D1 Finals - A Rivalry Thickens: BHS vs Rice

Phew, it was a packed house at UVM. The fans went all the way up to the top of the bleachers, the gym rattled with cheers back and forth, and we all got the high-intensity game we wanted in this explosive 100-year rivalry. The stress, the intensity, it all lived up to the hype even as BHS led for 31 of the 32 minutes of game time. Get a glimpse of the top performers below!   [player_tooltip player_id='2325846' first='Abdi' last='Sharif'], 6'4 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2025   Sharif had control of this one from the outset, particularly from the offensive end. Abdi made his presence felt all 32 minutes as he broke down defenders off the dribble and attacked with relentless slashes which culminated in tough lays, floaters, 7-10 FTs (plenty in the 4th), or mid-range jumpers. He collected 11 in Q1 and 29 on the night for a dominant performance. Mix in his pressure defense on Rice's premier offensive weapon and 10 boards to get the full picture; Abdi was a man on a mission.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553739' first='Ben' last='Koh'], 6'2 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2026   The big note I took on Ben was his awareness on the offensive end and with that, his aggression. Koh had a mismatch on him throughout the game and he picked his spots fluidly, going directly at him and breaking him down with well-paced misdirection on hesitations and crossovers, stepping into clean mid-range jumpers. His contribution of 8 points on 4-7 shooting came well-timed as the O needed a little boost, plus he added four boards and two steals in that dynamic press+ switch defense in 20 minutes of game time. So solid.   [player_tooltip player_id='2711459' first='Pascal' last='Munezero'], 5'9 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2027   Pascal's two-way impact was created by his pressure on the ball, active and bothersome rotations, and a handful of open court plays. Munezero's agility on the ball kept ballhandlers wary, and he covered so much ground as BHS doubled offensive weapons on ball screens then flew around to rotate on time. In doing so Pascal disrupted plenty of offense and then got out to run on TOs, creating three assists in the open court. Plus, his athletic activity on the glass brought in five boards, three offensive. A swiss-army knife who goes all out.   Byron Robertson, 5'10 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2026   The man with a constant pulse on the game; I enjoy Byron's ability to understand what's needed moment to moment and lead with poise. He organized a bit offensively amidst some tough pressure to ensure effective offense and pressured the rock + rotated tightly to keep BHS playing their preferred game. Moreover, he added 9 points with a couple buckets and particularly pivotal FTs late in the game. A floor general who's efficient and effective.   [player_tooltip player_id='2571911' first='Tyrell' last='Robertson'], 6'1 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2028   The wiry, high-IQ freshman proved he's ready for the big stage. Ty stepped in and provided a number of moments throughout the game, but I noted a particular few that boosted BHS in the 4th. Robertson snatched the ball on the wing midway through Q4 to take away a crucial possession and he knocked down a much needed 3 on a night where BHS was cold from range. Plus, his natural inclination on O was active and he flowed into ball screens, screens away from the rock, and floated into open space. Five points, three boards, two steals and intuitive play in just 15 minutes.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547032' first='Dallas' last='St. Peter'], 6'0 G - Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025   Dallas plays relentless and unfazed. St. Peter's aggressiveness all game gave Rice that edginess to keep scrapping. He brought toughness on the defensive end with his agile ball pressure and hunted the boards, collecting a team-high nine on the night. Then on the offensive end, his decision making was surgical. As BHS flew around out of double teams, Dallas clinically attacked closeouts for rim finishes and FTs, going 6-8 from the line. Plus, he added a 3 and plenty of aware ball movement to keep pressure on the defense. A huge senior year for DSP.   [player_tooltip player_id='2325800' first='Evan' last='Eaton'], 6'2 G - Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025   Tasked with handling the bulk of the BHS ball pressure, Evan managed pretty well. Eaton had his tight handle working coming up court and he routinely used a midcourt ball screen to alleviate the pressure and flow into the halfcourt where he organized much of the game. Plus, his five rebounds and two steals added much needed possessions. Then in the 4th his scoring came alive. In the last 90 seconds with the game hanging in the balance, Evan created two tough buckets as he broke his man down and got in the paint for short range jumpers to keep Rice hanging on. A tough final performance in the VPA as he heads to Winchendon.   [player_tooltip player_id='2325785' first='Owen' last='Eaton'], 6'2 G - Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025   Responsible for defending BHS' toughest offensive creator and for operating under intense defensive watch, Owen had his hands full. What stuck out was his defensive toughness as he buckled down, stuck on his opponent's hip, and consistently forced tough shots along with seven boards to close out possessions. Then offensively, Owen was smothered but he didn't force anything and instead found clean passes through the pressure, collecting a couple assists and providing rhythm for teammates. Come Q3 he unleashed seven points within the 2nd layer to lead Rice after a tough Q2, but the swarm of BHS proved too much. One of VTs best moves on to Winchendon.   Moses Pial, 6'3 W - Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2027   What Moses provided Rice was great composure and a few much-needed plays to swing momentum. He collected a couple buckets in the first half off his smooth drives and finishes as well as a couple FTs. His lengthy frame and athleticism brought some disruption, and then came the big play. A critical on-ball strip and fullcourt finish with just over a minute left of game to keep Rice in the fold. I see Moses becoming one of Rice's next guys to carry the torch.

Phew, it was a packed house at UVM. The fans went all the way up to the top of the bleachers, the gym rattled with cheers back and forth, and we all got the high-intensity game we wanted in this explosive 100-year rivalry. The stress, the intensity, it all lived up to the hype even as BHS led for 31 of the 32 minutes of game time. Get a glimpse of the top performers below!