D2 Breakthrough: #2 Hartford vs #3 Harwood

Cody Quattrocci

March 6, 2025 @ 04:17 PM

A scrappy, lengthy bunch out of Harwood have clinched the first finals appearance in school history since 1988. In what was a physical, defense-oriented exposition, both squads battled to protect their iron and clawed to put the ball in the hole. While most thought it'd be a close one, almost none foresaw Harwood breaking through. Find out who stood out below.   Steele Nelson, 6'2 W - Harwood Union H.S. Class of 2025   In a game decided by defense, rebounding and 2nd chance opportunities, you want a guy like Steele. His tough, physical, and athletic game translated to a huge double-double, collecting 14 points and 11 boards. Nelson's ability to cut off driving lanes on the ball, clog up space as a help defender, force errant passes, and endlessly work the glass to prevent 2nd shots proved critical. In turn, he was able to get out in transition and finish a couple plays. Plus, his slashing and flashing into gaps vs the zone provided even more scoring inside. Hard work pays off.   Tucker Buffum, 6'3 W - Harwood Union H.S. Class of 2025   Acting at times as the PG due to foul trouble, Tucker managed to organize the guys and get things rolling. The ball moved well, which rewarded Buffum, allowing him to catch and make quick actions. His knifing drives led to plentiful rim finishes, as did his work to collect O boards. Moreover, that long, wiry frame proved bothersome to Hartford shooters and drivers as his athleticism allowed him both to get up in shooters and stick to drivers. Tucker's clutch FTs down the stretch and two-way relentlessness + heart brings Harwood to the final.   Tegan Fills-Amine, 6'2 G - Harwood Union H.S. Class of 2025   A bit of foul trouble had Fills-Amine in and out, but when he was in, he provided needed ballhandling and orchestration. Tegan worked to organize vs Hartford's varying defenses, moving guys into the right positions where they could thrive. In turn, those seams opened up for drivers and had the defense out of shape, resulting in 2nd chance opportunities. The active defense from Fills-Amine certainly played a role too, forcing Hartford to make tough decisions. Tegan's ballhandling will be relied upon come Saturday in the final.   Noah Danieli, 6'2 G - Hartford H.S. Class of 2025   The athletic slasher and well-sighted passer provided a much-needed boost for Hartford as they struggled to flow offensively. Noah's aggressiveness to get inside, paired with his athleticism, produced a handful of crucial lays to take the lid off the basket, en route to a team-high 12 points. Plus, he lasered in a couple of dimes through the defense to secure a couple easy buckets. That agility and athleticism translated defensively too as Danieli's dynamic movement forced tough shots inside. A solid two-way player who I thought could've asserted himself even more.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553776' first='Noah' last='Jenks'], 6'3 W - Hartford H.S. Class of 2026   There was a timidness about Hartford that seemed to crop up off and on, but not for Noah. I appreciated his intentional aggression; Jenks made physical attacks to collect inside shots, a couple short range jumpers, and fouls and get to the FT line as he posted 11 for the night. I also saw Noah play low in Hartford's zones, where he provided a nice blend of athleticism, length, and toughness to protect the rim + rebound. A good showing from a growing wing.

A scrappy, lengthy bunch out of Harwood have clinched the first finals appearance in school history since 1988. In what was a physical, defense-oriented exposition, both squads battled to protect their iron and clawed to put the ball in the hole. While most thought it'd be a close one, almost none foresaw Harwood breaking through. Find out who stood out below.