802 D2 Semifinals: Top Dogs at the Aud

Check out the standouts! NCU has a dog in Chilafoux but Hartford's well-oiled machine took care of business with excellent team offense and team defense. Then it was Otter Valley who jumped out to a big lead with Connor Denis and Pelkey making plays. But Montpelier's pressure defense, knockdown shooting, and sheer experience pulled through with a huge 39-point Q3 to completely swing the game. Lock in on D2s best in the Semis!   Haidin Chilafoux, 6'0 G - North Country Union H.S. Class of 2025   In his bag, Chilafoux did his best to carry NCU to the Final. With his "lull you to sleep" crossover and nice change of pace, Haidin broke into the second layer where he showcased his impressive touch around the cup, going for 23 in this one. Add in his ability to shoot the jumper off the bounce and distribute the rock when the D over-rotates, and you have an offense upon itself. One of the best playmakers in D2.   Christian Hathorn, 5'11 G - Hartford Union H.S. Class of 2024   It was a steady dose of 3-point shooting off the catch and defense-to-offense playmaking from Hathorn. Christian's a good system player who knows how to read screens and find space for the 3-ball. He hit four threes, all off the catch, with good rhythm and arc. Mix in his defensive anticipation which turned to transition offense, and you have a highly efficient 16-point outing. Christian's steadiness on both ends have been key to this Championship run.   Brody Tyburski, 6'2 F - Hartford Union H.S. Class of 2024   The high-post operation from the big fella is a thing of beauty. He's highly comfortable at the elbow, making nice reads as a facilitator with cutters flying off his hip or going for back cuts. Moreover, Brody showed plenty of touch around the rim with his strong one-dribble drives for smooth lays en route to 13-points. A gritty hustle guy with tons of rebounding, interior defense, and impressive touch + awareness offensively.   Ayodele Lowe, 5'10 G - Hartford H.S. Class of 2025   Hartford's #1 ballhandler and on-ball defender, Lowe orchestrated the show for the #1 seed. He got them organized offensively and made nice reads in the flow of the offense to slash to the cup, putting pressure on the rim for athletic lays and FTs. Plus, his pressure defense wore NCU's primary ballhandlers down over the course of 32 minutes. A natural PG who does all the little things PGs are supposed to do.   Carson Cody, 6'3 G/W - Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025   It took a little time to get going, but Carson always gets going. Cody went for 17 in this one, finding his offense out of the pressure defense of MHS. His shooting off the catch was locked in from deep, and he got into the second layer with savvy drives to collect some FTs. The lengthy wing was a critical piece of the fullcourt pressure with his anticipation, size and athleticism. A natural at getting buckets.   Clayton Foster, 6'1 G - Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025   It's impossible not to enjoy Clayton's play; Foster's two-way game was integral in this one. On the defensive end, Clayton reeled in six boards and displayed tight rotations out of the press, leading to smart reads to pick up ballhandlers and pressure relentlessly or jump passing lanes to spark the fastbreak. Offensively he was clicking too. The transition offense led to the bulk of his five assists, and he chipped in 16-points off of savvy rim finishes, FTs, and 3s. A star 2-guard who plays his role exceptionally well.   Carter Bruzzese, 6'0 G - Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025   The whole 1st half was difficult for MHS, but the 2nd half was completely different. Bruzzese opened up the monster 3rd quarter run with a 3-ball then numerous steals out of the press for transition lays, leading to his 20-point outing. Carter's five steals turned up the offensive production, generating four assists and a good deal of those 39-points in the 3rd quarter. Carter's slashing, handling, and defensive prowess were key to this huge 3rd quarter swing which completely changed the game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2811950' first='Atif' last='Milak'], 6'8 F - Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025   Talk about a guy who simply shows up and goes to work. Atif plays his role to a tee, hanging out on the block/dunker spot and feasting off of little feeds from drivers. Add in his offensive rebounding, 2nd chance points, FT touch, and a couple of post-ups and all of a sudden Milak has a tough 16-point, 11 rebound double-double. His rim protection is solid, he gobbles boards, and then cleans up and finishes plays on O. Can't ask for much more.   Connor Denis, 5'10 G - Otter Valley Union H.S. Class of 2026   Phew, Connor and OV put a scare into MHS, a team looking for a 4-peat at States this year. Denis had it rocking early, using OV's scramble defense to force turnovers and get in the open court. CD's ability to get within 10-feet and finish plays had MHS sulking, whether he was getting those buckets himself or making plays for others. His bulldog mentality and sheer will to compete had OV up 15 at the half on the D2 dynasty.   Drew Pelkey, 6'4 W - Otter Valley Union H.S. Class of 2025   It was my first time seeing Pelkey and I like what he brings to the table. Drew's a lengthy wing with an ability to guard up. He'd handle MHS' post players, switch out onto wings out of the scramble defense, and then rebound the rock and play connectively on offense. Drew put together some buckets, but his defensive acumen and fastbreak mentality had MHS on the ropes early. A solid '25 from OV.

Check out the standouts! NCU has a dog in Chilafoux but Hartford's well-oiled machine took care of business with excellent team offense and team defense. Then it was Otter Valley who jumped out to a big lead with Connor Denis and Pelkey making plays. But Montpelier's pressure defense, knockdown shooting, and sheer experience pulled through with a huge 39-point Q3 to completely swing the game. Lock in on D2s best in the Semis!