Most Intriguing Teams: 802 D4 Blend- West Rutland + Blue Mtn

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two teams have a history! In the 21-22 season, West Rutland overcame Blue Mountain in the Semifinals. Fast forward to the 22-23 season, and these two are at it again but in the Finals! In both matchups, West Rutland has come out on top... I see a battle brewing in D4!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I couldn't decide on doing just either one, so I've turned to a mixed bag. West Rutland has a stud in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='645688' first='Peyton' last='Guay']</strong>, a 1,000-point scorer already and just going into her junior year. They've gone 46-2 the last two seasons, bringing home two state championships and an undefeated record last year. 3-peat in D4?! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Mountain School had a great regular season last year, going 19-4 with a Finals finish. They return four key players from last year's team and will certainly seek a revenge tour. Let's get into it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team 1: West Rutland School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team clearly has a star in 2025 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='645688' first='Peyton' last='Guay']</strong>, but they don't play hero ball in West Rutland. This is a well-oiled machine that is predicated on fullcourt defense and therefore tons and tons of possessions and shots. Peyton is in the driver seat, facilitating the offense and at the head of the fullcourt trap. She's anticipatory defensively and uses her solid frame to defend 1-3. Offensively, <strong>Guay </strong>can stroke it from 3, slash to collapse the defense, and she's very much a willing passer who makes nice reads. Rounding out the backcourt are the two 2025 off-guards, <strong>Aubrey Beulieu</strong> and <strong>Kennah Wright-Chapman</strong>. These are two heady guards who are fundamental with their cutting, spacing, and ball movement. And defensively, this 3-headed monster applies pressure out of the 1-2-2, covers each other when beat, and rotate oh so crisply. <strong>Isabella Coombs</strong> is another 2025 but at the forward slot. She'll get plenty of run this year after coming off the pine as a role player last year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Outlook:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WRS is certainly the favorite in D4. They return the best scorer in the division and return an even more seasoned backcourt after two finals runs. They've toughened up their schedule this year with three D1 games, 5+ D2 games, and D3 games against powerhouses such as Windsor and Hazen. I don't see an undefeated season ahead, but I do see a team that'll look to maximize their potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team 2: Blue Mountain Union School</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Roster:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Blue Mountain returns four key players, three now seniors, who were all starters last year on a team that battled West Rutland to the very end. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='649637' first='Jordan' last='Alley']</strong> is a 5'10 G/W whose versatile offensive game is focused on getting to the rim. She's an adept slasher and open court player that slips through the cracks, or she'll work off-ball and comfortably flash into different post positions and exploit the defense there. Moreover, <strong>Alley </strong>can guard 1-3, switch onto anything, then rebound and run the break. <strong>Felicity Sulham</strong>, a 5'10 senior at F, adds an interior toughness with her rebounding, rim protection, and solid offensive game that has some post moves, aware passing, and a short to mid-range jumper.<strong> Karli Blood</strong>, a 5'8 senior off guard comes with the grit and IQ to be effective on both ends even if it doesn't show up in the box score. To round out their core four is 2025 <strong>Kyra Nelson</strong> who brings nice versatility to the forward position with her 5'9 frame, solid athleticism, and inside/out presence on both ends of the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Outlook:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team has thorough height and length, probably the best in D4. And after a finals lost last year, I think revenge is on their mind. All are hardnosed competitors, and all know what it takes to get to the promise land. Led by three seniors and a junior, Blue Mountain should power through their D4 heavy schedule and make another deep playoff run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->