Winter Reflection: The Best 28s in VT

The dust has settled around the all-state teams and I've been able to reflect on the best freshmen from the winter season. This scrappy, guard heavy crew showed throughout the season a glimpse of what the future holds. Tap in on the best 2028s from the 802 (there's even a 2029 in here!)   Lexi Paquette, 5'7 G - South Burlington H.S. Class of 2028   It didn't take long for Lexi to play her game. Paquette was routinely one of SBs top scorers, often catching double figures while serving as the primary ballhandler. Paquette navigated defensive pressure well and found her scoring from the arc and at the rim while showcasing a tight handle, smart off-ball movement, and no fear as she was expected to create. On the other end of the floor, I like Lexi's tendency keep a hand in the passing lane while harboring the length and quickness to recover and disrupt drivers. Paquette has a mind for the game and is one to pay attention to.   Rowan Thomas Demeritt, 5'5 G - Burlington H.S. Class of 2028   A swiss-army knife of sorts, Rowan was that role player for Burlington who came in and did the little things. Thomas Demeritt brought ball security with her handle, passing, and decision making as well as hardnosed defense to grind down opponents handling the rock. When her opportunities came to score, she took them. A sly slash here and there attacking a closeout, a catch and shoot jumper, an open court finish. On what came to be the D1 Champs, Rowan played her role to a tee. That said, I see her role and responsibility expanding in the near future. She has a lot in her.   Orly Nathan, 5'6 G - Burr and Burton Academy Class of 2028   Thrown into the fire, Orly was tasked with growing quickly as a starter. Nathan took the wheel and provided offensive organization, playmaking, and solid ballhandling. Naturally there were ups and downs, but the mindset she played with and the way she carried herself spoke volumes at her commitment to developing as her comfort increased on the varsity floor. Her defensive intuition was obvious with her understanding of rotations and help. It's just a matter of time before Orly breaks out.   Evie Bushey, 5'10 F - Milton H.S. Class of 2028   A hustler who makes an impact on every play, Bushey knows no other way to play. Evie is in the mix for every loose ball as she dives on the floor and is bound to see a passing lane to jump or a trap to set as she heads Milton's fullcourt pressure. In turn, she creates so many chances whether it's off an O board or a turnover. She moves fluidly inside and out in the halfcourt offense and has strong finishing around the rim. And in the defensive halfcourt, she's an active presence inside with good instincts + bountiful rebounding. A player who reads the game naturally and brings the effort nightly.   Amelia Rockwood, 5'7 G - Windsor H.S. Class of 2028   The ball security and poise from Amelia is just what this Windsor team needed off the bench. Rockwood's ability to step in, organize offense, handle pressure and make smart decisions was enough to keep her on the floor for long stretches. But she provided more than that, often producing a handful of buckets off savvy cuts, in transition, or spot-up shooting. Then defensively, she's liable to sniff out drivers and incoming passes, forcing tough decisions and errant opponent offense. A rock-solid guard with a family history of hoop talent.   Ryley Tatro, 5'6 G - BFA St. Albans H.S. Class of 2028   Tatro established herself as a key component of the BFA cause and stepped into the starting 5 not long after the season kicked off. It's her peskiness, her drive to disrupt and bother everything that I noticed first. Her timing on rotations was routinely sound and her quickness of foot allowed her to cover lots of ground. Offensively, she provided some solid ballhandling and passing sense along with a bit of transition offense. There's more in her tank and I'm excited to see what she adds to her game.   Daisy Berg, 5'2 G - Peoples Academy Class of 2029   The 8th grader! Berg burst onto the scene this year as PA fielded numerous 8th graders just to field a team. Well, Daisy took full advantage. Berg's athletic and fiery playstyle manifested with strong drives, fearless shooting from all over the floor, and a leadership rarely seen from someone her age. Moreover, her offensive organization impressed as she led PA through their sets and distributed to help teammates thrive. Defensively, that spritely and aggressive activity carried over with her agile ball pressure. A fun watch and someone who I see exploding in D3.

The dust has settled around the all-state teams and I've been able to reflect on the best freshmen from the winter season. This scrappy, guard heavy crew showed throughout the season a glimpse of what the future holds. Tap in on the best 2028s from the 802 (there's even a 2029 in here!)