VPA All-State Second Team: No Let Up

Cody Quattrocci

March 29, 2025 @ 11:14 AM

Alright, I got a clean 5 and they all come with plenty of game. It's all athletic guard play featuring tough slashing, shooting, rugged defense and heady offensive organization! Let's dive in.   [player_tooltip player_id='2453004' first='Deng' last='Aguek'], 6'3 G - South Burlington H.S. Class of 2025   Tasked with a ton of responsibility on both sides of the ball, Deng never wavered. A balanced two-way player, Aguek brought athletic offensive creation and lockdown defense to the table. His handle + his agility afforded him the ability to organize and/or snake by defenders where he made plays in the 2nd layer to pull-up, finish, or dish as the defense collapsed. Moreover, he can get going from range and so defenders have to take the extra step up, which makes all the difference. As mentioned, he shined on the defensive end too. He picked up the toughest perimeter weapon nightly and bothered everything with his active pressure, long wingspan, and low stance. A vital presence on the boards too, Deng gave SB a bit of everything.   [player_tooltip player_id='2711459' first='Pascal' last='Munezero'], 5'8 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2027   There is no one more explosive in VT than Pascal. His athleticism, agility, and speed are unmatched and it shows. Munezero's aggressive slashing beats defenders endlessly on the wing and in the open court, and then the explosive vertical puts him above the defense to finish anywhere at the rim efficiently. Often, it's his defense that turns to offense due to Pascal's ability to be highly aggressive + stick in front of his man or to jump in the passing lane + recover. Often he disrupts, forcing tough decisions, errant passes and on-ball turnovers which become lay-ups in no time. Add in his ability to rebound, run the offense when called upon, and stick the occasional jumper (which continues to improve), and it's clear the sophomore has the tools to be elite.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553700' first='Byron' last='Robertson Jr.'], 5'10 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2026   Byron is a guy who thinks the games, sees the game, and feels the momentum + pace instinctively. Responsible for organizing and settling this up-tempo BHS crew, Robertson Jr. showed his knack for providing what the moment needed. His passing routinely led to dimes or hockey assists as he saw ahead of the defense and acted on what he knew would bend the D until it broke. Moreover, his efficient, in rhythm scoring came at the rim and from deep, always in the flow of the O. Then defensively, Byron brought that trademark BHS pressure nightly with his lengthy wingspan and active feet, and he cruised right into tight rotations and help whenever traps were laid or teammates were beat. A high-IQ guy with poise in the big moment.   [player_tooltip player_id='2365945' first='Haidin' last='Chilafoux'], 6'0 G - North Country Union H.S. Class of 2025   Chilafoux has a surgical approach. His key contribution was his facilitation of the offense, and in turn dissection of the defense. A smooth combo-guard with an eye for defensive cracks, Haidin made smooth moves or used the pnr to get his defender on his hip. And once he's shoulder-to-shoulder, Haidin took advantage and used strength, savvy footwork and deft lays to finish at the rim with nice english on the rock + collect FTs. And when the D sagged off, it was too much air space and 3s rained down. Wise away from the ball too, his cutting and relocation created advantages which he navigated intuitively. His measured yet sharp defense, particularly off the ball, plugged holes and muddied up opponent offense. A savvy senior.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547032' first='Dallas' last='St. Peter'], 6'0 G - Rice Memorial H.S. Class of 2025   I expected Dallas to have a good year considering all the minutes which opened up, but St. Peter took a huge leap. Dallas played his brand of basketball, but elevated. It was heady defense off the ball, consistent hardnosed pressure on the ball, and constant activity in the halfcourt as a cutter, slasher, distributor, and spot-up shooter. With so much defensive attention cast on the Eaton twins, St. Peter exploited defenses with timely cuts for easy 2s, perfect movement into spot-up 3s, and crisp decision making to either knock down the 3 or slash, rather often leading the team in scoring. Furthermore, Dallas reeled in a high number of boards with his aggressive appetite to compete every second. A guy who starred in his role.

Alright, I got a clean 5 and they all come with plenty of game. It's all athletic guard play featuring tough slashing, shooting, rugged defense and heady offensive organization! Let's dive in.