Rankings Update – High Upside Stock Risers: VT Additions in 2025

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's that time of year! 2025 rankings are updated and I've got you covered on VT prospects. Here are a number of players with D3 ability and D2 potential. Dive in!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='645601' first='Sabine' last='Brueck'], 5'7 G - Lone Wolf Athletics</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The combo-guard's two-way talents and athleticism have put her on the radar. Her defense might be her strongest tool, considering she disrupts offenses so often and so effectively that it often turns the game into a track meet, which is where she thrives. Brueck's extra gear in the open court is hard to match and her finishing is exquisite. Moreover, she knocks down the 3 and slashes with the vision to make plays for others. Brueck is getting prep looks in the NEPSAC AA; keep her on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='645600' first='Nuala' last='Connolly'], 5'10 G - NE Crusaders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once Nuala got to H.S. she jumped to the NEPSAC with Proctor Academy and hasn't looked back. Connolly is a 3-level scorer who's creative off the bounce and surefire off the catch, plus she can manipulate the defense and makes plays for others. And defensively, Nuala uses her length and anticipation to wreak havoc for opponents. Oh yeah, and her ability to take charges goes to show she's not afraid to sacrifice her body for the team. Love her game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='496160' first='Macie' last='Stagner'], 5'8 G - Lone Wolf Athletics</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With an approach that exudes confidence and poise, Macie takes care of business. A combo-guard who prefers the 1, Stagner makes plays for herself and others via her creativity with the rock, able to score in a multitude of ways and feed others once she's captured the defense's attention. And defensively, Macie guards the perimeter with aggressive ball pressure and the wit to anticipate actions and foil opponent's schemes. Stagner's heady + physical game is so solid. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='450194' first='Bree' last='McDonald'], 5'7 PG - Blueprint Basketball</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A score-first PG with a deep bag, Bree knows hit to give defenses fits. McDonald has a 3-level scoring package that, when balanced, is highly efficient. Her finishing around the paint is poised with savvy footwork, plus her short-range pull-up game is quite efficient. And of course, the 3 ball stretches out a few feet behind the line. Defensively, Bree applies nice ball pressure and has quick hands to deflect passes and poke crossovers. She's a gamer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='645602' first='Cassidy' last='Kittredge'], 5'10 G - St. Johnsbury Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long wing with a sweet stroke, Kittredge plays the game with simplicity and smarts. Cassidy can run the show at the 1 but I found her fit more natural at the 2. Cassidy's off-ball movement is heady and timely, finding gaps to exploit for catch-and-shoot jumpers and slashes. Furthermore, she's a heads-up passer who finds post players and cutters with on time and on target feeds. And with her length, Cassidy can defend multiple positions on the wing quite effectively. Kittredge is a high-IQ player who makes the basketball play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='645603' first='Lauren' last='Vaughan'], 6'1 F - Lone Wolf Athletics</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have to say, Vaughan is highly intriguing. Lauren has shown immense versatility defensively. She's certainly strong protecting the rim and she rebounds at a high clip, yet she has the footwork and agility to defend the wing, throwing opponents for a loop. And on the offensive end, she's a savvy player all around the post. Lauren has simple moves on the block, can face-up from the elbow, and her passing out of those positions greases the offense nicely. Keep watch on Vaughan. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='645653' first='Atika' last='Haji'], 5'10 G/W - Blueprint Basketball</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Atika you have someone who's an offensive juggernaut. Haji's handle and athleticism allow her to get into the second layer at will, and her finishing within the second layer is quite efficient. Once that's established and defenders give cushion, Haji can rise up into her jumper and knock down the 3. Plus, her relocation on drives and reading of closeouts is exceptional. Defensively, Atika defends multiple perimeter positions and can rebound well with her size, then it's coast-to-coast time. Atika can play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->