Diamonds in the Rough: 10 Small School Studs at Guard Pt. 1/2

Photo: Pics By Reardon

Cody Quattrocci

February 23, 2024 @ 11:49 AM

Every state, every small town has their hoopers who are out in the rural, underreported, out-of-the-way gyms putting in work that often goes unnoticed. I do my best to resolve that with thorough study, film, and hoop connections, but still, some don't get the shine they deserve. Here's an article to set the record straight. Small town VT has game. Tap in!   [player_tooltip player_id='496160' first='Macie' last='Stagner'], 5'8 G - Springfield H.S. Class of 2025   Talk about a bucket. Macie just went for 47 in a huge game the other night, surpassing a long-held school record and inking her name into the books. Stagner's multi-level scoring, adept offensive creation, and savvy reading of the defense make her so lethal on the offensive end. Add in her defensive wit and anticipation, which often leads to transition offense, and you've got a two-way monster. She's been underreported, (I take full responsibility) but she's one to know.   [player_tooltip player_id='594763' first='Marlie' last='Bushey'], 5'10 G/W - Milton H.S. Class of 2026   Exceptionally versatile, Bushey's able to truly cover 1-5 and play most any position offensively. Her hoop-IQ is a key ingredient along with her varied skillset and balanced athleticism. Marlie's able to score in myriad ways, particularly well in transition and off the catch. Yet she's required to create extensive offense with her HS team, and she does so with nice slashing and well-developed reading of the defense. Bushey's a coast-to-coast threat off boards, could be the head of a press, or cover the best perimeter player. Versatile and quiet about her business.   [player_tooltip player_id='645601' first='Sabine' last='Brueck'], 5'8 G - North Country Union H.S. Class of 2024   Brueck just eclipsed 1,000 points and she does it in a way that's efficient and rooted in her defensive prowess. Sabine's ability to turn defense into offense is elite; she hounds ballhandlers and pesters them with her length, causing turnovers and tough shots, then in the open court she accelerates into another gear for rim finishes. Moreover, her off-ball intuition lends itself to savvy cutting and adept reads to exploit little holes in the defense. Sabine an exceptional athlete, a composed leader, and willing to outwork everyone.   [player_tooltip player_id='649627' first='Brooke'lyn' last='Robinson'], 5'8 G - Lyndon Institue Class of 2024   Shooter! Robinson has been torching teams with her shooting ability, compiling multiple games with 5+ treys even though the opponent knows she's liable to go off. Brooke'lyn has shown she can get hot off the bounce or the catch, but I find her most intuitive at the 2. She's sly and smart, able to find space with craft. And with the ball in her hands, she takes care of business with quick decisions which often result in making "the basketball play". Unselfish rainmaker.   [player_tooltip player_id='649629' first='Caitlyn' last='Davison'], 5'9 G - Hazen Union H.S. Class of 2024   You just know when someone has "it", whatever that elusive thing is. But Davison has it. Caitlyn's fierce competitive edge is drenched with hustle, physicality, and a whole lot of skill. She's able to play so many roles: lead guard, 2 guard, dirty worker, primary scorer/playmaker, the list goes on. Her slashing is strong, can hit jumpers all over the floor, and she reads defenses to the point where she knows how to attack space, manipulate rotations, and make feeds. Plus, she rebounds, defends with vigor, makes hustle plays, and on and on. All-around game.   [player_tooltip player_id='481355' first='Charlotte' last='Jasmin'], 5'9 G - Hartford H.S. Class of 2026   Jasmin has "it" too, that competitive edge and willingness to lead her team into the fire of competition. Charlotte's all-around game is composed of a wide range of skills. She's a prominent part of Hartford's rebounding effort, will shake up opponents with steals on ball and off, and makes the offense go. She has coast-to-coast playmaking, halfcourt playmaking, and the ability to unload buckets from deep and at the rim with a mid-range coming along. An absolute worker and someone you can rely on.

Every state, every small town has their hoopers who are out in the rural, underreported, out-of-the-way gyms putting in work that often goes unnoticed. I do my best to resolve that with thorough study, film, and hoop connections, but still, some don't get the shine they deserve. Here's an article to set the record straight. Small town VT has game. Tap in!