An Introduction: Class of 2028

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next generation is incoming! We have a fantastic group right here; a perimeter heavy bunch that knows how to make reads and get a bucket. Let's get right to it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1250020' first='Kayla' last='Cisse'], 5'10 W - Blueprint Basketball/South Burlington H.S. Class of 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cisse is looking like VT's next big talent. Kayla's blessed with rangy size, clocking in at 5'10 or so with a lengthy wingspan. And yet, she has the footwork, perimeter skills, and feel uncommon for someone her size and age. She hits jumpers at each level, sees the floor well as a passer, doesn't force decisions, and is developing her off-ball intuition as well. Defensively, Cisse has the ability to cover 2-4 and some 5s, doing it all with on-ball perimeter action, weak side disruption, rim protection, and rebounding then pushing the break. Keep watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Taraji Bradley, 5'3 G - Spartan Elite/Winooski H.S. Class of 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An explosive athlete, Taraji knows how to get the offense going. The PG has the handle and court vision to work through ball pressure, organize + distribute, and blow by to crack the second layer with exceptional speed and agility. Once inside, Taraji has the elevation and scoring touch to finish efficiently at the rim, get to the FT line, or hit a short-range floater. Defensively, I like her activity. She can be pesky, knows how to stay in front, and helps out on the glass a bit, then in transition she's a blur. An easygoing air and yet you can tell she's about her business.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owliya Sharif, 5'5 G - Spartan Elite/Burlington H.S. Class of 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The playmaking from Sharif has taken a step. Owliya's a savvy combo-guard who has the tools to break the defense down in isolation or in the pnr. She has a shifty handle to get opponents off balance, and when she snakes into the paint, she finds cracks to get to the rim and finish. Moreover, Owliya has shown she can hit the 3 too. Meanwhile, she keeps eyes up for cutters or open shooters, balancing her scoring with solid reads in the half and open court. Defensively, its length and anticipation to disrupt passing lanes and in turn spark the break. A hooper. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Orley Nathan, 5'5 G - Lone Wolf Athletics/Champlain Valley Union H.S. Class of 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One the best PGs in the class, Nathan blends organization and feeds with an efficient shot profile. Orley's ability to handle the rock under duress and distribute is a key component of her game. Moreover, she can break the defense with drives, short-range jumpers, and an expanding range. The off-ball smarts are there too, impressively so for a ball-dominant position. Defensively wise, Nathan keeps the ball in front and has shown savvy as a help side defender who rotates and plugs holes. Steady in her demeanor and a balanced skillset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lexi Paquette, 5'4 G - Rise to the Top Basketball/South Burlington H.S. Class of 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Lexi we have another point guard who understands the game. Paquette organizes and distributes well to provide clean looks while at the same time finding her own. Lexi will get by the defense with a crafty handle and deft inside finishing off two feet. Or, with smart off-ball relocation/movement, Lexi will hit 3s and catch hockey assists. On the defensive end she has the work ethic and the anticipation in both full and halfcourt settings to make everything tough. She's coming along quite nicely. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sophia Derby, 5'8 W - Lone Wolf Athletics/Richford H.S. Class of 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've all seen that young player who goes out there with no fear, and that's Sophia. She's a gluey 3/4 wing that'll do whatever is asked. She matches up with rugged bigs and perimeter players, plays physical, attacks rebounds and loose balls, and then runs in transition. Derby's offensive skillset is founded in sly off-ball work as a cutter + screener, solid interior finishing ability, and the intuitive passing/read-making which greases offenses and generates open shots. Derby makes hustle plays, defends, and plays with a style that teammates seem to relish. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->