Vermont’s Breakout Underclassmen Pt. 2/2: Impressive 2026s
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I’m coming at you with a dose of the up-and-comers out of VT! First up, the 2026s. Then it’ll be the top 2027s I saw this past winter. Let’s get it going! Anna Moser Anna Moser 5'8" | CG Rutland…
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Continue ReadingI’m coming at you with a dose of the up-and-comers out of VT! First up, the 2026s. Then it’ll be the top 2027s I saw this past winter. Let’s get it going!
Anna Moser Anna Moser 5'8" | CG Rutland | 2026 State NewE , 5’8 G – Rutland H.S. Class of 2026
Just tabbed the Gatorade POY in VT, Rutland’s Anna Moser Anna Moser 5'8" | CG Rutland | 2026 State NewE comes with it every game. One of the most fiercely competitive players around, Moser dictates the game with her facilitation and offensive creation alongside hardnosed defense and hustle. One of the most skilled players in VT already, she has an increasingly elite handle, deep range on the 3, a good read on the defense, and the athleticism + energy to lock down ballhandlers and clean plays up. Get this kid on your radar.
Zoey McNabb Zoey McNabb 5'7" | PG Champlain Valley Union Highschool | 2026 State NewE , 5’8 G – Champlain Valley Union H.S. Class of 2026
Ball skills, foot speed, and a high hoop-IQ are a few key components to Zoey’s game. McNabb crisply and comfortably organized CVU into their stuff with her handle, well-timed passing, and reads of the defense. Moreover, she proved herself as a key contributor with her scoring and dishing too, finding offense from various spots in the halfcourt and in transition. Her speed is exceptional, able to burst into the open court or tango with ballhandlers when pressuring; she’s even a good rebounder from the perimeter. Smart, skilled, and disciplined.
Charlotte Jasmin Charlotte Jasmin 5'8" | SG Hartford | 2026 State NewE , 5’9 G – Hartford H.S. Class of 2026
The type with all-around game and unlimited versatility, Jasmin embodies the point-forward role. Charlotte’s strong frame and good size enables her to muscle down low as a post defender and rebounder, and then she has the ball skills and footwork to run the show. She’s an adept passer with her court vision, has shown scoring at all levels off of her own creation, and will certainly make the hustle play. Little to be desired.
Marlie Bushey Marlie Bushey 5'10" | SG Milton | 2026 State NewE , 5’10 G/W – Milton H.S. Class of 2026
There aren’t a ton of players who can do what Marlie does at her size. Bushey’s a natural athlete who has the versatility to play positions 2-4 effectively and the 1 when called upon. She’s a sound ballhandler who can handle pressure, make the right pass under duress, and make plays for herself and others from various spots on the floor off the bounce or playing off the catch. Furthermore, the defensive versatility is extensive. Bushey can run with the guards fullcourt with her athleticism, bother wings with her length, and disrupt on and off ball with her anticipation. All around talent.
Anna Ebert Anna Ebert 5'8" | SF St. Johnsbury Academy | 2026 State NewE , 5’8 G – St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 2026
There are times watching Anna when I think, “jeez she nearly plays all roles”. Ebert’s versatility on both ends shone through this season with her defensive prowess, rebounding, and adaptable offensive work. With her strong frame and good footwork, Anna took on rugged ballhandlers and wings, utilizing her strength and anticipation to cause trouble. Her rebounding numbers typically round out around 5+, and then on the offensive end it’s wing slashing, high-post operation vs zones, and savvy baseline playmaking. Uber dynamic.
Delilah Locher Delilah Locher 5'4" | CG Mount Mansfield Union | 2026 State NewE , 5’6 G – Mount Mansfield Union H.S. Class of 2026
One of the more under-the-radar 2026s is Locher and it’s due in large part to a versatile group of ballhandlers at MMU. That being said, whenever Dee came in, I noticed the impact she makes as a true PG. Delilah knows precisely how to set teammates up, using exemplary court awareness and timing to hit backdoors, weak side cutters, and finish plays in transition. Mix in her defensive savvy, characterized by that same heady court awareness on the other end, and you have a crafty two-way PG. Kid can play.
Brianna Bunnell, 5’6 G – St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 2026
She’s quick, she’s pesky, and she’s efficient. Bunnell is a 2026 I’m excited about because she clearly understands the game. Brianna’s defensive work stands out, moving her feet well to pressure and rotating tightly from both the strong and weak side to provide help. Offensively she’s most often featured off ball, and she’s a good shot-maker off the catch + a clinical passer who takes care of the rock. She’ll likely get more time on ball next year and I’m excited to see that next step.
Victoria Kelly, 6’2 F – Fair Haven Union H.S. Class of 2026
Phew, alright, Victoria is in a class of her own at the forward position. With a strong frame at 6’2, scoring touch, and good instincts, Kelly has solidified herself as a formidable paint presence. Her scoring within 15-feet impressed, showcasing nice touch and feel from the hook shot at the rim, the push shot from 6-feet, and the short-range jumper within 15. The 2nd chance opportunities are obvious and the passing out of the post sound. Defensively, she’s bothering shots, holding her spot as a post defender, and cleaning glass. All the stuff we want forwards to do, she does.
Sophie Guarriello, 5’7 G – Spaulding H.S. Class of 2026
An athletic combo-guard who displayed a solid scoring touch this season is Sophie Guarriello. Sophie’s instincts and footwork on the defensive end are well-honed through hoops and soccer, showing a knack for cutting off ballhandlers, recovering, and bursting into open space in transition. Offensively, Sophie split between the 1 and the 2, displaying good senses on how to attack space along with the court vision to feed others. A solid two-way player coming into her own.