Shining Stars: Vermont D1 Matchup Illuminates Top Talent
Tuesday night featured another clash of two D1 titans in Chittenden County between the Champlain Valley Redhawks and the Mount Mansfield Cougars. On paper this matchup suggested it would be a tightly contested fixture, but once they were on the…
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Continue ReadingTuesday night featured another clash of two D1 titans in Chittenden County between the Champlain Valley Redhawks and the Mount Mansfield Cougars. On paper this matchup suggested it would be a tightly contested fixture, but once they were on the hardwood the Redhawks sought to prove they were in a tier of their own. So, who really came to play?
Champlain Valley Union High School
Allison Bates, 5’6 G – Class of ’22:
Bates is one of CVU’s primary ballhandlers and it’s clear why. With sound footwork, ball fakes and split-second decisions, Allison doesn’t give the defense the time or space to pressure. She’s a witty guard who’s comfortable off the ball too; she spaced the floor well against MMU’s zone defenses and was a constant threat with her catch and shoot three ball range. Allison is solid defender within CVU’s zone schemes and a senior leader for the Redhawks.
Elise Berger, 5’11 G – Class of ’24
Elise has poise beyond her years. With her strength, vision and patience, MMU had a tough time getting her out of her comfort zone. Elise can set-up the offense or create scoring opportunities on a whim. Against MMU’s zone, she chose her spots within the offensive system, hitting teammates on time and on target through windows big and small. She switches 1-4 on D, rebounds well and can push the tempo without getting out of control. She’ll be a player to watch for the next few years.
Addi Hunter, 5’11 G/F – Class of ’23
Addi was hot all night and highly efficient. She was knocking down baseline J’s and elbow J’s all 32 minutes and did so with ease. An inside-out presence, Hunter is comfortable spacing to three-point range or scrapping on the block. If she develops her three-point shot she’s going to be a real tough cover. A hearty rebounder with high IQ on both sides of the ball, Hunter is coming into her own.
Shelby Companion, 5’9 G – Class of ’23
I’ve seen Shelby play a few times this year, she’s just an all-out hooper. Companion is a combo guard who can cut a defense up any which way you like. This night she slashed, finishing in traffic, and sensed open passing windows seconds before they were there. Against MMU’s zone press, she handled the badgering with utter comfort and sliced passes to teammates for easy lay ins. She never forced her jumper even though it’s all there. Moreover, she’s gritty on defense and cleans the glass; what more can you ask for?
Mount Mansfield Union High School
Jada Diamond, 5’6 G – Class of ’22
Regardless of scoring woes, Jada always digs in on defense. She’s uber-athletic, having won Vermont’s Gatorade Athlete of the Year for Track and Field her junior year as a sprinter and hurdler, and it certainly shows on the court. She plays intense pressure defense and makes good reads within MMU’s zone schemes, however, CVU’s tall guards managed to see over the top and their ball security leveled Jada’s defensive abilities. When she does force a turnover she’ll push the tempo, although the scoring opportunities aren’t always there. If she can develop her shot and home in her decision making, she’ll be an effective orchestrator.
Cherise Shamp, 5’10 G – Class of ’23
Cherise is a wiry combo guard who will play to exhaustion. She front’s MMU’s 1-3-1 pressure defense and hawks the ball constantly. Her length can surprise opponents and she’ll rip the ball off the dribble or snatch a pass out of thin air. While CVU’s guards were able to manage MMU’s defense rather well, Cherise’s energy output never wavered. She fought for rebounds and loose balls, and on the offensive end she made tough moves inside to draw foul calls. If she develops a tighter handle, crisps up her passes and expands her range, she’ll be a scary two-way player.
Brianna Brownell, 5’10 G/F – Class of ’24
Brianna is another hard worker on this gritty MMU squad. She’s an inside-out presence on offense and has developed a nice slashing ability. Her shots weren’t falling against CVU’s lengthy zone, but regardless she made sound offensive reads and played within herself. A scrapper on defense and a glass cleaner, Brianna is another MMU hooper with a great motor.