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.