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
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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....
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....
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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
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
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
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
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
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
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
Monday, March 7, 2011
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
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!
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!
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