Top Guards in the 802: First Half of the Season
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Here it is! Tap in to the 802’s finest guard play this far. Shelby Companion Shelby Companion 5'6" | CG CVU | 2023 State NewE , 5’7 G – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2023 Hardnosed and competitive,…
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Continue ReadingHere it is! Tap in to the 802’s finest guard play this far.
Shelby Companion Shelby Companion 5'6" | CG CVU | 2023 State NewE , 5’7 G – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2023
Hardnosed and competitive, Shelby is a tough two-way guard who makes the game easy for those around her. Companion makes great reads in both transition and halfcourt, knows how to control the tempo of a game, and has the vision + strength to thread passes through tight windows. Plus, she’s developed her jumper to the point where she’s a three-level scorer. Lastly, her defense is as gritty as anyone at the guard position. She’s a gamer.
Kelli Cieplicki, 5’9 G – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2024
The do-it-all Cieplicki has been a top prospect in the state for some time now. She scores at all three-levels, can play 1-3 on both ends, and fits into every system of play. Plus, her rebounding is among the best in the state from the guard position. Moreover, she’s a coast-to-coast threat, and she makes the simple play on O. Defensively she’s willing to go toe-to-toe with anyone and she has natural basketball instincts on and off the ball. Kelli is a pure hooper.
Hayden Wilkins Hayden Wilkins 5'8" | PG Saint Johnsbury Academy | 2024 State NewE , 5’8 G – St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 2024
Able to produce at both the 1 or the 2, Wilkins is adaptable yet still highly productive. She doesn’t need the ball in her hands to be productive as she understands how to manipulate defenses, come off of screens, and cut into space. Moreover, she’s a three-level scorer who makes the most of her dribbles. On the defensive end she can pick up at either guard position, plus her off-ball senses are all there. Hayden is one who can play in most any system and find her rhythm.
Sabine Brueck Sabine Brueck 5'8" | CG North Country Union | 2025 State NewE , 5’9 G – North Country Union High School Class of 2025
Sabine is certainly the best two-way player in her class, and she’s been making the case for best two-way player on this list too. Most importantly, she plays the “right way”. She has fantastic shot selection, makes extra passes/sees the floor well, and she puts a ton of pressure on the rim. Defensively, she’s always in the mix, pressures the ball incredibly well, rotates crisply in scramble mode, and rebounds at a high rate. I can’t say enough about her; Brueck is rolling.
Karsyn Bellomo, 5’8 G – Rutland High School Class of 2023
Bellomo steers the ship down in Rutland as a gritty two-way PG with great senses on both ends. Karsyn creates a ton of offense due to being a three-level threat. She has the ability to get in the second layer with ease where she can finish plays herself with short range pull-ups, rim finishes, and heady dishes to teammates. Plus, her ball security is top notch, and she gets everyone involved. Defensively there’s no let up. She digs in on-ball and has nice court awareness away from the ball. Bellomo plays hard and smart.
Bree McDonald Bree McDonald 5'6" | PG Burlington | 2025 State NewE , 5’5 G – Burlington High School Class of 2025
Known for her ability to get buckets, Bree doesn’t always get enough credit for her defensive abilities. McDonald has nice agility and instincts when defending the ball. She gets through ball screens well, moves her feet, and has impressive anticipation off the ball as she gets into passing lanes. And of course, she’s a bucket. McDonald scores at all three-levels, creates offense for others, and can get hot in an instant. Keep tabs on Bree.
Yvonne Roberge Yvonne Roberge 5'6" Spaulding | 2023 NewE , 5’8 G – Spaulding High School Class of 2023
Yvonne is a classic pass-first point guard who knows how to get her teammates rolling. She orchestrates with ease in the halfcourt, plus she transitions into offense in a flash, looking ahead for transition opportunities. Moreover, she can fill it up herself. She’s consistent off the catch and does a lot of damage with her sly off-ball movement. On the defensive end she knows her to get advantages against her matchup by forcing them to their weak hand and preventing them from getting to their spots. She’s a solid rebounder too. Keep an eye out.
Anna Moser Anna Moser 5'8" | CG Rutland | 2026 State NewE , 5’4 G – Rutland High School Class of 2026
The freshman gets a nod as she’s stepped right into a starting role and has produced from the outset. Moser is another basketball purist who understands the game thoroughly. Anna makes great reads and quick decisions on the offensive end, able to both facilitate and create. Plus, everything with Anna is crisp and clean, no frills. She can score/create at all three-levels, defends 1-2 with impressive senses on and off the ball, and leaves it all on the floor every night. Moser is the real deal.
MIA:
Elyse Macdonough, 5’8 G – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2024 – Sidelined with Injury
GPOY last year, Elyse has been at the top of my list for a while. MacDonough is a pure hooper who puts in a ton of work. Hope to see her back on the court soon.
Breya Montague Breya Montague 5'9" | SG Essex | 2024 State NewE , 5’9 G – Essex High School Class of 2024 – Sidelined with Injury
From what I understand, Montague should be back on the court sooner than later. She’s a heads-up PG with great feel. She makes the game easier for others with her passing and can score it. Plus, her length makes her a bothersome defender. Breya hoops.
Cassie Beste Cassie Beste 5'6" | CG Phillips Exeter Academy | 2024 State NewE , 5’5 G – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2024 – Sidelined with Injury
Beste has been ramping up but has yet to check in this year. She’s a savvy guard who can play at the 1 or 2, is an incredible facilitator + scorer, plus she’s an anticipatory defender. Cassie is among the top prospects at any position when healthy.