VT AAU State Championships U16 Wrap Up
VT’s AAU championship weekend featured a number of little-known players who are highly deserving of praise. Coming from all over the state, these hoopers showed defensive prowess, scoring touch, grit and team play as they battled for gold. Check out…
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Continue ReadingVT’s AAU championship weekend featured a number of little-known players who are highly deserving of praise. Coming from all over the state, these hoopers showed defensive prowess, scoring touch, grit and team play as they battled for gold. Check out the biggest standouts from this weekend’s competitive tourney.
Sophie Guarriello, 5’8 G – Central VT Elite Class of ’25
Guarriello is a nice two-way player who leads by example. She works hard on both ends of the floor, moving her feet on defense and using her anticipation to disrupt passing lanes. Her quickness is one of her biggest assets, as she sticks well on-ball and is adept at snatching passes. Sophie got out in transition a lot this game, finishing looks with lay-ups and floaters or dropping it off for teammates to finish with her solid vision. Guarriello places a lot of trust in her teammates and in doing so, their confidence rises.
Sydney Herrington, 5’11 G/F – Manchester Mavericks Class of ’24
Herrington was probably the most exciting prospect I saw this weekend. Herrington has an impressive frame that’s long and strong and she knows how to use it. Sydney is a hawk on the boards, offensive or defensive, and she utilizes her length and strength quite well. Furthermore, Herrington has great anticipation, moving as the ball comes off the shooter’s hand. She can go coast-to-coast off the rebound and knows whether to attack the rim or hit a teammate for an easier look. Her jumper is smooth, yet she doesn’t force the issue. Her basketball instincts and IQ are top notch; Herrington has a natural feel for the game.
Ava Case, 5’6 G – Manchester Mavericks Class of ’25 (Hoosick Falls, NY)
Ava came out and hooped in the championship game! Case must’ve had five or six on-ball rips which she converted into lay-ups and free throws. Ava hounded the ballhandler all game, giving little breathing room, but it was her hands that were most impressive; all her rips were off the bounce, and she didn’t pick up any reaching fouls in a game with a number of ticky-tack calls. Case exuded a lot of confidence finishing around the rim, which opened up her three-ball as well. Ava played within her abilities and led her squad with teammates in foul trouble; Ava carried her team in the medal round.
Julia Decker, 5’7 G – Manchester Mavericks Class of ’24
Decker has a grit and grind style of play, turning defense into offense. Julia too had a number of steals, however, she picked them up off-ball with quick hands and anticipation. Decker can push the tempo, and she showcases impressive speed and a clean little euro-step in transition. She showed nice IQ in the pick and roll, hitting the roller on time and on target for a clear finish at the rim. Decker was a pivotal glue player as the Mavericks clinched the championship.
Caitlyn Davison, 5’8 G – Central VT Warriors Class of ’24
Davison carried her shorthanded squad into the finals with her constant hustle, secure handle, and finishing ability. Caitlyn was all over the floor as she tracked down loose balls and rebounds. She paced the game well too, slowing it down in the halfcourt and attacking the rim, finishing numerous and-1 conversions. Davison has a nice hesi-dribble which got her to the rack time after time. Because of that, her jumper from three opened up, and she sunk a couple to keep the final game close. Caitlyn has a solid frame with long arms and good hands which gave opposing players fits. Caitlyn is a solid two-way player whose game is developing nicely.