AAU Preview: RISE AAU Varsity Girls

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I dropped a line down south and got word about a grassroots crew growing down in the southwestern block of VT. This RISE AAU team features a few D3 wbb commits including multiple D2 VT champs from Fair Haven and a couple D4 Champs out of West Rutland as well. No stars here, just team ball to maximize everyone. Let's get to it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Perimeter Play:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bolstered by three D2 Champs, this team comes with chemistry and winning pedigree. Norwich soccer and WBB commit <strong>5'7 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='649634' first='Lily' last='Briggs']</strong> orchestrates the show with her solid handle, passing sense, and team-oriented approach which gets everyone going. Next to her at the 2 is <strong>5'7 2025 Kate Hadwen</strong>, a swiss army knife who's always moving and able to finish looks whether she's in the post, spotting up from 3, or attacking the paint. Sharpshooter <strong>5'10 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='834838' first='Isabelle' last='Cole']</strong> is that reliable floor spacer who finds holes in the D with her smart relocation, and if the look isn't there, she keeps it moving. <strong>Briggs </strong>too hits the 3-ball at a good clip and she comes with some range on it too. D4 Champ <strong>5'6 2025 Kennah Wright-Chapman </strong>is a poised combo-guard who adapts and provides whatever is needed. Ballhandling and pressure release? Check. Drive and kick activity? Check. Plus, everyone on this squad is grounded in tough team-defense principles. They apply moderate pressure, are timely with help, rotate behind everything, and communicate. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Interior Activity:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Active, adaptable and versatile, the forwards on RISE have the modern versatility. <strong>5'9 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='649626' first='Ryleigh' last='Hughes']</strong>, a Sage College commit, is that modern 3/4 forward. <strong>Hughes </strong>attacks every rebound and loose ball, takes pride in her defense, and outworks matchups often. Offensively she's a tough slasher and oscillates between perimeter play and low post/baseline activity. Lesley University volleyball and WBB commit <strong>5'10 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='649631' first='Aaliyah' last='Wilburn']</strong> is a commendable forward with fun potential. <strong>Wilburn </strong>is known for solid post defense, rebounding, and savvy interior passing which often directly creates offense. Yet I've seen her flash the pick and pop and the short roll, hitting jumpers anywhere from 10-20 feet. If that becomes a consistent part of <strong>Aaliyah's </strong>game, then her offensive impact is considerably stronger. To round out the crew is D4 Champ <strong>5'9 Isabella Coombs</strong>. Tough, physical, and a worker, <strong>Coombs </strong>brings the energy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players I've Yet to See:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jacquelyn Oberg - F</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelsey Dunnack - G</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->