Uncommitted Gems: Rhode Island and Vermont

Today, we continue our Uncommitted Gems series with a look at some prospects from Rhode Island and Vermont!   Each of these five prospects have yet to announce their intentions for next year, but are individuals that we believe could make an instant impact at the next level.    Bergeron, a guard out of Lincoln High School in Rhode Island, has returned to the court this winter and once again proven to be one of the top players in the RIIL. He has good size for the guard position, is a proven winner, and does all the little things offensively that don't show up in a box score. He makes good decisions with the ball in his hands, can score it in the mid-range off the bounce, and is really good in catch and shoot situations from behind the arc. Defensively, he knows where to be in rotations and has the ability to guard any spot on the perimeter. Bergeron could be a really good late get for a Division III program, but he might also benefit from a post-graduate year as he continues to move further away from his injury.     DesMarais, a forward out of East Greenwich High School in Rhode Island, stands out with his ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. The 6'6" forward has a good frame and the ability to move well laterally, allowing him to make plays both on the perimeter and in the paint on the defensive end of the floor. He's a solid rebound that does a nice job of quickly getting the ball up the floor off of his outlet passes. He has some touch out to the three point line as a shooter, makes good decisions as a passer, and is capable of finishing through contact in the paint as a back to the basket scorer. DesMarais is the type of high IQ forward that typically finds success at the Division III level and should have plenty of suitors heading into the spring.     Ellis-Cipriano, a guard out of Bishop Hendricken High School in Rhode Island, has continued his breakout this winter, impressing with his athleticism, skill, and two-way playmaking abilities. The guard has a terrific first step off the bounce, the ability to finish in a variety of ways around the rim, and continues to develop his ability to score from the perimeter. He puts a ton of pressure on the rim in transition, makes good decisions as a ball-handler in ball screens, and is capable of setting his teammates up to score. He has the ability to be a disruptive point of attack defender, can really move his feet to stay in front of the ball, and uses his quickness to create havoc in passing lanes. Ellis-Cipriano is one of the better uncommitted guards from the public school rankings in New England, and thus, would be a terrific recruit at the Division III level; however, I wouldn't be surprised if he goes the post-graduate route, where he could develop into a scholarship level prospect.     Avdibegovic, a forward out of South Burlington High School in Vermont, has continued to assert himself as one of the VPA's top post prospects. At 6'6" with long arms, he's a disruptive presence around the rim defensively, with the ability to block or alter a lot of shots. He moves well laterally, allowing him to guard on the perimeter in switches. He runs the floor hard in transition, has the ability to finish with either hand around the rim, and does a nice job of rolling hard out of ball screens. He can finish with authority above the rim in space and even shows the ability to put the ball on the floor as a straight line driver. Avdibegovic could certainly find a role at the Division III level and would be a quality late get for a program looking for a big man in this class.     Sparks, a forward out of Rutland High School in Vermont, impacts games with a nice combination of athleticism, skill, and strength. The 6'5" forward, physically, looks like he could be a high level tight end in college, with broad shoulders and a big, strong frame. He's a plus athlete that is all over the rim in transition, does a nice job of attacking the paint off the bounce, and even shows the ability to knock down catch and shoot threes. Defensively, he's a good rebounder, both in space and in traffic, and does a nice job of contesting without fouling around the rim. Sparks is one of the more under-the-radar forwards out of the public school ranks in New England, but I think he'll be a terrific player at the next level and should be someone targeted at the Division III level.    Later this week we'll take a look at some of the top uncommitted prospects from our last two New England states - Connecticut and Massachusetts!

Today, we continue our Uncommitted Gems series with a look at some prospects from Rhode Island and Vermont!