VT’s All-Defensive Team: Clamps and Champs
Oh. my. goodness. It’s scary how gritty this five is! Defense wins championships, and we’ve got three State Champs on this line with a fourth who made a Final Four appearance. Check out this gutsy crew! Sabine Brueck, 5’8 G…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOh. my. goodness. It’s scary how gritty this five is! Defense wins championships, and we’ve got three State Champs on this line with a fourth who made a Final Four appearance. Check out this gutsy crew!
Sabine Brueck, 5’8 G – North Country Union High School Class of 2025
I’ve been saying all year that Sabine might be the best two-way player in the state, certainly in her class. And I feel like that point was affirmed a couple weeks ago as Brueck was honored one of HS basketballs most prestigious individual awards, Gatorade POY. First, Sabine never runs out of gas. Her motor is unlimited and her attitude always steady, keeping her focus on the task at hand. Second, she’s a hawk. Halfcourt D, full court press, doesn’t matter, she’s disruptive as she pressures the ball, gets in passing lanes, and pokes the ball loose with her savvy footwork and long, extended arms. Plus, she’s an exceptional rebounder from the perimeter. Sabine is that one.
Ryleigh Garrow, 5’9 G – Colchester High School Class of 2023
Garrow’s athleticism is undeniable. She’s agile on the ball, applying constant pressure yet rarely taking chances, letting opponents make their own mistakes. And her instincts are excellent. Ryleigh anticipates where players want to drive or get the ball and she does a great job of using her feet to herd players in certain directions. Plus, she’s a thief in passing lanes, forcing errant passes and collecting turnovers for transition opportunities. Garrow hits the boards too. Ryleigh’s footwork, relentless motor, and smarts cement her as a defensive dynamo on the perimeter.
Elyse Berger, 5’11 G/W – Champlain Valley Union High School Class of 2024
Elyse’s senses are exceptional. Just watching you can tell that she reads the game intuitively with her elite defensive awareness. Berger knows where everyone is on the floor, and her understanding of opponent’s strengths and weaknesses shines through. She corrals the ball into corners and traps, keeping the ball away from playmakers. Plus, with her height and length, she collects tons of steals both on the ball and off. And she has a strong frame, using it wisely to prevent opponents from getting to their spots, box out, and rebound the ball. Berger does all the little things, understands the nuances, and executes. And she can play the wing or the post. So versatile and effective.
Jasmine Evans, 6’0 F – Rutland High School Class of 2024
An absolute force inside, Jasmine is that brick wall around the paint that every guard loves to have. Evans’ has the strength and length to lock down post players. She’s solid at denying entries and preventing players from garnering effective position. And even when it gets in the post, she’s physical and vertical. Jasmine times her jump well to challenge shots, sending a number of them back where they came from. Moreover, her rebounding is top tier. She put up 11 points, 26 boards, five blocks and two steals in the State Semifinal, just to get a sense of her abilities. Evans understands her role and plays it exceptionally well.
Sydney Perry Sydney Perry 6'0" | PF Windsor | 2024 State New E , 6’1 F – Windsor High School Class of 2024
Ms. Double-Double, Sydney was a problem all year long. Perry’s combination of size, anticipation, and physicality had her filling up the stat-sheet. She certainly averaged 10+ boards a year, and she put up multiple 20+ board nights. Moreover, she locked down the paint and intimidated opponents with her ability to challenge shots and spike a few each game. She’s an early worker when it comes to post defense, keeping opposing bigs off the blocks. And she’s a smart help defender on drives, rotating with extended arms and a solid stance to challenge drivers and get hands on dump passes. Clearly, Perry does a great job of preventing opponents from achieving much of any success inside. She’s dominated D3 all year.