Vermont 81 Hartford 69
"I don't think anyone underestimated us, this is Vermont"
A statement from Cam Ward following the game in which he and the rest of the Catamounts made a statement by dominating Hartford from start to finish. The rest of league has now been put on notice that this will be a reload year for Vermont as opposed to a rebuild. Hartford is the most senior laden and experienced team in the league. That is why they were picked to finish second while Vermont was picked fourth. After watching that game an observer would think those roles were reversed. Vermont played with great poise and precision. The offense for the Cats has been machine-like in its execution and as a result Vermont continues to shoot the ball at a high percentage while outscoring their opponents in the paint. What a stark contrast to the Vermont teams of the past decade, which relied on defense and maximizing the abilities of each individual player. This team has many moving parts and each player is multifaceted and ready to contribute. As far as depth of talent this team is far superior to any team that Vermont has put on the floor. There have been better individual players and teams that did certain things well in the past but none that can match this team's versatility. In years past there was one way and one style of game in which Vermont could win. This team can beat their opponent in many different ways. On the offensive side of the ball There are several players (Wills, Ward, Bell-Haynes) that can get to and finish around the rim with consistency. If a team decides to pack it in, Vermont can kick it out to several shooters (Harold, Steidl, Ward, Hatton). Defensively, Vermont can play tough perimeter defense and bother guards into making unforced errors. At the back end Ethan O'Day can protect the rim. Solid rebounding teams will give Vermont trouble all year but their versatility will win them a lot of games. Dre Wills is improving at a rapid rate and is becoming the player that Vermont runs their offense through. Short on pure basketball ability but loaded with athleticism and determination, Wills is becoming the heart and soul of this team. His ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor is allowing him to lead the team in just about every facet of the game. 11pts, 7rbs, 7ast, 6stls, 2blks is a very impressive stat line. The two blocks came in the same defensive sequence as he created a shot clock violation on his own by blocking two consecutive attempts at a three. He was all over the court and is electric every time he touches the ball. Cam Ward continued to take advantage of his increase in playing time and led the team in scoring with 19 points. He showed a beautiful stroke from three and finished around the rim with creativity. It is no accident that in the two games where he has played major minutes Vermont's turnovers have decreased dramatically. He is a calming presence on the court. Brandon Hatton is also looking great after missing the beginning of the season with a concussion. He held is own on the defensive side of the ball and his smooth shooting stroke was on display. I love the three in transition. His most exciting play was actually a beautiful lead pass on the fast break to Cam Ward. Check the highlights. Vermont getting the early conference win was very important for a young team and also important going into a very difficult game against Harvard. That game will be a great test and will provide another measuring stick for the early season progress of this team.
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