Vermont Division II Preview

New England Recruiting Report | Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Led by Connor Merrill, last year’s Division II runner-up, Vergennes, has to be considered the favorite to win the state title in 2010. The sinewy six-foot-six swingman should emerge as the dominant force in division II this year.  He has a long frame, some deceptive strength, and the versatile skill set to make opposing defenses pick their poison. 

Merrill will be far from a one man show as the Comodores should have all their bases covered with dead-eye shooter Logan Williams and sophomore power forward Jake Bushee.  

Vergennes’ championship aspirations are clear as head coach Peter Quinn has them playing some division I schools out of the powerful Metro Division to prepare for a potential post season run.  Kudos to Coach Quinn for taking on a challenge that will not only make his team better come tournament time but also give great exposure to his players. 

And if Vergennes does prove to be the last team left standing come late February then Quinn will be one of the few Vermont coaches to claim state titles on both the boys and girls side. 

While Vergennes may be the early favorite, the road to the championship will be a difficult one as this division has many fine players throughout the state. 

Harrison Taggart, who some think may be Vermont’s next scholarship player, will be leading Mill River.  Taggart made a name for himself this summer by proving his scoring prowess from the wing, but he may actually run some point this year at Mill River and with his size, court vision, and versatility he has all the tools to not only put points on the board himself but make those around him better as well. 

Montpelier advanced all the way to the state semi-finals last year and with Sam Brigham returning for his senior year, hopes are again high.  Brigham is a relentless player who can go all day and is determined to win a title this season. 
                            
Union 32 has an excellent backcourt with Ryan and Jack Shea, while up at Lyndon Jimmy Lau is as capable a three-point shooter as there is in the state.

Thomas Jacobs-Moore had a great AAU season with Lone Wolf and makes Harwood a contender.  Fair Haven will give people lots of trouble with there size and you can never count out Windsor. 

Will Vergennes be able to live up to the hype?  Is Taggart ready to lead his team to a championship?  Can Montpelier, U32, Lyndon, Harwood, Fair Haven, or Windsor make a run?  These are just a few of the questions that will be answered this year in what promises to be an exciting year of basketball in Vermont's division II.