VT Class of 2013 could be something special...

Now that we have finally gotten through the Top 10 of Last 10...its time to start talking about some local, current hoops!

The class of 2013 in the Green Mtn. State is shaping up to be a very talented group. To look at what some of these players have already accomplished, and to know they still have two seasons left to reak havoic on opponents is just flat out scary. Multiple state titles, and Final's appearances is something this class can already add to their promising resumes.

When thinking about talented class's as a whole, the graduates of 2009 may be one of the best groups this state has seen in sometime. The likes of Jon Golberg, Nick Meunier, Clancy Rugg, Shane Norris, Grant White, Mark Comstock and others was an extremely talented crew and showed this by beating up on counter state rival New Hampshire in the Twin State game that year. The annual Rotary classic could always serve as a measuring stick as to how good VT's seniors really were that particular year. Unfortunately that game is no longer so we will now have to base this on what these players do during their seasons, and careers at their schools. I don't know if the class of 2013 can top that of 2009, but by the looks of things they are going to give them a competitive look!

Here is a look at some of the serious talent the Class of 2013 has to offer...keep a look out for some of these guys over the next two years!

Matt St. Amour - 6'2" SG - Missisqoui Valley
St. Amour has had an incredible first two seasons with the Thunderbirds. Just this past year the Soph. Sharpshooter led MVU to their first DII state title ever. He averaged just under 20ppg game this past season, finishing the year with an incredible performance in the State Semifinals at the Barre Aud against a tough MSJ team where he dropped 31 points despite facing numerous double teams. He was the only Soph named to the BFP's All-State 2nd team, and was named the Lake division Co-Player of the year with BFA senior standout Nick Swim. Matt was also named tot he VBCA 2011 VT Dream Dozen team. It will be interesting to see what St. Amour does in his junior campaign now that the T-Birds have moved back to Division 1, and he has lost a lot of his supporting cast...my thought is he will do just fine!

Marcus Willingham - 6'4" PF - Rice Memorial
Willingham may have more potential than any other player in this class. Standing 6'4" his freakish athleticism allows him to play down in the blocks yet be one of the states most dangerous players our in the open court. He was an instrumental piece in Rice's run to the DI crown this year, starting all season for the Green Knights, and being the team’s lock-down defender. He was an All-Metro honorable mention in just his Soph year and also named to the VBCA 2011 VT Dream Dozen team. Look for Willingham to big things over the next two seasons at Rice...potentially leading them to a 2nd and maybe even third straight state championship.

Casey Tipson - 6' PG/SG - Rice Memorial
Tipson has started to build a reputation as being one of the toughest hardnosed guards Vermont has to offer. An extremely competitive combo guard, Tip can run the point, or be just as effective off the ball. Casey is the latest in the long line of Tipson's that have left a mark on the hoop scene here in VT. Extremely quick, aggressive, yet can consistently knock down the 3, he is dangerous whenever his hands are on the ball. Along with his teammate Willingham, Tip was also named All-Metro honorable mention in just his second season wearing the green and white, as well as being named to the VBCA 2011 Dream Dozen team. He was also a BFP All-State honorable mention.

Aary Bibens - 6'4" SF - Mt. Anthony
Bibens is the newest addition to Coach Dan Sleeman's arsenal in Bennington. The very long, athletic SF started for the Patriots this season, and was a consistent contributor in thier march to the DI final four at UVM. Behind Willingham, he may be the most gifted athlete in the class, and it has been said no one works harder on their game then Aary. Currently Bibens in playing for the Raptors AAU organization out of Albany, NY. If Bibens keeps improving his skill set, he has the athletic ability to dominate the Marble Valley league and be a serious collegiate prospect.

Tre Hysell - 5'10" PG - Rutland
Hysell is the definition of a floor general. This year at Rutland Hysell did a little of everything for Coach Wood and the Red Raiders. Playing the point behind senior 1st team All-State player Troy Davine, Hysell found ways to be effective off the ball playing the 2, and improving his stroke from 3 point land. But Hysell is a true PG and without question be handling the rock for DI powerhouse Rutland for the next two seasons. Very strong, and quick for his size, Tre finds ways to get in the lane and create for his teammates when he is not finishing at the rim. He had an outstanding performance in the state finals against Rice where he had 11 points, and 6 steals. Tre has the potential to be the top PG in the state for the next two years!


Josh Claflin - 5'9" PG - Hartford
Claflin may have a thing or two to say about his Lone Wolf AAU teammate Hysell being the top PG prospect in the state. The 5'9" PG is an absolute lightening bolt getting up and down the floor. As quick and strong as they come, Claflin uses his speed to attack the rim and constantly beat his defenders of the dribble. As just a sophomore, Claflin was named to the B Division 1st team All-Marble Valley league this past season. A standout on the gridiron as well for DI power Hartford, head hoop coach Mike Gaudette should feel pretty comfortable with his PG situation for the next two seasons.

It will certainly be interesting to see who rises to the top of this outstanding class, keep your eye on these names…they should all be making big things happen on the high school hardwood for the next two seasons here in Vermont.

It's been a while....

So I have to first apologize for the ridiculous amount of time in between my last post and now. It’s been a very busy spring with the AAU season, clinics, 1-1 work etc. However, I would like to finish up my Top 10 of the last 10 entries with the grand daddy of them all, the top 10 HIGH SCHOOL players in the last 10 years.

Now I and my other VT hoop guru's have been going back and forth over this for a while, debating not necessarily who the best 10 players of the last decade were, (we were able to agree on the vast majority of them) but more so what is the criteria? Is it strictly opinion (well obviously its opinion based, but its nice to be able to back up your argument) or is it based on player accolades and state titles? Is it based on pure talent and athletic ability? How about the question of what these guys did after their high school careers? Does that come into play at all? If you’re a hoop nut like me, you can see where this debate (although really not that important at all) could become seriously heated and go on for much longer then one would think.

I have decided that this will be based on one question, and one question alone. Who was the best "basketball player" of this time period? The player that if you were choosing a team, you would probably select 1st overall. It's not necessarily who the strongest player was, or the smartest, or who won the most state titles, or who did what in their college careers. Realistically all this should come into play to give you what one might consider the best basketball player...if you know what I'm saying.

So upon much debate, many arguments, and WAY too much time spent on this, here is the Green Mountain Hoops Top 10 Players of the last 10 years. I'm sure I have to remind no one that this is strictly opinion based, and hopefully will lead to many of your own opinions in the comments section...don’t be shy!

# 10 Jon Goldberg - PG - Rice Memorial - Class of 2009
It's very hard to not include Jon in this group. Although he was by no means one of the best athletes in this group, he had maybe one of the highest hoop IQ's. It doesn't hurt the fact he lead Rice to two Division 1 State titles in his 3 years while enrolled there. He was also an All-State selection 3 times, and has now just finished his Soph. year at St. Lawrence. A very heady PG, and at 6'4" was a rare breed in VT High school hoops.

# 9 David Ball - SF - Spaulding - Class of 2002
By far the best athlete the state has seen on the hardwood in the last decade, Ball was part of arguably the best duo this state has ever seen playing along side of Mike Perez. A 6'4" slasher who could literally jump out of the building, he was an instrumental piece in Spaulding's last state title back in 2002. He was a 1,000 pt scorer and an All-State selection who went on to star on both the football and basketball court at Worcester Academy before eventually breaking Jerry Rice's national touchdown record as a wide receiver @ UNH. What is not mentioned much about Ball's game at SHS was his defensive abilities, one of the best Vermont has seen in a long time!

# 8 Chad Powlovich - SG/SF - Mt. Mansfield - Class of 2004
Powlovich was an extremely versatile player at the high school level. Big and strong enough to play in the post, but skilled enough to handle the ball on the perimeter which he did often for Coach Jeff Davis. A multiple year All-State selection, and member of the VT vs. NH Twin State game, Chad went on to score over 1,300 pts for MMU and was named the BFP's "Mr. Basketball" in 2004 before having a solid 4 year career at UVM.

#7 BJ Robertson - SG - Burlington - Class of 2002
Bj may be one of the most talented players to ever play for the Sea Horses. He led BHS to the finals at UVM 3 of his 4 years, winning a title in 2001 over a strong Spaulding team. He scored over 1,400 points in his career and was named the BFP "Mr. Basketball" in 2002. Bj then went on to have a great 4 year career at Saint Mikes, before playing for Vermont's only professional Basketball team, the Vermont Frost Heaves from 2005-2007. He now coaches for the VT Cats AAU organization in Burlington.

#6 Kyle Cieplicki - PG/SG - Rice Memorial - Class of 2003
Maybe one of the most basketball savvy players this state has ever seen, Kyle followed suite in the long list of Cieplicki's that have dominated Vermont basketball for years. As just a sophomore, he helped lead Rice to a state title over rival Burlington in 2000. He then went on to be a first team All-State selection as well as being named the BFP's "Mr. Basketball" in 2003. All this before an incredible career at UVM, where he was the first ever Catamount to be named a team captain for 3 straight years. Ever spending a season as the Director of Operations at Brown University, Kyle is now an assistant coach back in Catamount Country!

#5 Joe O'shea - SG - Burlington - Class of 2010
The most recent active player to make the list, Joe O'shea was one of the first players ever to be crowned "Mr. Basketball" as a sophomore in 2008. He then regained that title in 2010 becoming one of the only three players in the last 30 years to be labeled the state top hoopster twice in their high school career.  He managed to play in the division 1 final all 4 years while at BHS, winning a title in 2008. Joe scored just shy of 1,500 points over his career as a seahorse and has been labeled as one of the best pure shooters this state has seen in a long time. After accepting a full scholarship to Holy Cross, Joe transferred to Bryant University where he will suit up next season.

#4 Taylor Coppenrath - C - St. Johnsbury Academy - Class of 2000
If you have lived in the state of Vermont at any point over the last decade, even if you don't follow hoops you know the name Taylor Coppenrath. The 6'9" center will always be remembered by Catamount fans everywhere after the remarkable career he had at UVM. Coppenrath actually did not play varsity basketball at St. Jay until his junior year, but was a force his last two seasons there being named VT' "Mr. Basketball" his senior year when he lead the Hilltoppers to a final four appearance. He then went on to UVM where after a redshirt freshman year put together a storied career that will stand out in the UVM record books forever. He led UVM to 3 straight America East conference Championships, finishing his career 2nd on UVM scoring list at 2,422 points. He was also finalist for the John Wooden award his senior year. He is still currently playing professional basketball in Spain.

#3 Tyrone Conley - SG - Burlington - Class of 2007
Ty Conley could very easily be #1 on this list. At his 4 years at Burlington he led his team to the D1 finals 3 of those years, winning a title in 2006. Athletic, strong, extremely quick and very skilled, Conley was as tough a perimeter player there is. He was named the states "Mr. Basketball" in 2007 and left Burlington as the schools all-time leading scorer with 1556 points, surpassing names to the likes of Bob Sweeney, and Bj Robertson. Conley accepted a full-ride to UNH where he has had a great career starting for the Wildcats the past two seasons. He may be one of the greatest talents to ever play in a Seahorse uniform.

#2 Matt Glass - SF - Mt. Mansfield - Class of 2006
Glass may have the best actual resume out of this whole group. He too, along with Conley could have grabbed the number 1 spot on this list, and not many would have argued. In his 4 years at MMU not only did he score over 1,000 points, but he led the Cougars to back to back State Championships in 2004 and 2005 and in the process was named "Mr. Basketball" in those back to back years. An extremely skilled player for standing 6'8", Glass could hurt you shooting the three, and dominate you in the paint. After his career at MMU he went onto play one post-grad year at the prestigious Northfield Mt-Hermon Prep school, before accepting a scholarship to UMASS. Glass then later transferred back home to UVM where he currently is still playing.

#1 Mike Perez - SG/SF - Spaulding - Class of 2002
As I mentioned before 1, 2 and 3 on this list is probably pretty interchangeable, but no one, absolutely no one brought excitement to a high school gym like Perez did in the early part of this decade. The 6'4" SF dominated virtually everyone he faced leading the Tide to back to back State Finals appearances and winning a title in 2002. Extremely athletic, quick, and with unlimited range, Perez was the most gifted offensive talent this state has seen in years...hands down. His athleticism and skill set made him almost un-guardable on the perimeter. He was a multi-year 1st team All-state selection and left the Granite City scoring just shy of 1,500 points. He was a household name in Central VT, and to this day could not walk into a gym almost anywhere without people knowing who he is. The high flying act that he and David Ball put on for 4 years at Spaulding had never been seen in the Green Mountain State, and may never be matched again. Following his high school career Mike suffered a devastating Knee injury while training with VT legend Steve Pratt at Full Package athletics in Chicago. He then later enrolled at SUNY Cobleskill but physically was never the same.
This list, as all of my lists are, was based solely on opinion. I have been around basketball in the state of Vermont my whole life, as a player, a coach, a writer, and a fan and I have yet to see an individual talent such as Mike Perez.

Comments? Opinions?

Top 10 of Last 10 - Point Guards

I have to apologize for the delay on our PG list. This was a tough list, for there have been some pretty good Point Guards over the past 10 years. There were def some close calls. Really when you get down to the top 3-4, it really could have gone either way.  Let the comments, suggestions and hate mail start to pour in!

Point Guards 2000-2010

10. Muji Karim - Burlington (2001)
9.   Kyle McQuarrie - Proctor (2008)
8.  Troy Davine - Rutland - (2011)
7.  John Dellipriscoli - Montpelier (2003)
6.  Greg Hughes - West Rutland (2004)
5.  Nick Landrigan - Rice Memorial (2002)
4.  Shane Norris - Burlington (2009)
3.  John Goldberg- Rice Memorial (2009)
2.  Kyle Callahan - Brattleboro - (2010)
1.  Florien Rexhepi - St. Johnsbury (2003)

Honorable Mentions: Jamie Moore - Colchester (2002), Jake Donnelly - CVU (2011), Sam Brigham - Montpelier (2010), Scott Sheldon - Arlington (2000), Jason Leonard - Middlebury (2000), Chris Cassidy - Brattleboro (2002).

Top 10 of Last 10 - Shooting Guards

I received an interesting "note" (we will call it) from an old acquaintance of mine. Actually a guy I used to play some ball with, but really haven't stayed in touch with. He was all upset over the previous rankings, and how there wasn't enough players from southern VT listed. The whole vibe he was giving what that of the never-ending "the south gets no respect in Vermont Basketball..." (blah, blah, blah) story that (at least for most the people I talk hoops with) are tired of hearing. This was pretty strange considering this guy was from the north (at least central VT) and played his HS hoops there. Regardless, concerning his beef with the Centers, PF's, and SF's list...yeah maybe he does have a legitimate gripe (that is of course if he never saw the statement I made time and time again that this was strictly OPINION based) that there isn't that many guys listed from the South. There were only 3 guys who played at Southern VT high schools in my first 30 players listed (Aj Mahar, Grant White & Kyle Henry). But lets be honest...how many of the guys I have listed could you make a legitimate argument for someone to take their place? By all means...please do...hell I ask for comments and suggestions all the time!
This did however get me thinking how much of a difference is there really from the North and the South in terms of Talent? I really don't want to dive into this, for god knows it could start a small brush fire down in Bennington, or Manchester, so I decided to just state some facts. I would tend to guess we would all believe that when it really comes down to it, good players, make great teams.  Its really not that much of the coaching, or the competition level, its a simple fact that the team with more talented players tend to be better, therefore are more successful.  Makes sense to me anyway...
So how do you measure success in a Vermont High school program? The number of All-State players that a high school produces? How about the number of college players it may produce? POY awards? Sure while all that sounds great...and personal player accolades may sound sexy...lets be honest...Banners are really the only thing that matters.  State Championships...that is what defines the great teams, or schools from others. So I took a look at the last 10 years, the same previous 10 years that I have been creating my top 10 lists from (notice I said MY lists, as in MY opinion) and who won state titles. Out of the last 40 banners that were handed out from 2000-2010 (Divisions 1-4) I wanted to know exactly how many went to the North, and how many went to the South. I think the numbers speak for themselves...well at least if we are all believers that the best teams, the ones who win titles are made up of the best players. In the last decade, out of the 40 state titles that were handed out...29 of them have stayed (basically) North of Exit 4 on I-89. For all those mathematicians out there, that means only 11 have headed south. The scary thing is 5 of those 11 banners are hanging in Proctor's gym. Here's the break down...

Division 1 Titles:
North 10      South 0

Division 2 Titles:
North 6    South 4

Division 3 Titles:
North 8   South 2

Division 4 Titles
North 5
South 5

I hate to get into all of this...but I did feel I had to show some support for my reasoning. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of great players from Southern, VT, and there always has been. Maybe there just wasn't quite as many between 2000-2010...just saying......

Not to get side tracked and take anything away from the star-studded list of shooting guards (because it is a GOOD one)...here is my list....

Shooting Guards 2000-2010

10. Matt St. Amour (2013) (yeah... he will be that good when its said and done)
9. Mike Cioffi - Rice (2003)
8.  Jed Thibault - Burlington (2000)
7.  Canden Rusin - Twin Valley (2008)
6. Geri Gulliory - Burlington (2004)
5. Bj Robertson - Burlington (2002)
4. Kyle Cieplicki - Rice (2003)
3. Joe O'Shea - Burlington (2010)
2. Tyrone Conely - Burlington (2007)
1. Mike Perez - Spaulding (2002)

PG's on deck!.

Top 10 of Last 10 - Small Forwards

This was an extremely difficult group to rank. Similar to the Power Forwards, its tough to really define the difference between say a big 2 guard, and a small 3.  Regardless all the guys on this list can seriously hoop. Virtually of all of them were 1,000 pt scorers, All-State selections, as well as members of the VT/NH All-Star games. I feel there were a couple of guys I couldn't leave out, so I am adding a few honorable mentions to this group. Next to the two guards (which I don't even want to begin thinking about) this is probably the most talented group of this entire list. There were some real tough decisions. Feedback as always...more then welcome!

Small Forwards 200-2010

10. Dj Campbell- Winooski (2008)
9.  Michael Buxton - St. Johnsbury (2001)
8.  Jessie Epstein - Vergennes (2003)
7.  Demir Smajovic - Essex (2010)
6.  Dana Martin - Stowe (2000)
5.  John Cody - Montpelier (2001)
4.  Grant White - Springfield (2009)
3.  David Ball - Spaulding (2002)
2.  Tim Shedd - Hazen (2000)
1.  Chad Powlovich - Mt. Mansfield (2004)

Honorable Mentions: John Chaloux - Spaulding (2006) Mark Comstock -Rutland (2009) Chris Magistrale - South Burlington (2002) Kevin Labas - Mt. Abe (2008) Tyler Kathan - Springfield (2005)

Coming up next is the dreaded 2 guard. Not looking forward to it.  With names like Perez, Robertson, Cieplicki, Rusin, O'Shea, and Conely...should be a very interesting list.

Sign up and follow!

Top 10 of Last 10 - Power Forward edition!

In continuing my series Top 10 of Last 10, I am moving on to The Power Forward position. This was an interesting list, for its tough to really define what makes a guy a true 4, a true banger, someone who is going to get physical, clean up the glass and do the dirty work. Allot of the guys on this list could not only do these things, but also block shots, run the floor, and put the ball in the hole. In fact 8 of these 10 guys were 1,000 point scorers! We may have missed 1 or 2, but I think this list is fairly accurate!

Feedback is always welcome!

Power Forwards 2000-2010

10.Justin Norris - BFA St. Albans (2000)
9.  Billy Boyd - Hazen (2010)
8.  Kevin Brosseau - Rice Memorial (2003)
7. Tj Bottiggi - Montpelier (2000)
6. Jason Gray - Thetford Academy (2009)
5. Kyle Henry - Brattleboro (2003)
4. Connor Merrill - Vergennes (2010)
3. Aj Mahar - Mt. Anthony (2004)
2. Nate Anderson - CVU (2000)
1. Matt Glass - Mt. Mansfield (2006)

Small Forwards up next!

TOP 10 of the LAST 10

Since the winter hoop season has come to an end, I had to come up with something else to write about. A recent rumor I have heard (actually from a few different sources) about the annual VT/NH Twin state game coming to an abrupt end after 30 successful years got me thinking about all the great players that have played in that game. Its really too bad to see such a great event come to an end, for I know some of this years seniors have probably been looking forward to playing in this game for the last 4 years. I had the opportunity to play a role in this game just a few years ago, it was a tremendous honor, and an experience I wont forget.  I will be sure to have a more in depth write up regarding the (what would have been) 31st Annual Merchants Bank Twin State Rotary Classic, once I have confirmed more details.

Regardless, as I mentioned this got me thinking about all the great players that have played in this game. The state has had some great talent over the years. Now if there are any other VT Hoop Heads out there such as I claim to be, I would have to imagine at some point a conversation has come up about the top players this state has ever seen...of all-time that is. Names like Dalrymple, Cieplicki and Johnson have surely come up. What I would like to do, to keep it a little fresher and a little more geared to maybe a more youthful audience, is discuss the top 10 players this state has seen over the last 10 years. Top 10...over the last 10. Who would they be?
This series of entries will be dedicated (in my humble opinion) to the top VT HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS this state has seen over the last decade. Now as you can see there is an emphasis on HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS...players careers in HIGH SCHOOL.  This will not have anything to do with players college careers. It will not concern what they have accomplished on or off the court after their high school stints.  It doesn't matter if a guy has had a 3 year pro career, or he is now working in a factory job somewhere. This is strictly based on there high school resume.
Over the next week I will name the top 10 players by position, the top 10 single teams the state has seen, as well as the top 10 High school programs and of course my top 10 overall players from the last 10 years. The only criteria...they have played at least 1 season for a VT high school sometime between 2000 and 2010.
This should be interesting......

My First entry will be the big fellas...the top 10 Centers in the last 10 years....(ranked in order)

CENTERS 2000-2010

10. Alex Snyder - Rutland (2011)
9. Billy Welcome - Hazen (2000)
8. Chad Copeland - Twinfield (2012)
7. Sebastian Brandsetter - North Country (2008)
6. Alex Lloyd - Rice Memorial (2000)
5. Nick Meunier - Rice Memorial (2009)
4. Clancy Rugg - Burlington (2009)
3. Pat Bergman - Rice Memorial (2007)
2. Chris Cayole - Rice Memorial (2003)
1. Taylor Coppenrath - St. Johnsbury (2000)

As always this is strictly opinion based...and always open to comments and other opinions or thoughts!

Check out tomorrow as we reveal our top 10 Power Fowards!

2011 BFP All-State Teams Announced

The Burlington Free Press announced the Boys and Girls 2011 All-State Teams, as well as their Player of the Year or  "Mr. and Mrs. Basketball" selections. Now although many times these teams can be controversial, I think the BFP was fairly accurate this season. I do however, (as I'm sure many always do, and always will) have a couple gripes of my own. Not many...just a couple...but I do think they are legit gripes to have. Again, this is just opinion, and I do salute all these players for making their respective teams. Its certainly an honor to be named to the top 20 or so players in the state...(but again it is a single newspaper's opinion on the matter).

My only real issues with the selections were as follows:

- Matt St. Amour was hands down a 1st Team player this season.

-Jake Donnelly's team (CVU) may not have had the best season, but there is no question he is one of the top 10 players in the state. Any Coach that has seen him play would have a hard time to disagree. He should have been named to at a minimum 2nd team, if not 1st.

- Colchester's Anthony Granai got the brunt of the biggest snub, not even receiving an Honorable Mention. This is crazy considering everything he did for the Lakes this season. Granai was asked to play out of position in many games, defend in the post, and really anything else his head coach Joe Maheux asked him to do. The scary thing is...he did them all REALLY well. Granai should have been mentioned. Just another case of a great all around player being missed in the media for all the small things he did to help his team win games...its a shame.

- I also think MVU's Kyle Lumsden could have easily been named as an Honorable Mention, nice to see Fournier named here, but Lumsden was also deserving.

I do however agree with the selection for the BFP's Mr. Basketball. Essex's Ben Ferris certainly deserves it. He has improved his game immensely over the last year and seems to only keep improving. Averaging 23.6 ppg and 10 reb. in the Metro is no small task. Congratulations to Ben, and we wish him the best of luck at Tufts next season!

Burlington Free Press 2011 All- State Teams

Player of the Year: Ben Ferris  - 6'2 SG Essex

1st Team
Troy Davine,        6'2" PG  Rutland
Ben Ferris,           6'3" SG  Essex
Alex Snyder         6'6" PF  Rutland
Austin Robinson   6'2" SG  Rice
Evan Tullar           6'4" SF  Spaulding

2nd Team
Nick Swim           5'9" PG  BFA- St. Albans
Matt St. Amour    6'2" SG  Missisquoi
Chad Copeland    6'6" PF  Twinfield
Clayton Palmer     6'8" C   Mt. Anthony
Ryan Shea            6'2" SG U32

3rd Team
Jake Donnnelly      6'2" PG  CVU
Ethan Brown         6'1" SG  Mt. Mansfield
Chris McCormick  6'0" SG  Rice
Devon Rollins        5'9" PG Winooski
Rob Coloutti          6'2" SG Fair Haven

Honorable Mentions:
Lucas Dutil- Spaulding, Ben Fournier-MVU, Jack Leclerc- Colchester, Eric Suder- MMU, Soloman Little-Danville, Charles McVay- MAU, Jalen Miller-Winooski, Curtis Rodgers- Burlington, Ryan Tatro-Hazen, Casey Tipson-Rice,

Just a side note, did anyone else notice there was not a comment section on the BFP website where the All-State teams were posted? Seems strange, for I'm sure there were plenty of comments waiting to be posted, as I'm certain there always has been, and most definately always will be.

AAU right around the corner!

CORRECTION

Correction: U32  standout senior Ryan Shea has NOT committed to Vassar. We apologize to Ryan and his family for the error.

2011 Lone Wolf Athletics Roster's Finalized

Lone Wolf Athletics, one of the States most prestigious AAU organizations has finalized their 17U & 15U Boys rosters for the 2011 AAU season.

LWA, founded by Director Wayne Lafley in 2005 has become the premier place for basketball training in the state of Vermont. Originally started with a single select girls team six years ago, the program has grown and now consists of 5 teams (3 girls, 2 boys). The girls program has built the reputation as one of the elite in New England, producing 15 division 1 scholarship players as well as 8 division 2 players over the past 5 seasons! Schools such as UVM, Manhattan, UMASS, Marist, Lafayette, Harvard, Franklin Pierce, Fairleigh Dickinson and Assumption have all recruited from the LWA girls program.

Former Girls Players (to name a few)
Kylie Atwood - Lake Region
Marissa Velez - Spaulding
Kelsey Beynon - So. Burlington
Abbie Lalime - Lake Region
Alissa Sheftic - Essex
Rachel Wellman - Lamoille
Tiffany Johnson - BFA St. Albans
Regan Jewell - Rice

The boys program has also produced some great players. Division 1 players such as Pat Bergman (UVM), Tyrone Conely (UNH), have passed through the ranks as well as the likes of Gael Shungu who has competed at Division 2 St. Michaels. D3 Schools such as St. Lawrence, Middlebury, Keene State, Clark, Elmira, Union, and Tufts have also all recruited products of the LWA program.

Former players include (to name a few)
Jon Goldberg - Rice                  Josh Varney - So. Burlington
Evan Tullar - Spaulding             Nick Meunier - Rice
Sam Brigham- Montpelier         Mark Comstock - Rutland
Andrew Plumlee -Burlington     Connor Merrill- Vergennes
Alex Snyder- Rutland               Troy Davine - Rutland
Curtis Robinson- Proctor          DJ Campbell -Winooski
Ben Ferris - Essex                    John Donnelly -CVU

This Years Current 2011 Boys Rosters:
17U
Jake Donnelly - CVU              Matt St. Amour - MVU
Tre Hysell - Rutland                Austin Robinson - Rice
Marcus Willingham - Rice       Josh Claflin - Hartford
Jake Maynard - Rice              Eric Suder - Mt. Mansfield
Chad Copeland -Twinfield      Anthony Granai -Colchester
Arlo Patterson - Montpelier    Jake Bushee - Vergennes

15U
Ryan Booth - Northfield          Mike Morrissey - Rice
Pavin Parrish - Rochester        Chris Collins - Northfield
Tom Fitzgerald - Rice              Mason Lantz - Lyndon
Matt Maynard - Rice              Ricky Giroux - Colchester
Kyle Cipollone - Lyndon        Jay Cobb - Lyndon

College Commitments

Vermont's class of 2011 may not have been the deepest in recent years, but there certainly was not a lack of talent among the states top upperclassmen. Here are some of the most recent commitments by some of Vermont's top seniors. Its nice to see that many of them will continue to hoop once they leave the high school ranks.
Just to name a few...

Evan Tullar          6'4"  SF  Spaulding - Norwich University
Alex Snyder        6'8"  C    Rutland - Vassar
Ben Ferris           6'2" SG   Essex - Tufts
Jake Donnelly     6'2"  PG  CVU - Taft (post grad year)
Ryan Shea          6'1"  SG   U32 - Vassar
Austin Robinson  6'2"  SG  Rice - Berkshire Prep
Connor Merrill    6'5"  SF   VT Academy - Springfield/Skidmore

It has been rumored that Rutlands star point guard Troy Davine will also look to spend a pg year, similar to Donnelly and Robinson. Vermont Academy as well as Kimball Union has been mentioned. Davine is also a standout on the football field, starting at quarterback for the Red Raiders football program.
Mt. Anthony's 6'8" Big man Clayton Palmer has also been mentioned as a senior looking for a year of prep school as well, before he makes his jump to the college ranks.

It was also noted in today's Burlington Free Press that former BHS Star Joe O'shea will be transferring from Holy Cross to Bryant next fall to play under his uncle Tim O'shea. O'shea only saw 20 minutes of court time in his freshman year at Holy Cross under first year coach Milan Brown. Sean Kearny who is the former coach at HC is actually who recruited Joe. It makes sense to me for the transfer. Joe was talented enough to compete in the Patriot league. Maybe not play significant minutes during his rookie season, but certainly more then what he did. O'shea should see time in the NEC with the Bulldogs.

Where some other former VT's Hoopers are now running the court...
Class of 2010
Joe O'shea, Burlington - Bryant (trnf. from Holy Cross)
Demir Smajovic, Essex - Elmira
Brian Hickey, Spaulding - Johnson State
Billy Boyd, Hazen - Johnson State
Cody Camisa, Colchester - Johnson State
Zach Currier - Castleton

Class of 2009
Clancy Rugg, Burlington - UVM
Shane Norris, Burlington - Keene State
Jason Gray, Thetford - Lyndon State
John Donnelly, CVU - Vassar
Nick Meunier, Rice - St. Lawerence
Jon Goldberg, Rice - St. Lawerence
Curtis Robinson, Proctor - Rivier
Mark Comstock, Rutland- Castleton State

Central VT All-Star Teams Announced

The Barre-Montpelier Times Argus announced their Boys All-Star teams today. Twinfield junior Chad Copeland was named the 2010-2011 TA Player of the Year, and rightfully so. The 6'6" Copeland averaged 21.5 pts per game, to go along with 11 reb. in the post season, helping the Trojans to an undefeated year at 24-0 and a Division IV State title. Copeland will now start his AAU season with VT's prestigious Lone Wolf Athletics 17U club, where he will look to continue his efforts in attracting collegiate coaches from all over New England.
It was certainly a close contest as U32's (and the reining POY) Ryan Shea put together another great season for the Raiders averaging 17.5 ppg and another Final four apperance in his senior campaign. Spaulding's standout forward Evan Tullar, who recently committed to Paul Booth and the Norwich Cadets also had a great year, putting up 20ppg, as well as scoring his 1,000th point this season for the Tide. I do believe the TA got the pick right though, as Copeland was most certainly the "MVP" of the Trojans ball club this year, and although he had a great supporting cast in Codling, Whitcomb, and Gonzalez (to name a few) Twinfield's season would have certainly been different without Copelands  presence.
Below you will find the 1st and 2nd teams listed in today's TA.  My only gripe or snub would have to be Spaulding's senior PG Lucas Dutil. There is no question based on who made the 1st team he should have been on it. Dutil played a huge role in the Tide's 14-6 regular season but was certainly overshawdowed by Tullar. Other then that, I can agree with these teams for the most part.

2010-2011 Central VT's Times Argus All-Star Teams

Player of the Year: Chad Copeland  6'6" junior, Twinfield

1st Team
Ryan Shea             6'1" senior   U32
Evan Tullar            6'4" senior  Spaulding
Tyler Hoare           6'3" senior  Harwood
Jason Manwaring   6'1" fresh   Williamstown
Ryan Tatro             6'7" senior   Hazen

2nd Team
Lucas Dutil            6'2" senior Spaulding
Andrew Shuman    6'8" junior Websterville
Jack Shea              6'    junior U32
Adam Whitney       6'   senior Hazen
David Codling       6'1" soph Twinfield

It will certainly be interesting to see who the BFP names to their All-Star teams, as well as the coveted BFP player of the year. Updates coming soon!

2011 Season Wrap Up

So I know this is a little overdue, (been busy...sorry) but it was a great post-season for the Boys hoops scene. Rice won their 3rd title in the last 6 years. MVU brought their first ever Boys Basketball banner back to the "Thunder Dome". Winooski was a pleasant surprise in division III, and Twinfield capped off a perfect season going 24-0 beating a very good Danville team in front of the biggest crowd I ever remember seeing at the Barre Aud.
Now that the season is over, all the discussion around the state has been about the post-season awards. "Whos' POY? Who's making what All-State team? Chris McCormick didn't make North/South! Are you serious?"
To be honest, its only been a week or so, and I am already tired of hearing about All-Star awards, and accolades. There are an awful lot of good players, but yes believe it or not, some are actually a little better then others..that's just the facts. So I want to go ahead and get it out of the way, here are some of my post-season honors / predictions...(again all of this is just opinion)

POY (in each Division)
DI - Ben Ferrris (Essex)
DII - Matt St. Amour (MVU)
DIII- Jalen Miller (Winooski)
DIV - Chad Copeland (Twinfield)
Two of these (in my eyes) are no brainers. No one was even close in division 2 & 4. St. Amour should be in the discussion for the BFP "Mr. Basketball" and Copeland was an absolute moster all year. Both players had huge games on the big stage at the Aud.
St. Amour - 31 pts 7 reb. in the Semi vs. MSJ
Copeland - 32 pts , 17 red. and 6 blocks in Finals vs. Danville
Division 1 and 3 could have gone a few different ways. In D3 The big fella from Hazen Ryan Tatro was def in the conversation. D1 there are a few different guys that make good cases. Ultimately I think it comes down to Ben Ferris (who was recently named Gatorades' Player of the Year) and Rice's Austin Robinson. Robinson was consistent all year, and had huge games in the Playoffs. Both have solid resumes. BFA's Nick Swim, and Rutland Troy Davine could have also been in the conversation.

Here are my All-State teams
1st Team
Ben Ferris - Essex
Alex Snyder - Rutland
Matt St. Amour - Missisquoi
Evan Tullar - Spaulding
Austin Robinson - Rice

2nd Team
Nick Swim - BFA
Troy Davine- Rutland
Chad Copeland - Twinfield
Ryan Shea - U32
Jake Donnelly - CVU

3rd Team
Eric Suder - Mt. Mansfield
Clayton Palmer - MAU
Ryan Colutti - Fair Haven
Jalen Miller - Winooski
Chris McCormick - Rice

Honorable Mentions
Anthony Granai - Colchester, Casey Tipson- Rice, Ryan Tatro- Hazen, Ethan Brown - MMU, Ryan Lumsden - MVU, Lucas Dutil- Spaulding

BFP's Player of the Year (aka Vermont's Mr. Basketball)
Ben Ferris - Essex
Ben put up huge numbers with not a whole lot around him. You could see the significant difference in the Hornets when he was out with an injury. Essex managed to go on a serious run winning 8-10 games when He was healthy. Overall, top to bottom, hes the best player in the state. Good Student too!  Ben will be heading to Tufts next season to play for the Jumbos! Austin Robinson, and Matt St. Amour both were in the conversation.


It will be interesting to see what happens next season. There was a ton of young talent in the state, who got serious minutes. Rice will return 4 of their top 6 players in Marcus Willingham, Casey Tipson, Jake Maynard and Tim Rensch. St. Amour will be back in the Blue and White next season with MVU, although it will certainly be interesting to see how he and the Thunderbirds (who loose 4 other starters) will do moving back up to division 1. The division 4 state champs, Twinfield only looses 1 bench player, and will return their entire starting 5 next season. Including Copeland, who already looks closer 6'7" then 6'6". Trojans 48-0????

Alright, AAU kicks off in about a week. It will certainly be interesting to watch this years Lone Wolf Athletics team...their roster is comprised of some of the best underclassmen in the state (many of the guys mentioned above). Here is this year LWA 17U Roster...
Jake Donnelly - CVU (prep year)
Matt St. Amour - MVU
Tre Hysell - Rutland
Chad Copeland - Twinfield
Eric Suder - MMU
Marcus Willingham - Rice
Jake Maynard - Rice
Anthony Granai - Colchester
Jake Bushee - Vergennes
Arlo Patterson - Montpelier
Josh Claflin - Hartford

LWA competes in some of the biggest out of state tournaments there is in New England, although you will be able to catch them in action at this years Vermont State Tournament at UVM May 13-15th

Barre or Burlington?

It's a good question. Where are die hard hoop fans going to head tonight? Barre or Burlington? Patrick or the Aud? Its really to bad the VPA couldnt schedule the DI semi-finals on Tuesday evening, what is historically the only evening that games are not played at the Aud. I fully understand the D1 Hockey finals were being played last night at the "GUT" but really? Hockey and Hoop fans are two different animals. Whether it had anything to do with UVM, and the staff there I tend to doubt, but I guess its a possibility.
Back to the question, its a tough one. Most average high school fans would head to Patrick, to watch the D1 games. I have no argument against this. There is going to be some serious talent in Catamount Country tonight. Rutland's eye popping PG Troy Davine can be one of the most exciting players to watch in the state. Davine, teamed up with undoubtly the best Big in VT Alex Snyder, the Red Raiders are a great team to watch, and have been my pick to take home the D1 crown since day one back in November. Honestly I dont think the night cap between Rutland and MMU is going to be much of a matchup, but 6'7" center Eric Suder can bang with Snyder, and if guards Ethan Brown, and Tom Lacy can get hot, the Cougars could hang around for a while...(but just a while).
Game 1 tonight should be a great one with Rice and Mt. Anthony. Rice is coming off an emotional win over Spaulding in the quarter finals, and have in my opinion the most athletic team in Vermont. 6'4" soph. Marcus Willingham is an absolute freak, pair him up with a back court of BHS transfer Austin Robinson, and PG Casey Tipson, Rice is as tough as they come.  Big man Tim Rensch has also been playing better as this season has gone on. The Green Knights will certainly need strong play from Rensch if they want to compete with MAU.  The Patriots 6'8" Clayton Palmer is a load inside. A big physical body that can move, and face up in the post makes it difficult for anyone in Vermont to defend.  A matchup with him and Snyder in the Finals would be a good one. Palmer is backed by sharp shooter Hunter Stratton, and high flying soph. Aary Bibbens. This should come down to the wire, but I like Rice in a close one 65-63.
After reading that, how can you NOT want to go to Patrick tonight? What in Barre can compete with these guys? Well how about 2 of the best players in Central Vermont? U32's Ryan Shea, and Twinfields 6'6" Chad Copeland will both be in the Granite City tonight, in what should be two great games in D2 & D4.
The 2 vs. 3 matchup of U32 and Fair Haven should be interesting. Defending D2 Champs U32 has brouhgt back almost their entire starting lineup from last year. Ryan Shea and brother Jack, along with Carter Austin Bradley (who had a big game last year in the finals) make an extremely tough back court to defend. Fair Haven will certainly have their hands full. I do think this will be a decent game, but I'll take U32 by 8.
Twinfield's man in the middle Chad Copeland has put up big numbers once again this year averaging close to a double-double.  The biggest difference between the Trojans this year, and last is his supporting cast. Avery Whitcomb, Steven Gonzalaz, and David Codling have all had great seasons. Twinfield will certainly see what they are made of tonight as they take on D4 power Proctor. Proctor has bascially made the Barre Auditorium their second home floor, winning 5 of the last 6 division 4 state titles. Some things have changed for the Phantoms over the last couple of years for the Phantoms, but not enough to not consider them a serious contender to win the crown again. Both Twinfield and Proctor currently have undefeated seasons at 22-0. Pretty impressive. Even though the Trojans are the #2 and Proctor the #3, a Twinfield win in my mind would still be a slight upset. I'll like my chances taking Copeland and the boys...Twinfield by 3.
Should be a great night of HS hoops....

Brackets & "SayNoMore"

42 for 50 in my high school tourney picks thus far.  Not to bad...(although there still hasnt been that many upsets) in this years tournament. For the most part teams people thought would win have been winning.  Now it gets interesting.  When you get to the Final Four, really anything can happen. Teams are there for a reason, meaning anyone of them can win on any given night.  I am still confident in my four State Champion picks in Rutland, MVU, Hazen & Twinfield.

MVU, St. Amour handles MSJ

I saw a great Tweet today, it came from another high school player right here in the state regarding last nights DII semi-final at the Aud.  It was basic, to the point and right on the money...it simply read "Matt SayNoMore is good".  That pretty much described MVU's win last night over #5 seed MSJ at a very loud Barre Auditorium. The Sophomore contributed to his already strong argument for POY the year honors as he dropped 31 pts, had 7 boards and went 11-12 from the free throw line down the stretch.  Not bad considering the 6'2" 2 guard is yet to celebrate his 16th Birthday! Not to take anything away from his teammates, PG Kyle Lumsden had a great game as well, but "Saynomore" stole the show right out of the gates as he scored 14 of his the Thunderbirds first 17 points, 13 of those coming in the first 4:30 seconds of the game.  Whether its U32, or Fair Haven who shows up on Saturday for the DII title game, I can promise you neither team is looking forward to seeing Matt and the T'birds.  If this kid isn't in serious contention for the BFP's "Mr. Basketball" award, I sure would like to see what the criteria is.

(Correct Picks     Incorrect Pick)

Division I

1 Rutland    BYE         1Rutland
                                                        1  Rutland
8 Burlington                8 Burlington
9 Burr & Burton
                                                               1   RUTLAND
4 BFA                           
13 St. Jay                     4 BFA
                                                        5    Mt. Mansfield
5 Mt. Mansfield         5 Mt. Mansfield
12 CVU
                                         (Division 1 Champs) - RUTLAND
2 Rice
15 North Country       2 Rice
                                                         2    Rice
7 Spaulding                7 Spaulding
10 Essex
                                                                        2    RICE
3 Mt. Anthony          
14 South Burlington    3 Mt. Anthony
                                                         3   Mt. Anthony
6 Brattleboro                11 Colchester
11 Colchester

Division II
1 Missisquoi
16 Woodstock      1 Missisquoi
                                                            1   Missisquoi
8 Milton                9 Montpelier
9 Montpelier
                                                                           1 Missisquoi
4 Harwood        
13 Windsor          4  Harwood
                                                            5  MSJ
5 MSJ                  5  MSJ
12 Springfield
                                 Division II State Champs - 1 Missisquoi
2 U32
15 Lyndon            2  U32
                                                           2  U32
7 Hartford            7 Hartford
10 Middlebury
                                                                             2  U32
3 Fair Haven      
14 Vergennes       3  Fair Haven
                                                           3 Fair Haven
6 Mill River           6 Mill River
11 Lamoille

Divison III

1 Hazen

-BYE-                 (1) Hazen

                                                                                (1) Hazen

8 Peoples            (9) Poultney

9 Poultney

                                                           (1) Hazen

4 Thetford                            

13 Stowe             (4) Thetford

                                                           (5) Enosburg

5 Enosburgh         (5) Enosburg

12 Randolph

                             (Division III State Champions)   (1) Hazen

2 Leland & Gray                  

- BYE-                 (2) L&G

                                                          (2) L&G

7 Lake Region      (7) Lake Region

10 Green Mtn.

                                                                   (3) Winooski

3 Winooski

-BYE-                  (3) Winooski

                                                        (3) Winooski

6 BFA-Fairfax      (6) BFA

11 Oxbow

Division IV
1 Danville
16 W. Rutland        (1) Danville
                                                   (1) Danville
8 Rochester            (8) Rochester
9 Arlington
                                                                     (1) Danville
4 So. Royalton
13 UCA                 (4) So. Royalton
                                                   (5) Websterville
5 Websterville        (5) Websterville
12 Craftsbury

2 Twinfield                        (Division IV Champions)  (2) Twinfield
15 Cannan              (2) Twinfield
                                                     (2) Twinfield
7 Williamstown       (7) Williamstown
10 Mid. VT Christian
                                                                     (2) Twinfield
3 Proctor               
14 Blue Mtn.           (3) Proctor
                                                      (3) Proctor
6 Rivendell              (11) Twin Valley
11 Twin Valley

Division IV Bracket & Picks!

Division IV

D4 could end up being a great tournament.  This may be one of the first times in tournament history there were two undefeated 20-0 teams in the regular season (Twinfield & Proctor) and neither of them received the #1 seed! That honor went to Danville, who actually had a blemish on their record, a 6 point loss to the hands of Enosburg back in early February. Danville finished the season at 19-1, but 14 of their 20 games came against division 3 opponents. Pretty impressive considering what their end record was. No question Danville's signature wins came with their season sweep of #1 seed in division III the Hazen Wildcats. Danville could very well be the overwhelming favorite.
The Twinfield Trojans and star big man Chad Copeland may be what's standing in the way of Danville. Copeland, who has got to be in the conversation for Central VT Player of the year honors (especially if they can bring home a banner) had a great off season with Lone Wolf Athletics this past summer, and his game has shown improvements. A double-double machine, Copeland along with David Codling and Avery Whitcomb have a legitmate shot at the Division 4 crown.  Strength of schedule is the only concern for the Trojans.  Having not played a team such as Proctor, or Danville does leave some questions. 
Theres not a whole lot to say about Proctor.  Proctor, is Proctor.  The Phantoms have become a yearly fixture at the Aud, winning 5 of the last 6 state titles in division 4.  Anyone who knows anything about VT hoops knows they are always a force, and undoubtly come March will find their way to the Granite City.
One sleeper, may be the #5 seed Websterville Baptist. With 6'8" Big man Andrew Shuman, this may be the only team with a post presence who can contest Copeland.  It will certainly be an entertaining tournament at the D4 level.  My pick is Twinfield.  I like their depth, their speed, and their size. Oh and I like the fact they have the best player in Division 4.  Go Trojans!

Division IV

1 Danville
16 W. Rutland        (1) Danville
                                                   (1) Danville
8 Rochester            (8) Rochester
9 Arlington
                                                                     (1) Danville
4 So. Royalton
13 UCA                 (4) So. Royalton
                                                   (5) Websterville
5 Websterville        (5) Websterville
12 Craftsbury
                                             (Division IV Champions)  (2) Twinfield
2 Twinfield
15 Cannan              (2) Twinfield
                                                     (2) Twinfield
7 Williamstown       (7) Williamstown
10 Mid. VT Christian
                                                                     (2) Twinfield
3 Proctor               
14 Blue Mtn.           (3) Proctor
                                                      (3) Proctor
6 Rivendell              (11) Twin Valley
11 Twin Valley

Division III Brackets and Picks!

Division III

Division 3 is wide open this year.  As always Coach Hill has done a great job getting his Hazen Wildcats back in the drivers seat at the #1 seed, in what will likely be another trip to the Barre Aud for Hazen. Big Man Ryan Tatro has had a solid year. At 6'7" and athleticism to go with it, he can be a very tough match up for allot of other division 3 schools.
Look out for Winooski in the #3 spot.  The Spartans are led by Head Coach Tom Obaggy, who has been around the block a few times when it comes to the post season.  Jalen Miller has had a good year.  Winooski may be one of the most athletic teams in the division.They have put up big wins vs. Milton and Mt. Abe this season, but also suffered a bad loss vs. D4 Danville. Thetford will also be a team to keep a close eye on, as they have played a competitive schedule in the Capital league. At 14-6, the Panthers have virtually cruised through everyone they have played in division 3, also getting key D2 wins as they swept their season series with Lyndon, and Lamoille. This may be the division I know the least about, but when its all said and done, I have to take the #1 seed Hazen. Coach Hill has been to the Final Four so many times over the last decade, its hard not to take them!
Divison III

1 Hazen

-BYE-                                      (1) Hazen

                                                                                (1) Hazen

8 Peoples                               (9) Poultney

9 Poultney

                                                                                             (1) Hazen

4 Thetford                            

13 Stowe                                (4) Thetford

                                                                                (5) Enosburg

5 Enosburgh                         (5) Enosburg

12 Randolph

                                                                                                 (1) Hazen

2 Leland & Gray                  

- BYE-                                     (2) L&G

                                                                                (2) L&G

7 Lake Region                       (7) Lake Region

10 Green Mtn.

                                                                                            (3) Winooski

3 Winooski

-BYE-                                      (3) Winooski

                                                                                (3) Winooski

6 BFA-Fairfax                        (6) BFA

11 Oxbow

Division II Brackets and Picks

Division II

This year in D2, its really only a 2 horse race. In what will be a rematch of the 2010 final, The Missisquoi Thunderbirds will meet the Raiders of U32 in for the state title in what should be a great game.  The only difference from 2011 to 2010 will be the outcome.
The Thunderbirds, who are led by Sophomore Sensation Matt St. Amour (possible POY candidate) has cruised through the Lake division, but also put up quality wins vs. Division 1 opponents CVU, Mt. Mansfield, and twice against #4 seed in D1 and rival BFA- St. Albans.  This team brings back all 5 starters from a year ago, only now with "Barre Aud" experience. St. Amour has been a monster all season, along with Kyle Lumsden the Thunderbirds finished their season with a 18-2 record,  good for a #1 seed. They are hands down a favorite in division 2 this year.
The only team in the division this year that may have the horses to stay with MVU is the U32 Raiders. Again a team that brings back all kinds of depth from last years State Championship team, the Raiders are lead by Ryan Shea, and Carter Austin Bradley. Shea will be in contention for Central VT Player of the Year honors (again) along with Spauldings Evan Tullar, and Chad Copeland of Twinfield. The former CVT Player of the year has led his sqaud to another great season in the Capital division, good enough for a # 2 seed.  They also have finished at 18-2, but with only one D1 win, coming over South Burlington at home. It should be a helluva game, but I give the edge to MVU, St. Amour will prove to be just too much.
The other extremely interesting game in D2 will be a second round matchup between #4 Harwood, and #5 MSJ.  Ray Drake's Highlanders have won their last 13 straight coming into the playoffs, but there has been an awful lot of whispers around the state and this MSJ team.  Word has it there roster is comprised of some transfer students who have brought a little game to Rutland. We will just have to wait and see.  I really didn't know which way to go on this game.  I figured I would take the upset, but it would not surprise me at all to see Harwood find their way into the final four in Barre.  Other then the overall outcome, I think this division has alot up in the air in the first and second rounds.
Again (for what its worth) here are my Division 2 picks!

Division II

1 Missisquoi
16 Woodstock      1 Missisquoi
                                                            1   Missisquoi
8 Milton                9 Montpelier
9 Montpelier
                                                                                               1 Missisquoi
4 Harwood          
13 Windsor          4  Harwood
                                                            5  MSJ
5 MSJ                  5  MSJ
12 Springfield
                                                         Division II State Champs - 1 Missisquoi
2 U32                  
15 Lyndon            2  U32
                                                           2  U32  
7 Hartford            7 Hartford
10 Middlebury    
                                                                                               2  U32
3 Fair Haven        
14 Vergennes       3  Fair Haven
                                                           3 Fair Haven
6 Mill River           6 Mill River
11 Lamoille

Division I Brackets and Picks!

As I'm sure many coaches, players, and high school hoop guru's have already gone over thousands of times in their heads, the VPA's official brackets have been released today for this years playoffs.
Here are my picks for Division 1...(for what its worth)

1 Rutland
    BYE                       1Rutland
                                                        1  Rutland
8 Burlington                8 Rutland
9 Burr & Burton
                                                                      1   RUTLAND
4 BFA                           
13 St. Jay                     4 BFA
                                                        5    Mt. Mansfield
5 Mt. Mansfield         5 Mt. Mansfield
12 CVU
                                                           (Division 1 Champs) - RUTLAND
2 Rice                            
15 North Country       2 Rice
                                                         2    Rice
7 Spaulding                7 Spaulding
10 Essex
                                                                        2    RICE
3 Mt. Anthony          
14 South Burlington    3 Mt. Anthony
                                                         3   Mt. Anthony
6 Brattleboro                11 Colchester
11 Colchester


Fairly Chalk, but I do like a couple of upsets in the early rounds.  Colchester over Brattleboro will certainly be a tough win, but junior guard Anthony Granai has been playing well as of late.  I think hes capable of leading the Lakers to a first round win on the road.
Mt. Mansfield over BFA in the 4 vs. 5 game, many may not feel is an upset (including myself). MMU has played a much tougher schedule then BFA.  Eric Suder, and Ethan Brown could be a tough match up for the Bob Whites, but with stud PG Nick Swim they are also certainly capable of a win.


Division 2 Analysis and picks coming later today!