Deeper Dig: Stock Rising 2025s Pt. 2/3 – VT Edition
Yep, we’re back at it with these rising 2025s. These guys got the chops to make noise this Spring and ought to be on your radar when you see Green Mountain Select, Blueprint Basketball, etc., in the tournament packet. Let’s…
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Continue ReadingYep, we’re back at it with these rising 2025s. These guys got the chops to make noise this Spring and ought to be on your radar when you see Green Mountain Select, Blueprint Basketball, etc., in the tournament packet. Let’s go.
Carter Bruzzese, 6’0 G – Montpelier H.S. / Green Mountain Select Varsity Black Class of 2025
We’ve all seen good shooters fall in love with the 3, but what I love about Carter’s scoring is his balanced attack. He’s a shifty southpaw that’ll get to the rack and finish plays with crafty inside touch. Moreover, he has the jumper from various spots, including the short-range pull-up. But even more so, Bruzzese is a highly competent floor general who initiates offense and can create with his scoring and intuitive distribution. A scrappy defender with sly on-ball instincts, Carter’s two-way effect is clinical.
Hayden Boivin, 6’4 W/F – North Country Union H.S. / NC Falcons Class of 2025
Mainly featured in the post over the winter, Hayden showcased his physical post moves and one-dribble drives from the short corners and high post for tough rim finishes. However, he has more to offer. I saw Boivin prove himself as an outside shooter last spring and summer, and with his athleticism and solid handle, Hayden mixed up his attack with jumpers, as screener in pnr, drives, and post finishing. Moreover, he’s a versatile defender who can cover 2-5 with his strength, size, and athleticism. Nice game, solid frame, and extensive versatility.
Kleo Bridge, 6’3 W – Montpelier H.S. / Green Mountain Select Varsity Black Class of 2025
I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Bridge. Kleo’s a guy who has the strength, patience, and handle to play at his pace; he reads defenses well, has sound passing/ballhandling, and will hurt opponents with strong 2-level scoring. The slashing is physical yet nimble, and the jumper has a bit of range on it. But like I said, he plays at his pace and within the flow of the game, so the decisions are natural and spontaneous. A rugged defender who mixes it up 2-4, rebounds, and provides smart off-ball disruption + timely weakside defense, Bridge is well polished.
Phil Bean, 6’4 F – Fair Haven Union H.S. / Green Mountain Select Varsity Black Class of 2025
Phil Bean is an absolute force around the interior. The paint is Bean’s territory, and he owns it with strength, tenacity, and an unwavering motor. Phil is constantly active whether he’s jockeying for post position, setting hard screens, going at his defender with power post moves, or attacking the offensive glass. And defensively it’s that same toughness, gritty hustle, and unending vigor to defend and rebound. Bean earned Rutland Herald POY Awards with his 18 pts and 12 rbds a game. Just relentless.
Dez Krakowka, 6’4 W/F – Rutland H.S. / Blueprint Basketball Varsity Class of 2025
With Dez we have a guy rooted in a post foundation yet has evolved his game with the addition of a perimeter skillset. Krakowka will certainly play power ball inside, able to generate rugged inside offense. Yet his passing out of the post is just as dangerous due to his court awareness and good handle. Additionally, Krakowka has proven himself as a wing threat too, able to hit the 3 and make plays as a slasher or a distributor. Mix in his hardnosed rebounding, defensive versatility, and transition playmaking ability, and you see flashes of the point-forward prototype. A unique talent.