802 D1 Semifinals: Top Performances on VT's Biggest Stage

We have it all in this one. A D1 walk-on, highly talented freshmen guards, and a whole lot of smart, skilled hoopers. Check in on VT's top performances in the semifinals.   [player_tooltip player_id='2396778' first='Grant' last='Cieplicki'], 6'5 W - Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025   There's a lot of firepower on this squad and sometimes the work around the edges gets cast to the shadows. But in this one, Grant's swiss-army knife work was loud and clear. Cieplicki jumpstarted the game with multiple smart drives and weak side cuts to get rim finishes, putting up eight points on the night. Moreover, his work on the glass was big-time. Cieplicki's 15 rebounds kept RHS off the boards, sparked transition, and kept Rice clicking. Grant's ability to grease the offense and plug holes defensively is key for RMHS.   [player_tooltip player_id='2312980' first='Drew' last='Bessette'], 6'8 W/F - Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2024   The best player in the state continues to take on a role that serves his team well. Drew plays team ball, and it ensures that production is spread around. Bessette posted a game-high 15 points, getting his scoring in the flow of the offense. It was a few 3s, some interior finishes, and FTs. Add in his distribution and versatile defense and it's a wrap. Drew and Rice return for a 5th straight Championship appearance.   [player_tooltip player_id='2325785' first='Owen' last='Eaton'], 6'2 G - Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025   There aren't many kids around VT with Owen's athleticism and skillset except his brother, Evan. Eaton filled up the stat-sheet, posting 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. His scoring manifested in smooth catch-and-shoot 3s and off transition finishes. Plus, his defensive work was demoralizing. One example being an emphatic block at the rim as he rotated from the weak side that no one saw coming. He's a stud.   [player_tooltip player_id='1850193' first='Kyle' last='Eaton'], 5'9 G - Champlain Valley Union H.S. Class of 2024   Talk about handling pressure and the stamina to play 30 minutes as the primary playmaker. Eaton was constantly under duress, but he never looked fazed or winded. Kyle's tight handle and quickness were key against BHS' agile guards. Moreover, Kyle was getting buckets too. Eaton posted 22-points off of four 3s, some crafty short-range pull-ups, and a number of FTs. One of the most polished guys on the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='2313121' first='Tucker' last='Tharpe'], 6'7 F - Champlain Valley Union H.S. Class of 2024   For multiple stretches, Tucker was the most impactful player on the floor. His defensive work was highly communicative and organized as CVU threw multiple defensive looks at BHS. Tharpe owned the interior, hauling in 10 boards and swatting three shots on the night. And when CVU went through Tucker offensively, good things happened. He got a number of nice post shots to drop, converted at the FT line, and distributed wisely to cutters and shooters when BHS sent help. The RPI commit impacted the game far and wide.   Ngang Ateny, 6'5 W - Burlington H.S. Class of 2024   Ngang was a steady scorer throughout this matchup, and he came up big late in the game with a couple of buckets. Ateny's a good reader of closeouts and he made CVU pay with 3s and drives off the catch which culminated in floaters and rim finishes, including a five point stretch late in the 4th where he attacked the closeout for a short-range bucket and then sunk a huge 3 a couple possessions later. Throw in Ngang's ability to defend inside/out too, which gave BHS the versatility necessary to handle CVU's key big while still playing their brand of ball. 12 points and two-way play from Ateny.   [player_tooltip player_id='2568419' first='Sawyer' last='Judkins'], 5'9 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2027   The freshman guard out of BHS always seems to impress. Judkins orchestrated the offense well and got BHS into their stuff when the transition offense wasn't there. And of course, Sawyer brought the heat with his fullcourt pressure, showcasing the foot speed and athleticism. Then came clutch time. Judkins went 5/6 from the FT line in the final minute as the game hung in the balance! The freshman southpaw is ready for the big stage.   [player_tooltip player_id='2711459' first='Pascal' last='Munezero'], 5'9 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2027   Phew, talk about defense, heart, hustle, athleticism, the list goes on. Munezero was an absolute pest on the ball all night, making CVU's top guard fight for every inch of breathing space whether he was on the ball or 30 feet away from it. All that work paid off and it showed as Munezero forced two live on-ball turnovers late in the game, swinging momentum BHS' way. Pascal added 10-points with his finishing at the cup, and as noted, his defense was relentless. Best guard defender in VT, as a freshman!   [player_tooltip player_id='2955182' first='Cellan' last='Wood'], 6'1 G - Rutland H.S. Class of 2026   As a whole, Rutland struggled to catch stride but Cellan's aggressiveness to make plays gave them life. Wood's solid orchestration of the offense got guys in their spots, getting them the ball where they like it, but shots weren't falling. Cellan took matters into his own hands, using nice bursts of speed to slash into the second layer and finish with crafty reverses, using the rim as protection. His seven points and three dimes paced RHS' offense.

We have it all in this one. A D1 walk-on, highly talented freshmen guards, and a whole lot of smart, skilled hoopers. Check in on VT's top performances in the semifinals.