VT Flurries: Who’s Storming Out to Strong Starts in the 802?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oh yeah, winter hoops are in full swing! We're finding some rhythm coming into the New Year and patterns have begun to develop. Who's been balling out? Let's find out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2325846' first='Abdi' last='Sharif'], 6'5 G/W - Burlington H.S. Class of 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sharif returns to hometown BHS after running the table with Rice the past few years and he's looking like the X-factor. Abdi's dynamic game has flourished in the up-tempo BHS style with his hawk-like defense, physical slashing ability, orchestration, and sharpened jump shot. Sharif's been hovering around 20 ppg. to start the season, showcasing his playmaking abilities and strong leadership with a relatively young team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2325785' first='Owen' last='Eaton'], 6'3 G - Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best sheer bucket getter in the 802, [player_tooltip player_id='2325785' first='Owen' last='Eaton']. He's a 3-level threat anywhere within 24 feet whether he's creating space off a screen, pulling up in transition, or breaking you down 1v1. Eaton's been putting up north of 20 ppg. consistently, getting work done on both ends. He's efficient, a versatile scorer, and comes with the vision to distribute. VT's toughest cover with plenty of rebounding and disruption defensively to bolster the offensive opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2396750' first='Rex' last='Hauser'], 6'5 G/W - St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Rex, you get a good dose of everything. Hauser's scoring often leads St. J, and he gets it done with tough finishes and a crisp jumper, all fluid and within the flow of the offense. Yet he's also an offensive hub, able to cut defenses up with sly passing and intuitive movement, bending the defense as he pleases. Moreover, his defensive work leaves little to be desired. He pressures the ball, is in passing lanes, and will block shots + clean glass as well as anyone. Highly versatile.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2325800' first='Evan' last='Eaton'], 6'3 G - Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2325800' first='Evan' last='Eaton'] is one of the best sheer bucket getters alongside Owen. Their games almost mirror each other; Evan's in range within 24 feet or so, able to get to his favorite spots at each level with his athleticism, sharp handle, and movement away from the ball. The buckets rain down often with his aggressive approach. Defensively, the athleticism reigns supreme, able to pressure, block shots and snatch boards, then it's straight to finding buckets for himself and others. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2811950' first='Atif' last='Milak'], 6'8 F - Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Atif has cooked up some big games, notably a 29-point effort at Rice where he had 23 in the first half. And it was with variety; Atif was knocking down 3s, mid-range shots, and a plethora of post moves that elicit visions of Kevin McHale. His footwork is all there, has great feel of where the D is and isn't, and has the decision making to be efficient. A powerful presence defensively too, he boards, protects the rim, and moves his feet on the perimeter. A joy to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->