D3 Dig: Insights on D3s Top 3 Teams

Thursday night saw a 2OT thriller between Thetford and Windsor, a rematch of last year's championship game. It's possible that might be the finals slate again this year, but Hazen has something to say about that. These three schools, Hazen, Windsor, and Thetford are atop the D3 rankings and are in a tier of their own. Let's check in on the action!   Thetford Academy:   [player_tooltip player_id='649638' first='Whitney' last='Lewis'], 5'11 F - Thetford Academy Class of 2024   This 2OT win against Windsor stamped Thetford as the team to beat in D3 and Lewis was integral to the effort. Whitney's 19 points carried TA, especially with their lead senior guard out on the sidelines due to injury. Regardless, Lewis stepped up big time, making huge plays late in the game. Whitney hit a 3 near the end of regulation to tie it, and then knocked down crucial FTs and a smooth baby hook in 2OT to create separation. Whitney's inside presence is a key element of TA's success.   Charlize Brown, 5'11 W/F - Thetford Academy Class of 2024   The long W/F hybrid brought nice two-way play. Charlize utilized her long frame and athleticism in her defensive effort against Windsor's top guards, consistently forcing tough shots. In addition, Brown added a much needed 13-points on the night, finding her offense mostly around the rim. And in a game where their main ballhandler had to sit, Charlize showed she can handle it a bit and help relieve ball pressure. Tough two-way stuff.   [player_tooltip player_id='649623' first='Addison' last='Cadwell'], 5'10 G - Thetford Academy Class of 2024   Addi was Thetford's top scorer last time they matched up with Windsor, putting up nearly half of TA's point total. The big guard is TA's tough slasher and intuitive distributor with an improved jump shot, often putting teammates in fantastic position to score as she collapses the defense and forces them into a scramble. Moreover, her rebounding and distribution on the break makes TA a serious threat in transition. Cadwell had to exit this one early due to injury, but she walked off under her own power and I'm hopeful she'll be back soon.   Windsor H.S.:   [player_tooltip player_id='496193' first='Sophia' last='Rockwood'], 5'8 G - Windsor H.S. Class of 2025   Sophia and WHS came up just short against a relentless Thetford Academy team whom they toppled last year in the D3 Championship game. Rockwood's 23-points and five rebounds were crucial in this rather defensive leaning game. Out of the pnr, Sophia went to work. Rockwood found the bucket around the short-range and at the rim, plus she knocked down a couple 3s as well. Windsor and Rockwood will be looking to avenge this loss come playoff time.   [player_tooltip player_id='446539' first='Sydney' last='Perry'], 6'0 F - Windsor H.S. Class of 2024   Perry just keeps on rolling. Sydney put up 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 steals Thursday night, doing all kinds of dirty work defensively to give TA trouble. Her on-ball defense against Lewis was persistent, forcing her to catch a distance away from her spots and use extra energy to find her looks or snatch rebounds. Moreover, Perry added what was around a fourth of WHS' scoring before fouling out. Most dominant forward in D3.   [player_tooltip player_id='496099' first='Audrey' last='Rupp'], 5'7 G - Windsor H.S. Class of 2025   All great teams require sacrifice and Audrey might be the one who does so most on this Windsor team. Rupp's extensive effort to make everything run smoothly on both ends is apparent. Her snappy passing and excellent decision making offensively puts tons of pressure on the defense as a scorer and as a distributor. Moreover, Audrey's a pest defensively and is in the mix whether she's on the ball or off. Rupp is averaging around 10 ppg. along with a handful of steals, rebounds, and assists each night.   [player_tooltip player_id='630371' first='Kemari' last='Wildgoose'], 5'10 W/F - Windsor H.S. Class of 2026   It was Kemari who stepped up big Thursday evening, especially once Perry had to leave the floor due to fouls. Wildgoose's constant pursuit of rebounds and loose balls kept TA from reeling in second chance opportunities and afforded WHS a few needed possessions themselves, finishing with 12 boards. Moreover, her defensive effort against Thetford's combo of Lewis and Brown made it tough on them. Excellent work from a tough 2026.   Hazen Union H.S.:   [player_tooltip player_id='649629' first='Caitlyn' last='Davison'], 5'9 G - Hazen Union H.S. Class of 2024   It looks like Davison had limited time Thursday night in a game that Hazen quickly took control of. But last week, CD put up 45 points over two games, landing two wins in convincing fashion. Caitlyn is the most complete player in D3 and among the best in VT with her multi-level scoring, playmaking, and high-IQ defense. She won't be slowing down anytime soon.   Kelsie Rivard, 5'10 W - Hazen Union H.S. Class of 2027   Rivard has taken D3 by storm this year. The freshman has been electric, posting numerous double-digit scoring and rebounding games early in her varsity career. Thursday night, Hazen put up 78 points in a near 60-point win and Kelsie posted 20 to lead all scorers. Rivard's hard work on both ends pays off with tons of boards, transition buckets, and easy finishes off of smart off-ball movement. Rivard sees the floor well too for her age and can guard 2-4. The modern 3/4 wing is looking like Hazen's next gamer.   Mya Lumsden, 5'7 G - Hazen Union H.S. Class of 2027   Hazen is a basketball community founded on hard work and fundamentals and Mya is another intriguing prospect cut from that cloth. Lumsden's a pesky defender who's smarts and agility give opponents trouble. Moreover, she's a sound ballhandler who can take the controls when needed. Her scoring is developing, and she's often finding her looks out of the pressure defense and at the rim. Keep watch on these young Hazen players.

Thursday night saw a 2OT thriller between Thetford and Windsor, a rematch of last year's championship game. It's possible that might be the finals slate again this year, but Hazen has something to say about that. These three schools, Hazen, Windsor, and Thetford are atop the D3 rankings and are in a tier of their own. Let's check in on the action!