Deserving of Praise: D2 Gamers on My Mind Pt. 1/2

Cody Quattrocci

February 8, 2024 @ 11:49 AM

It's easy to get caught up in D1 happenings and the Metro division, in large part due to the depth and ability of some of those teams. But that being said, I look at this list and see a lot of high-level players that deserve to get the limelight too. So, I'm highlighting ten D2 hoopers with a whole lot of game. Part 1, let's go!   [player_tooltip player_id='645601' first='Sabine' last='Brueck'], 5'8 G - North Country Union H.S. Class of 2025   Last year's GPOY has NCU sitting at #1 in D2 and she's the engine that makes them run. Her defensive prowess is the backbone of her impact, constantly taking the opponents' best player out of rhythm, forcing turnovers, and creating transition offense. Brueck's open court finishing is high-level and her halfcourt creation gets NCU into their stuff. So solid on both ends.   [player_tooltip player_id='649627' first='Brooke'lyn' last='Robinson'], 5'8 G - Lyndon Institute Class of 2024   I think it's fair to say that Brooke'lyn is the best shooter in D2 and she's got a bid for one of the best in state. She put up 40 on Tuesday, dropping eight 3-pointers in her second game in a row! She knows how to get to her spots both off ball and on, and is so efficient off the catch. Robinson's an utter shooter, makes good reads, and is high-IQ defensively. Impressive.   [player_tooltip player_id='645778' first='Katelynn' last='Hadwen'], 5'9 W - Fair Haven Union H.S. Class of 2025   Fair Haven sits at #2 in D2 and Hadwen has been a critical to their success. Kate is another swiss-army knife type who rebounds, defends multiple positions, makes hustle plays, and finishes open looks. She's come into her own as a spot-up shooter, using smart off-ball movement to find space. Plus, her passing leads teammates into advantageous positions. Just solid all the way around.   [player_tooltip player_id='645784' first='Evie' last='Pirie'], 5'8 G - Lamoille Union H.S. Class of 2025   Evie gets it done out of LUHS' pressure defense, off-ball movement and quick-to-the-point moves on the ball. The 2-guard's defensive activity on the ball is measured, yet when she's away from the ball she's anticipatory and can create turnovers with her disruption for transition offense. Moreover, she's a good shooter off the catch anywhere on the floor and can hit the pull-up or get to the rim a bit too. Steady and poised.   Sophia Guarriello, 5'7 G - Spaulding H.S. Class of 2026   There are some players that when you watch you just notice a nice pep in their step. That's Sophia. She's a natural athlete who moves well, using nice cutting and an inherent sense of how to attack space and exploit gaps to create offense. She's been tasked with some more orchestration this year and I'm noticing some growth in that aspect. An active defender with good instincts, Guarriello is growing.

It's easy to get caught up in D1 happenings and the Metro division, in large part due to the depth and ability of some of those teams. But that being said, I look at this list and see a lot of high-level players that deserve to get the limelight too. So, I'm highlighting ten D2 hoopers with a whole lot of game. Part 1, let's go!