NEPSAC Showcase Day 2: Backcourt Standouts

He won't wow you with his speed or athleticism, but Fitzgerald is incredibly strong and secure with the ball in his hands. He runs the pick and roll like a true floor general; he puts the defender on his back (getting him in jail) and makes excellent decisions once he gets into the paint. He can also finish over taller defenders at the rim.     Connolly had his hands full with a difficult Brewster backcourt, but he held his own all game. The undersized PG can handle the rock against pressure and make plays out of the pick and roll. Despite his size, he's not moved off his path easily and can hang with larger guards on both ends. He's a dog on the defensive end.     Marshall is an explosive athlete who gets ridiculous elevation on his jumper, allowing him to rise up from anywhere on the floor and knock it down. He has no holes in his offensive game; he can handle it, pass it and shoot it, and he can play with and without the ball. Sure, he's undersized, but he makes up for it with supreme athleticism.     Baither really impressed with his ball skills and feel. Has the rock on a string and is able to get to virtually wherever he wants on the court. Special vision with the ability to make live-dribble one-handed passes in his sleep with both hands. Reads the defense really well in the pick and roll and can stretch the defense with his three point shot.     Strong body PG who makes all the right plays off the dribble and can really create in the pick and roll. Johnson is the definition of solid; he makes very few mistakes and always seems willing to make the extra, simple pass for his teammates even if it doesn't show up in the stat sheet.     Ricca was getting hounded in the backcourt all game but was able to use his quickness, change of pace and ball handling ability to get by defenders. Had some really nice finishes at the rim and is really great at using his off-hand when blowing by defenders. Uses headfakes and misdirection moves well to get opponents off balance.     Rainey absolutely strokes it from three, whether it be off the dribble or off the catch. Gets it off quickly and with great accuracy. Also handles the ball well and is able to defend bigger players despite being undersized. Rainey was the motor of Vermont Academy's offense all day.     Brown is a talented lefty shooter with a good understanding of when to let it fly and when to drive the closeout. Has a very pretty release and can shoot it with range. He's long and skinny, which makes me think he'll put on some muscle and maybe even some height as he gets older. Bright future ahead for Brown.