AAU Preview: Green Mountain Select Varsity Black

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm running these previews with a different look, going journal-style as I breakdown the lead guards, perimeter guys, and inside presences. Let's drop in!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Green Mountain Select Varsity Black (all are 2025s):</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alright everyone, this GMS squad is coming at you with a little bit of everything. They have exceptional guard play, perimeter balance and versatility, and the size + hustle inside that wears opponents down. Moreover, five of these eight guys play together at Montpelier H.S. (<strong>Carter, Clayton, Carson, Kleo, and Atif</strong>) so they come with excellent chemistry. Let's unpack GMS Varsity Black and get to the nitty gritty.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The guard play that GMS has put together is exciting to say the least. They bring back<strong> 6'0 Carter Bruzzese </strong>and <strong>6'1 [player_tooltip player_id='2546968' first='Kerrick' last='Medose']</strong>, two guys I anticipate will fill the role of lead guard. Each know how to set the table, read defenses, and communicate + organize in the halfcourt. Moreover, each have some slipperiness to their game, able to snake to the cup for finishes. Plus, <strong>Carter </strong>has the 3-ball and will hurt defenses with his balanced attack as a scorer and distributor and <strong>Kerrick </strong>has shown he can explode for big scoring games too. Both bring sound defensive instincts and the work ethic to wear ballhandlers down without gambling. Two reliable and efficient guys at the helm. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2 and 3 positions will be filled in by <strong>6'3 [player_tooltip player_id='2377234' first='Carson' last='Cody']</strong>, <strong>6'1 Clayton Foster</strong>, and <strong>6'2 Kleo Bridge</strong>. <strong>Carson's </strong>electric scoring ability comes at all levels, off the bounce or the catch, and will bend the defense then dish when the help comes, hurting opponents in multiple ways. <strong>Clayton </strong>is the glue, operating as a fantastic connector who makes the right play. He reads the D quickly, attacks advantages intuitively, and takes care of the rock, ensuring efficiency as a scorer from 3 and at the rim + as a ballhandler. Foster moves well off ball and is that one who seems to always be in the right spot and aware of the whole floor. <strong>Kleo </strong>is a guy that has come into his own. I like Bridge's scoring ability from the wing, able to shoot the 3, slash with physicality, and keep the ball popping and then relocate. All three of these guys can handle the rock and make plays in the open court too. Moreover, they all play together in the winter, so their team defense is tightknit. It's pressure + hustle, smart rotations, and they just keep coming at you whether it's 84x50 or sly scrambles in the halfcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Inside, they have a variety pack. <strong>6'8 [player_tooltip player_id='2811950' first='Atif' last='Milak']</strong> moves well down low, will give you a couple buckets out of the post, and operates well as a roller in the pnr. Moreover, he has nice feel around the paint, moving naturally into the right space to provide the passing angle as slashers attack, finishing efficiently inside and converting his FTs. And of course, he's the last line of the defense. He brings sound post D, rim protection, and the rebounding is all there. Then it's <strong>6'4 Phil Bean</strong>, a rough and tough guy who'll play bully ball with his physical style. He has a couple moves on the block but his production amps up with hustle points and hard cuts into space for bunnies. Plus, <strong>Phil's </strong>a guy that'll reel in a ton of boards, finish 2nd chance opps., D up inside + switch out in a pinch, and run through a wall. <strong>6'3 Tucker Buffum</strong> is a swing-forward, a 3-4 type who's lanky and athletic. More perimeter oriented, <strong>Buffum </strong>runs the floor, slashes from the wing, and defends 2-4. A versatile bunch with each guy providing a different skillset, checking most every box you want from your forwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There you have it! This GMS team is loaded with scoring options, team defense, and the skillsets at every position to take care of business. I have a feeling this crew will really flourish this AAU season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note: one player unmentioned is <strong>Azariah Hungerford</strong>, someone I have yet to see play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->