(4) St. Thomas More defeats (5) Vermont Academy

Defense was the story of the game in St. Thomas More's dominant victory against Vermont Academy. The paint was a no-fly zone and the guards handled their business by sliding their feet well on the perimeter. Though STM only ended up winning by 14 points (83-69), the game was never close and that score makes it seem like it went better for Vermont than it actually did.   Here are my standouts from the game.    Benjamin was, in my opinion, the unequivocal best player on the floor in STM's first round matchup against VA. The 6-foot-7 senior continues to impress me with his ABSURD combination of size, heft, and skill – people that big are simply not supposed to move the way he does. He knocked down a bunch of threes in addition to showing off his really impressive handle. He was also a menace in the paint defensively, using his insane wingspan to alter TONS of shots. He's really special, and I think he could have another huge game against New Hampton on Saturday. High major player in my opinion.     Pettway is so quick and shifty with the ball in his hands. He changes directions unbelievably well and also knows how to alter his speed to keep the defense off guard. He just doesn't have an offensive weakness; he can shoot it, he can handle it against extreme pressure, he can make every pass you'd want a PG to make, and he's even a good finisher at the rim for his size. He looks scrawny, but he keeps his line well and uses his off hand to stop opposing guards from reaching in. His size is certainly limiting his recruitment, but Pettway should receive a scholarship somewhere.     Defense was the story of the game for St. Thomas More, and Mullen was arguably the most significant factor in that regard. The 7-footer is long and so disciplined when it comes to contesting shots at the rim without fouling. He's also a really solid leaper for his size. He didn't necessarily rack up a ton of blocks, but he dissuaded ball-handlers from shooting shots at the rim and impacted almost any shot that was attempted in the paint. Against a New Hampton squad with multiple guys who can get into the paint at will, his rim protection will be PIVOTAL.     Sakihama always impresses me with his on-ball defense and table-setting ability. He locks up on the defensive end and is a nice floor general for STM, always setting up teammates for easy looks and making the kick-ahead pass to jump start transition. But against Vermont Academy, he also showed off a nice-looking three-point stroke that I haven't seen before. If he can consistently take and make three-pointers, that'll make his offensive game so much more dynamic and difficult to stop. The senior recently de-committed from Merrimack but should find another scholarship somewhere. So fun to watch.     Rainey was definitely Vermont Academy's leading scorer. He made a bunch of three pointers from all over the court and also found some space in the mid-range to get off his floaters and jumpers. However, he took a TON of shots. The speed, quickness and skill is there, but he could really benefit from balancing out his facilitation and scoring. He has the vision necessary to be a really nice passer – which he shows flashes of – but he often takes ill-advised shots. Rainey has a clear area of improvement that'll make him a much desirable college player, and I have confidence he can make that change.     I'm not really sure why [player_tooltip player_id='2568339' first='Kamari' last='Whyte'] isn't a bigger part of Vermont Academy's offense. It seems like every time he gets a pick and roll rep, something good happens. He's quick and athletic but also knows how to play at his own pace and use his body on drives. He is SO physical when taking the ball to the hoop – and for a sophomore, this is ridiculously impressive. I cannot imagine what Whyte might look like in a couple years. If I had to guess, I would think he'll be getting high-major offers in short order; and if he grows, oh my lord. Sky's the limit for him.

Defense was the story of the game in St. Thomas More's dominant victory against Vermont Academy. The paint was a no-fly zone and the guards handled their business by sliding their feet well on the perimeter. Though STM only ended up winning by 14 points (83-69), the game was never close and that score makes it seem like it went better for Vermont than it actually did.