive creation that had SB sticking with BHS in the first half. South Burlington couldn't seem to find the bucket, but Comba found a way to put together the bulk of his 13 points in the first two frames. Paul hit a couple long balls off the catch, and his slashing finishes took the lid off the rim when SB just couldn't finish inside. On the defensive end, Comba used his agility to stay in front of drivers and provided good help when away from the ball. Paul gave SB exactly what they needed in the first half.   Burlington:   Khamis Ali, 5'11 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2025   He might not be the lead guard, but he's the lead guy. Khamis led BHS with 19-points, knocking down numerous tough threes in the face of the defense, seemingly unfazed by the pressure. Moreover, Ali finished a number of crafty lays off his work 1v1 and in the pnr. I like the work he put in defensively too. He covered guys well and forced tough looks, plus he hit the glass and made nice advance passes to open up the BHS lead through the first 3 quarters. Khamis' composure and leadership had BHS primed to take down SB, even with them down three starting level players. Good work.   Ngang Ateny, 6'4 W - Burlington H.S. Class of 2024   Ngang provides a multi-faceted game to this guard heavy team. Ateny's work as a versatile defender, rim protector, and rebounder was noteworthy. He did well to contest shots at the cup, defend multiple guys, and float a little bit off of SB's less-lethal offensive players. In addition, Ngang used his speed and athleticism to run the floor off of rebounds, hitting quick outlets or leaking out to get behind the defense to convert multiple lays at the other end. He spaced the floor well too, knocking down a couple threes and moving the ball well, finishing with 14 points on the evening. Ngang's senior leadership and varied impact will be key for this young team.   Mohamed Abdirahman, 5'9 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2027   There were many moments where Mo looked like an upperclassmen out there, making tough moves to get to the rim and unleashing a skilled finishing package in the paint. Then there were moments where you were reminded that every freshman comes in with learning to be done at the varsity level. Regardless, Abdirahman's offensive orchestration, scoring at the rim, and huge buzzer beating 3 at the first quarter horn showed just how talented he is. Plus, he displayed agile on-ball defense and a willingness to sacrifice his body for loose balls and make hustle plays. Keep tabs on Mo, he's good.

Phew, I mean, what a game. It felt like BHS was in control for the first full 24 minutes of action, and then SB just caught fire with Bergmans attacking the rim. I took two things away from this game. First, BHS is knocking on the door of being in the top tier of D1. They might be 6th in standings, but they've been injured and have played each top 5 team rather well even though they're 0-5 against those teams. Second, Tyler Bergmans Tyler Bergmans 6'2" | SG South Burlington | 2024 State New E can dominate a game and SB's three-headed monster, listed below, can erupt for 50-60+ any night. Let's dive in.