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
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