D1 Semis Showdown: #1 Burlington vs #4 South Burlington

Burlington quelled the noise surrounding what was poised to be an intriguing matchup after the first 16 minutes of game time. SB handed BHS their lone loss earlier this season, but they entered the game with a key starter down and out in [player_tooltip player_id='2478937' first='Paul' last='Comba']. BHS seized control in the second half as they uncorked a huge Q3 to lock in the win. Standouts below.   [player_tooltip player_id='2325846' first='Abdi' last='Sharif'], 6'5 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2025   It took a little time for Sharif to get settled in, but once he did, Burlington fired on all cylinders. Abdi's versatile defense had him covering various positions, going from playing big inside to locking down perimeter players. Acting as BHS' big man, he corralled 10 boards and 2 blocks on the night. That defensive effort often produced transition offense, which got BHS rolling. But in the halfcourt, Abdi got into his signature spots, driving the ball and spinning off his defender for short range jumpers, going for 14. Plus, he dropped four assists to balance the attack. A versatile and commanding presence all game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2711459' first='Pascal' last='Munezero'], 5'9 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2027   The blur! My goodness, Pascal can go. Munezero electrified BHS in the early goings as they struggled to catch stride with his emphatic coast-to-coast finishing. Pascal flew by multiple defenders in the open court and elevated impressively to meet guys at the rim and finish with efficiency, including one beautiful jump stop through two defenders for an and-1 lay. Moreover, his active defense on the ball and rotating into help clogged driving lanes, forced tough decisions, and often resulted in turnovers. Munezero finished with 15 points, two steals, and continues to prove himself as one of VT's most impactful two-way players.   Khamis Ali, 6'1 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2025   Phew, Khamis got microwave hot to start the 3rd! Ali came out clicking as he canned three 3s in transition, and that knock down shooting burst the game open. But he balanced that hot shooting with timely pump fakes and slick slashing, knifing into the lane for a couple smooth contested finishes as he went for 13 points in maybe four minutes. Defensively aware, Ali worked ballhandlers and rotated nicely off the rock. But it was that hot streak that separated the two teams; going 6-8 on the night, Khamis led all scorers with 16. Explosive.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553700' first='Byron' last='Robertson Jr.'], 6'0 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2026   The floor general and primary organizer of the offense, Byron facilitated well to get BHS into their stuff. In that slow first 12 minutes or so of game time he got Burlington organized in the halfcourt and provided a patient presence. His crisp passing hit guys in their shooting pockets, he moved well off the ball to warp the defense and laced a couple 3s throughout the evening. Plus, his pressure and aware off-ball defense added to the chaos that is BHS basketball. A high-IQ guy with good feel.   [player_tooltip player_id='2453004' first='Deng' last='Aguek'], 6'3 G - South Burlington H.S. Class of 2025   Tasked with a truck load of responsibility in this one, Aguek put it all on the line. Deng locked in on BHS' star guard, making everything tough from the outset with his agile on-ball defense and athleticism. Plus, Deng was the primary focus of the BHS defense, rotating hard to help on any of his moves. He managed to find space here and there for a couple jumpers while entrusting teammates with his passing to knock down shots. All in all, Deng laid out for a good deal of boards, a few buckets, and vital defensive effort.   Will Goyette, 5'9 G - South Burlington H.S. Class of 2025   I was quite impressed with Goyette's poise in this one. He's a composed guard who handled the BHS pressure quite well, working to organize offense amidst the chaos. He doled out four assists with his crisp, timely passing to get guys going, plus, Will quietly led SB in scoring. His knockdown shooting off the catch proved integral to SB's offense as he laced numerous 3s, providing 13 on the night. Mix in his rebounding effort too and it's clear Will's at times subtle impact was crucial.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553737' first='Oli' last='Avdibegovic'], 6'7 F - South Burlington H.S. Class of 2026   Oli came out the most aggressive player for SB and looked like he might pose a problem for BHS. Avdibegovic dropped a baby hook to open the game, laced a 3 a few plays later, and scrapped for an O board and 2nd chance bucket for seven points in the first frame. Furthermore, Oli's work around the interior on the defensive end often had BHS shooting from outside the paint whenever playing in the halfcourt. Oli's production slowed in the 2nd half as BHS adjusted, but his fire, interior impact, and inside/out scoring produced 11 points and a handful of boards.

Burlington quelled the noise surrounding what was poised to be an intriguing matchup after the first 16 minutes of game time. SB handed BHS their lone loss earlier this season, but they entered the game with a key starter down and out in Paul Comba Paul Comba 6'0" | PG South Burlington | 2026 State New E . BHS seized control in the second half as they uncorked a huge Q3 to lock in the win. Standouts below.