Winter Primer: VT D1 Prospects Pt. 5/7
In this article:
We’re on the back half of VT’s D1 winter primer. Check out six young hoopers who are prepped for breakout seasons. Tessa Napolitano, 5’6 G – Burlington High School Class of 2025 A knock down shooter, Napolitano serves an important…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe’re on the back half of VT’s D1 winter primer. Check out six young hoopers who are prepped for breakout seasons.
Tessa Napolitano, 5’6 G – Burlington High School Class of 2025
A knock down shooter, Napolitano serves an important role for BHS. Tessa spaces the floor intuitively, sliding into space on drives and hitting kick-out threes rather consistently. Moreover, Tessa is someone who understands the importance of quick and decisive ball movement. If her catch-and-shoot opportunity isn’t there, she’s quick to assess if she has a driving lane to attack or if she should keep it moving with post feeds or perimeter passes. Napolitano’s efficient shooting pairs exceptionally well with the creation of Bree McDonald Bree McDonald 5'6" | PG Burlington | 2025 State NewE and post prowess of Nylah Mitchell.
Lexi Rabidoux, 5’7 G – Essex High School Class of 2025
Lexi is one of the most aware and instinctual players around, and paired with her unselfish, hustling playstyle, she’s an absolute x-factor in ways that don’t often show in the box score. Rabidoux has great senses on both sides of the ball, knowing intuitively how the floor is spaced, where help is, and how to exploit opponents. Lexi pursues the ball with a quick first step, recovering lots of long rebounds and 50/50 balls. Furthermore, she runs transition lanes hard on the offensive end and likewise when getting back defensively. Lastly, she’s an efficient scorer, especially inside the arc. Rabidoux does a little of everything with excellent efficiency, making her highly effective.
Cassidy Kittredge, 5’11 G – St. Johnsbury Academy Class of 2025
Kittredge is a long and tall PG for St. Johnsbury, yet she’s truly a combo-guard who can play on or off the ball. Cassidy orchestrates well offensively, organizing sets but not dominating the ball for long periods of time. She moves off the ball well and is a consistent shooter, especially in the mid-range and inside the paint. It’s the defensive end where I really see Cassidy shine, for she’s highly switchable and her considerable length paired with her pressure bothers guards and forwards alike. Kittredge also collects lots of boards, especially off of three-point attempts, and her over-the-top vision allows for quick outlets. I’m interested to see how Cassidy’s game continues to grow and evolve.
Lauren Vaughan, 6’1 F – Champlain Valley union High School Class of 2025
With great size and length, Vaughan is another savvy forward for CVU. Lauren is comfortable all around the post and short corners with sound post-up game and even scarier face-up game. Vaughan has nice touch around the rim, coupled with a crisp mid-range jumper. Moreover, she’s also an adept passer, hitting cutters well and shooters with nice skip passes. On the defensive end, Lauren’s length provides ample coverage around the rim as she challenges shots with control, maintaining the ability to recover in the case of a dump pass. A strong rebounder too, Lauren is efficient with her game and makes the simple play.
Anna Moser Anna Moser 5'8" | CG Rutland | 2026 State NewE , 5’6 G – Rutland High School Class of 2026
One of the most skilled players in the class of ’26, Anna Moser Anna Moser 5'8" | CG Rutland | 2026 State NewE is going to be a problem for years to come. Anna has the approach to play either the 1 or the 2, however, I find her most effective at the 1. She’s a savvy ballhandler who can facilitate the offense and/or create offense with her slashing and passing abilities. Moreover, she’s got a nice stroke with nice percentages off both the catch and the bounce. Yet, she’s never one to settle and will get herself into rhythm by getting easy buckets. One way she does so is turning defense into offense; Moser loves to pick up full court and her agility along with her wingspan make her a tough defender, often deflecting passes and poking crossovers for steals. Lastly, Anna’s demeanor tells me she breathes this game; Moser puts in work.
Lexie Litchfield Lexie Litchfield 5'6" | CG Colchester | 2026 State NewE , 5’6 G – Colchester High School Class of 2026
Lexie is another one of 2026’s well-polished prospects with her crisp handle, court leadership, and defensive grit. Litchfield is a combo-guard who I feel fits nicely as the primary ballhandler. She can control the tempo of the game well with her sly ability to push in transition and snatch easy buckets while having the awareness to slow it down when wise. She’s also a consistent shooter and can call her own number when the chips are down and the team needs a lift. On the defensive end, Litchfield’s grit and quickness shine through as she hawks ballhandlers with measured physicality. It’s also possible that Lexie grows into a tall guard like her sister, Emma Litchfield; in that case, Lexie will be even more dynamic.