U-32 Open Runs: Cross-County Talent

Cody Quattrocci

July 25, 2023 @ 12:01 PM

U-32 H.S. has opened the gym up to Central VT kids, reeling in a host of players from neighboring schools for a mixing pot of pick-up games. Get a feel for Central VT's hoopers, some already champs, and some just starting to make a name for themselves.   Clayton Foster, 5'9 G - Montpelier H.S. Class of 2025   Foster quickly solidified himself as the best player in the gym. Clayton got to the rim with ease off of shifty moves and finished with nice english on the ball on both sides of the cup. When the defense cut off driving lanes, he made the simple kick out to spot-up shooters. On the defensive side of the ball he was just as impactful. Foster spoiled ball screen actions with smart defense and hard hedges, often causing TO's for buckets the other way. Simple and efficient work from the reigning D2 State Champ.   Nick Mascitti, 6'2 G - Williamstown H.S. Class of 2026   Mascitti's lengthy build and savvy slashing stuck out the most. Not one to settle, Nick got outside his defender's hips with hesitation dribbles and slipped inside often, rising above the defense to finish at the rim. The lefty showed nice instincts off the ball too, moving into space and attacking quickly off the catch. On the defensive end he covered multiple positions, hit the glass and pushed tempo. I'm interested to see more of Nick.   Caelen Zeilenga, 5'10 G - U-32 H.S. Class of 2024   What was quickly clear is Caelen's instincts off the ball and his footwork. Zeilenga seemed to always find a gap in the defense, relocating nicely on the strong side for kick outs or finding lanes in transition. His feet were always shot-ready on the catch, and he rose up nicely on his 3-ball. While his shot wasn't quite falling with the efficiency desired, he never shied away from a good look, the sign of a confident shooter. He'll be crucial to the U-32 cause this year.   Alex Cepeda, 5'9 G - Spaulding H.S. Class of 2025   One of better defenders in the gym Monday night was Alex Cepeda. The combo-guard utilized his agility and athleticism to bother ballhandlers, stick on their hips, disrupt passing lanes, and spark transition opportunities. In the open court, and in the halfcourt too, Cepeda finished around the rim with considerable efficiency. Moreover, he saw the floor well, anticipated cutters and made the basketball play. Agile, two-way play from Alex.   Evan Bailey, 5'11 G - Williamstown H.S. Class of 2025   The combo-guard did well to distribute the ball and hit guys in advantageous spots, opening up looks for teammates and collecting hockey assists. Furthermore, he showed a decent stroke and feel around the rim. With his positive wingspan, Evan did well to bother shots, hit the glass a bit and disrupt passing lanes. I'll be interested to see what he adds to his game before winter.   Tobias Brown, 5'10 G - U-32 H.S. Class of 2027   The incoming freshman looks more like a junior with his frame and his demeanor. Tobias used his muscle to drive by guys and finish with strength and athleticism at the rim. Plus, his off-ball movement was instinctual, and he made snappy passes to keep the ball moving. Defensively he guarded multiple positions, provided help side defense, and rebounded the rock. A natural utility player, Tobias is someone I'm keeping tabs on.

U-32 H.S. has opened the gym up to Central VT kids, reeling in a host of players from neighboring schools for a mixing pot of pick-up games. Get a feel for Central VT's hoopers, some already champs, and some just starting to make a name for themselves.