Gamechangers: High Impact Chittenden County Hoopers Pt. 2/3
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Through mid-August I went through my top players in each class with my August Company series. Now I’m going through the state and finding those high impact players that didn’t quite make those initial lists. Tap into some of VT’s finest with…
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Continue ReadingThrough mid-August I went through my top players in each class with my August Company series. Now I’m going through the state and finding those high impact players that didn’t quite make those initial lists. Tap into some of VT’s finest with the Gamechangers series!
Lauren Vaughan Lauren Vaughan 6'1" | PF Champlain Valley | 2025 State NewE , 6’0 W/F – Champlain Valley Union H.S. Class of 2025
Lauren is one of the most intriguing 2025s around. Vaughan’s a highly versatile defender, able to cover 2-5 and cover nearly everything inside and out. An adept rim protector and rebounder, she’ll hold down the paint with ease. Then, she’s got the stride and speed to beat defenders down the floor. In the halfcourt, Vaughan serves as an inside/out presence who can finish well from the post, short corner, and move the ball from the paint or the perimeter. Very dynamic on both sides.
Atika Haji Atika Haji 5'10" | SG Rice Memorial | 2025 State NewE , 5’10 G – Burlington H.S. Class of 2025
One of the toughest covers around, Atika Haji Atika Haji 5'10" | SG Rice Memorial | 2025 State NewE . Atika’s deep bag is flush with multi-level scoring; tough slashing + adept finishing at the cup and no hesitation to knock down the 3-ball. On the other end, Haji’s got the tools to lock it down. Her long frame bothers perimeter players, stifles forwards inside, tips passes, and reels in boards. I got Atika down for a breakout winter.
Emma Litchfield Emma Litchfield 5'10" | SG Colchester | 2025 State NewE , 5’10 G/W – Colchester H.S. Class of 2025
It’s impossible to box Emma into a position. Naturally she’s a PG with her facilitation and vision, yet she’s also called upon to defend sizable players inside and out, hit the glass, and play off-ball as a shooter + mover on a guard heavy CHS squad. I’m excited to see what Litchfield has added to her repertoire, which was already solid with her shooting stroke, passing, and all-around versatility.
Nylah Mitchell Nylah Mitchell 5'8" | PF Burlington HighSchool | 2025 State NewE , 5’10 W/F – Burlington H.S. Class of 2025
Nylah has the hard skills and the soft skills. Mitchell’s a savvy inside/out player with an intuitive post-game that cuts defenses up with her aware passing and sly scoring. On the wing, she’s shown quick decision making; she hits her open looks, slashes on hard closeouts, and works the ball wisely. On the other end, she plays bigger than she is and can surprise with quiet double-doubles. Plus, she’s a poised presence and strong teammate.
Tori Griffin Tori Griffin 5'7" | CG South Burlington | 2025 State NewE , 5’8 G – South Burlington H.S. Class of 2025
Griffin is bound for a big winter with her high-usage role. She’s the main ballhandler and creator; I suspect she’ll have the green light on nearly everything. Griffin has shown she can create best out of ball screens, using them wisely to get advantages on bigs in the second layer or pull-up from 3. Without a ton of offensive support around her, Tori will need to bring a big boost to this SB team.