Preseason Battle: Top 5 from St. J Academy vs. North Country
North Country came to town and gave St. J all they could handle in a preseason battle of D1 and D2 elite. Cora Nadeau Cora Nadeau 5'9" | SG North Country | 2023 State New E , 5’11 G/W –…
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Continue ReadingNorth Country came to town and gave St. J all they could handle in a preseason battle of D1 and D2 elite.
Cora Nadeau Cora Nadeau 5'9" | SG North Country | 2023 State New E , 5’11 G/W – North Country High School Class of 2023
Cora had it rolling, displaying the many different ways she can be effective offensively. Nadeau opened the game up with a beautiful over-the-top pass out of a ball screen for an easy two and didn’t let up the rest of the contest. Cora dished out a few more assists in transition, making crisp and timely passes to lane runners hustling down the wings. Moreover, Nadeau showed her own offensive arsenal, knocking down multiple threes, some off the bounce, some off the catch with a jab step, whatever the defense it didn’t seem to matter, Cora was knockdown. Defensively, Nadeau was locked in, limiting opponents to difficult shots and closing possessions with rebounds. A strong and tall combo-guard, Cora put on an exhibition.
Sabine Brueck, 5’8 G – North Country High School Class of 2025
Quickly becoming a favorite of mine out of the class of ’25, Sabine showed she’s going to be a problem for years to come. Brueck embodies what it means to be a two-way talent, as she’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the state as a sophomore and she’s an efficient scorer and playmaker. Sabine’s swarming defense, made possible by her impressive agility, speed, length, IQ, and hustle, caused numerous turnovers which turned into easy buckets. Off the ball she rotated on time and tracked the rock well with her hands, causing jump balls and deflections. And on the offensive end, Sabine got in the open court and turned on the jets. Her speed separates her from the pack, and she finished multiple open lay-ups that for many others would’ve been tough, contested drives. Nonetheless, she collected an and-1 and also put down a couple threes in the flow of the offense. Sabine’s all-around game and hustle glues North Country together.
Maya Auger, 5’8 G – North Country High School Class of 2024
If people didn’t know, here’s the PSA: Maya is becoming an offensive aficionado. Auger showcased her shiftiness with hanging hesitations, crossovers, and in-and-outs, juking defenders to create space and ultimately knocking down numerous treys out of her creation. She also sunk a couple out of ball screen situations, and honestly, opponents’ defensive scheme will need to identify her as a “do not go under” shooter because she was really clicking. Maya did put up a high volume from deep, but she shot around 40% from three so you can’t really complain. When she did attack the cup, Maya demonstrated a nice touch around the rim and finished through contact. Defensively Auger took care of business, grabbed a couple rebounds and pushed the tempo. Outplaying one of D1’s top teams is a nice way to start the season.
Hayden Wilkins, 5’8 G – St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 2024
Wilkins came out of the gates a little slow but turned it up in the latter portion of the game. Hayden knocked down a few jumpers, a three, and got to the cup with nice jab steps and dribble moves to create space for finishes. Wilkins also made nice plays for others, slashing and kicking out to shooters while also hustling on the offensive glass to secure 50/50 balls for second chance points. Hayden’s off-ball movement was solid and she made some nice back cuts, one in particular turned a broken possession into an and-1 lay-up. Her defense was strong and she worked ballhandlers. In a scrimmage where her minutes didn’t seem to reflect what her season average will be, Hayden put together a solid performance in a game that looked like the team was still gelling.
Cassidy Kittredge, 5’11 G – St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 2025
With a unique skillset for her height and length, Kittredge put together nice plays for St. Johnsbury. Cassidy knocked down some mid-range jumpers, her sweet spot being around the short corner area. In addition, she opened up some nice looks for others with her over-the-top vision and passing ability. Defensively, Kittredge’s length provides her the ability to defend 1-3 and if she’s able to add some muscle to her frame she’ll become an even tougher matchup. Again, in a game where it looked like numerous lineups were being tested, Cassidy put together a solid game.