This week kicks off another post season for Vermont Boys high school hoops. Four titles are up for grabs, 3 of which will be handed out at the famous Barre Auditorium, and of course one at UVM's Patrick gymnasium.
Division 1
There has been some parity in division 1 this season, as the number 1 ranking has changed hands numerous times between powers Rutland, Rice, and Mt. Anthony.
Rutland edged out the Green Knights for the # 1 seed, much attributed to their huge win over (then ranked # 1) Mt. Anthony a week ago. The senior duo of point guard Troy Davine (who many consider to be the most talented player in the state) and Big man Alex Snyder has given fits to teams all season. Some question however, whether Coach Wood's bench is deep enough to make the run through two games at Patrick.
Rice has consistently been one of the best, and certainly the youngest team in division 1 with a shot at another banner. Starting 2 Sophomores, Casey Tipson and Marcus Willingham, junior Tim Rensch, and seniors Chris McCormick, and Austin Robinson Pecor also goes to his bench giving legitimate minutes to another under class man in junior Jake Maynard. Rice is by far the most athletic team in the tournament, but has had its issues playing their top brand of basketball night in and night out. Even on their worst nights, Rice has been able to pull out victories (solely due to their athleticism, and raw ability) compiling a record of 18-2 on the season, good enough for a #2 seed, but will have to bring their A game to beat the likes of Rutland, and or Mt. Anthony.
MAU has consistently been one of the best teams from the south over the past decade. Dan Sleeman always seems to have his Patriots in the position go take the long drive up I-89 to Burlington, but hasn't brought back much to show for it. Senior Clayton Palmer is considered by many to be one of the top Bigs in the state, along with high flying sophomore Arry Bibbens, and senior sharp shooter Hunter Stratton. Watch out for MAU, this year could actually be their year.
Keep your eye out for a couple of dark horses as well. Spaulding has put together a 13-7 record, much better then one might have expected before the start of the season. Senior Evan Tullar has been putting up POY type numbers, but is coming off a back injury suffered a little over a week ago, a BIG reason why the Tide dropped their last 2 regular season games to Rice, and Mt. Mansfield. BFA grabbed the #4 seed out of nowhere. Nick Swim has had a phenomenal year, but the Bobwhites are suspect to say the least, playing in a much weaker Lake division then the likes of Rice, and Spaulding in the Metro. They could still be a sleeper, but fairly unlikely.
My pick is the Red Raiders of Rutland. Although in the back of my mind I may be thinking Rice, but at the start of the season I claimed Rutland would win a D-1 title this year, so I have to stick with them. Come on Coach Wood, don't let me down!
Check out tomorrow as we go over Division 2!
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