Top Performers: SBHS vs. BHS Playoffs Round 1
Round 1 of the VT Division 1 playoffs kicked off with a tightly contested matchup between 8 seed SBHS and 9 seed BHS. Burlington’s young core, led by Bree McDonald and Nylah Mitchell, was able to stick it out against…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingRound 1 of the VT Division 1 playoffs kicked off with a tightly contested matchup between 8 seed SBHS and 9 seed BHS. Burlington’s young core, led by Bree McDonald and Nylah Mitchell, was able to stick it out against South Burlington with an early barrage of treys and a polished zone defense. Who stood out?
Burlington High School:
Bree McDonald, 5’7 PG – BHS Class of ’25
Bree was in total control of the game on both ends of the floor. She comfortably stuck a couple three balls in the first half and had a steady diet of free throws in the second. Moreover, she got the ball to her teammates in spots where they were successful, finishing inside or drawing fouls. She got BHS into their sets and relieved any on-ball pressure with her well controlled handle. Bree was poised and evidently relished the playoff intensity. It was an impressive initial playoff performance from the freshman, dropping 12 points and leading her team with the mental fortitude necessary to ward off South Burlington’s late run.
Nylah Mitchell, 5’9 G/F – BHS Class of ’25
Nylah had a quiet six-point, 10 rebound performance, partially due to foul trouble. Regardless, her muscle on the boards secured numerous possessions that really should’ve landed in South Burlington’s hands. She was a force defensively, clogging the lane, challenging shots and cleaning the glass. I would’ve liked to see her more aggressive when she caught the ball inside because she has the tricks in her bag to collect buckets and fouls in the post.
Tessa Napolitano, 5’6 G – BHS Class of ’25
Tessa, another freshman for BHS, is a glue player who loves the catch and shoot. She moves the ball well, never letting stick in her hands for long. She dropped a few early threes and another in the second half, extending the BHS lead to double digits. If she develops a more secure handle and a dribble drive, she’ll be a dangerous third option.
Anna Diebold, 5’9 F – BHS Class of ’22
Diebold provides BHS some gas and strength on both ends of the floor. She does lots of the little things that go unnoticed, such as securing loose balls, collecting rebounds and locking in defensively. Tonight though, she led her team with 13 points off a three, some pull ups and inside finishes. A nice performance from the senior.
South Burlington High School:
Mercedes Rozzi, 5’7 PG – SBHS Class of ’22
Rozzi functions as SBHS’ primary ballhandler and scoring option. She has range out to three and her form is fluid, but tonight the looks weren’t falling. Mercedes has a good sense of space, moving well off-ball and finding teammates in open spots. If she can add some slashes, pull ups, and a consistent three-ball, she’ll open up the floor nicely.
Aleah Staley, 5’7 G – SBHS Class of ’23
Aleah is a combo guard with a solid stroke. She added a few buckets and got in the mix defensively. If she develops a stronger handle and a floor general’s mentality, she’ll probably take over the reins at PG as Rozzi graduates.
Miranda Hayes, 5’10 F – SBHS Class of ’23
Hayes lifted SBHS emotionally with toughness and courage, collecting nine points in the 4th quarter. Miranda works hard inside, posting up well, securing rebounds and drawing foul calls. She has a sweet little up-and-under that put BHS forwards in a daze, and she’s the type of player with no quit in her. If she adds a short-range jumper she’ll be a tough cover in the post.