Breakout Candidates: Vermont

Today, we wrap up our Breakout Candidates series with a look at the final state in New England, Vermont.   With plenty of talent at the public and prep levels, Vermont has a handful of prospects that burst onto the scene each winter.   Below are five prospects that we believe could take their games to another level this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553737' first='Oli' last='Avdibegovic']   The 2026 prospect out of South Burlington should be one of the top big men in Vermont this winter. Avdibegovic, a 6'7" forward, will team with [player_tooltip player_id='2478937' first='Paul' last='Comba'] to form one of the best inside-out tandems in the VPA. A force on the defensive end of the floor, he does a great job of using his length to his advantage, showing the ability to wall up in the paint without fouling, while also blocking and altering a high number of shots. He's a nightly double-double threat, capable of leading the state in rebounding. Offensively, he does a really good job of rim running in transition, can score with his back to the basket, and is a quality offensive rebounder. He sets solid screens, knows how to roll hard to the rim, and is quick to get into his finishing moves off dump downs. South Burlington made a run to the state semifinals last winter and hopes to duplicate and improve upon that success this year behind one of the states top big men, Avdibegovic.   [player_tooltip player_id='2711045' first='Matt' last='Jernigan']   The 2027 prospect out of Vermont Academy is a high level scorer that turned a solid high school season into a productive spring and summer on the travel circuit. Jernigan, a 6'4" wing, is one of two impressive wing prospects heading to Vermont Academy this season, joining [player_tooltip player_id='2568519' first='Michael' last='Bradley'] to add reinforcements on the perimeter for the Wildcats. He was a Division II first team all-state selection in New Hampshire last winter, after averaging 17.8 points per game in the regular season. He has good size on the perimeter, is a plus athlete, and has the ability to create his own shot in isolation situations. He impresses with his ability to finish around the rim, both with touch and power, and also does a nice job of knocking down shots in catch and shoot situations. His athletic gifts are next level and, when combined with his physical characteristics, give him a chance to be a lockdown defender on the perimeter. Vermont Academy should again be one of the top contenders in AAA of the NEPSAC, with Jernigan having a chance to play a big role in their success this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2408951' first='Jack' last='Lafayette']   The 2027 prospect out of People's Academy is coming off one of the more impressive statistical sophomore seasons in the region. Lafayette, a 6'2" guard, was named to the Vermont Basketball Coaches Association outstanding underclassmen team after a standout sophomore season in which he filled the stat sheet night in and night out. He's a three level scorer that has deep range on his jumper, clean mechanics, and the ability to get his shot off at any time. With the ball in his hands, he does a nice job of using ball screens, jab steps, and shot fakes to keep defenders off balance and is a capable, isolation scorer that can get a basket late in the clock. He makes good decisions as a facilitator, gets up the floor quickly in transition, and has some impressive athletic pop when attacking the rim. Defensively, he's got a college ready frame that allows him to guard either back-court spot and the quickness needed to stay in front of opposing ball-handlers while keeping them out of the paint. People's Academy will look to have a bounce back season and with Lafayette on the floor, they have a chance to make some real noise this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553700' first='Byron' last='Robertson Jr.']   The 2026 prospect out of Burlington is a jack-of-all-trades that does a little bit of everything on the offensive end of the floor. Robertson, a 5'11" guard, played a key role on last year's state championship winning squad, but will be required to do more if Burlington wants to stay at the top of the mountain after the graduation of Abdi Sharif. A terrific connector on the offensive end of the floor, he has the ability to score at multiple levels, but does a great job of finding teammates in places where they can get easy baskets. He does a good job of pushing the ball in transition, keeps his eyes up the floor as a passer, and has some creativity and wiggle off the bounce. Defensively, he does a great job of sitting in a stance and guarding the ball, creates plenty of turnovers out of the press, and makes the little plays that help win games. Burlington should again have a chance to compete for a state championship, but to do so, Robertson will need to grow into one of the state's top performers.   Cooper Sparks   The 2026 prospect out of Rutland has a chance to turn into one of the top prospects in Vermont next winter after turning in a strong junior campaign. Sparks, a 6'5" forward, will team with Cellan Wood to give Rutland one of the top duos in the state. A plus athlete, he has the ability to make shots from behind the arc in catch and shoot situations, to score close to the rim with his length, and to get it done in the mid-range with soft touch. He's a mis-match every time he takes the floor as he combines athleticism, quickness, size, and skill to make a variety of plays on the offensive end of the floor. Defensively, he can guard in the paint and on the perimeter, showing good instincts as a shot blocker and the lateral mobility needed to guard quicker players in space. Rutland's season ended in the state quarterfinals last season and they have their eyes set on a deeper run this year, with Sparks playing a major role in those plans.   That wraps up our Breakout Candidate coverage; keep an eye our for rankings week updates when the calendar turns to September!

Today, we wrap up our Breakout Candidates series with a look at the final state in New England, Vermont.