Unsung heroes: 12 girls basketball players who do the 'little things' to help their teams
Every team needs them. Unsung heroes who impact games beyond the box score or score sheet — players who don't necessarily score to add their value for successful programs.
They provide the "little things" to help their teams win — from lockdown defense and leadership to hustle plays and in-game execution — and they generally do so without the fanfare and headlines.
This feature intends to recognize such a player who deserve some spotlight.
As we zoom into the final month of the regular season, we offer up unsung heroes in Vermont high school basketball. First up, girls hoops, with a list of boys unsung heroes to follow.
LATER THIS WEEK: Standout defensemen, goalies in high school boys and girls hockey
RETURNING NEXT WEEK: After a week hiatus, power rankings in basketball and hockey will resume.
Enjoy!
Unsung Heroes: Girls basketball
*Note: Players listed in alphabetical order. Most stats mentioned are through games played Feb. 1.
Reeve Applegate, North Country Union High School
A freshman call-up during North Country's championship run in 2021, Applegate has worked into the starting lineup every game this winter as a senior, and is willing to do anything for her team to win. Applegate is averaging 2.9 deflections and 2.3 steals per game for the defending Division II champions.
"She's kid who will dive on the floor for a loose ball and sets a high standard of work ethic," North Country coach Sarah Roy said. "She puts in the work on the defensive end. We don't count on her to score, but when she does it's a bonus for us."
Aubrie Beaulieu, West Rutland High School
The junior and second-year varsity member runs the floor, plays with a fearlessness, especially in the paint for a 5-foot-5 guard, and averages around 8.0 rebounds a game for the two-time reigning Division IV champions.
"She has a lot of grit to her and makes a lot of hustle plays, tying people up and diving on the floor," West Rutland coach Carl Serrani said. "She does all the dirty work and she's underneath the boards battling like crazy. And she can shoot from the outside."
Addison Ely, St. Johnsbury Academy
In her first full season on varsity, the sophomore guard is a tirelessly worker who has seen growth in her offensive game while maintaining important contributions as a defender and hustler. In practice, she pushes the starters with her energy on the defensive end.
"She’s just that kid in practice who’s gutsy," St. Johnsbury coach Jade Huntington said. "She works the hardest and she’s often defending somebody who is bigger than her. Her defensive skills, hustle plays and toughness — I love it."
Marissa Groleau, Mount Mansfield Union High School
The senior has stepped into the team's starting point guard position, and has shined following a hard-working offseason program. Also a standout field hockey player, Groleau is hitting on 42% of her 3-point attempts and has grown into a leader for the Cougars.
"She did a lot of work over the summer. We needed her to be more of a leader and she's done that," MMU coach Mark Pfaff said. "Her on-ball defense and communication have been good. She runs the baseline of the 1-3-1 and that's tough to do."
Harper Gutheim, Burlington High School
The freshman forward has earned minutes for the Seahorses, among the Metro's best teams this winter, because of her size and work ethic. Gutheim has earned a couple starts already this season. One of Gutheim's biggest moments came early in the season when she turned into a defensive stopper in a road win at Colchester.
"She's fundamentally sound and tough inside. For a freshman, I think she's doing pretty well and she's holding her own. I like her attitude," Burlington coach Bev Roberston said. "She wants to play, she wants to get better. As a coach, this is a kid you wouldn't mind having more like her."
Ryleigh Hughes, Rutland High School
The two-year starter and senior can guard on the perimeter or inside, is a highly valued rebounder for a team that stresses the importance of controlling the glass, and has the ability to add some scoring when necessary.
"She does all the stuff that nobody looks at. Her energy, in and out of practice and games, is always good. That's a contagious thing," Rutland coach Nate Bellomo said. "And energy and effort is always something we try and strive for."
Maddy Perry, Fair Haven Union High School
The junior point guard has had a breakout year after serving in a backup role last winter. Perry, also a soccer standout, leads the Slaters in assists and charges taken, has a 2.8 assist-to-turnover ratio and is averaging 4.0 rebounds per game.
"I told the coaches on the way back from (Burr and Burton), that it's so refreshing to know what you are getting from Maddy Perry game in and game out," Fair Haven coach Kyle Wilson said. "She handles pressure really well and is always a willing passer, looking to create for teammates. She's very coachable and her defensive energy is always really high."
Molly Renaudette, Lyndon Institute
The senior forward is averaging a double-double in points and rebounds for the Vikings, among Division II top teams, but her approach to the game is one of a "lunch pail" attitude befitting of an Unsung Hero. Voted captain unanimously by teammates, the 5-foot-11 Renaudette leads Lyndon in charges taken.
"She's always playing at 100 percent and she's always diving for loose balls," Lyndon coach Eric Berry said. "She scores off offensive rebounds, off putbacks and she knows she has to go get rebounds and make it happen."
Maddie Ryley, Harwood Union High School
At Rice as a freshman last year, Ryley returned to the Harwood school district and took over starting point-guard duties for the Highlanders, who are among the title contenders in a top-heavy Division II landscape. Ryley, who's averaging 4.8 assists per game, sees the floor at a high level, makes outlet passes with ease and rarely commits turnovers.
"He court vision is amazing," Harwood coach Tom Young said. "She makes everyone else better and gets out in transition and rewards teammates' efforts. She's very unselfish. Her defense has also improved a lot."
Sadie Skorstad, Hazen Union High School
The senior guard is a defensive-minded player whom the coaching staff relies on and raves for her dedication, positivity and work ethic. Skorstad's contributions and value make her crucial to the success of the Wildcats, who are among the title contenders in Division III.
"Sadie is not afraid to mix things up," Hazen coach Randy Lumsden said. "Coming off the bench for us, she's always engaged in the game so when her name is called she’s ready to go."
Lauren Vaughan, Champlain Valley Union High School
The junior forward's defensive work — rebounding, blocking shots — is a big reason why the defending Division I champions have incorporated more zone looks this winter. Vaughan is averaging 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals a game.
"She's defending the lane really well and changing the way we play defense," CVU coach Ute Otley said. "She has really good timing and she's such a defensive weapon. She goes about it quietly, works hard and is doing all the little things right."
Kemari Wildgoose, Windsor High School
Raw in terms of her basketball skills, Wildgoose is "probably the most athletic player" in Windsor's Kabray Rockwood's coaching tenure. Also a track and field athlete, the sophomore Wildgoose is averaging 7.5 rebounds a game off the bench for the two-time defending Division III champion Yellow Jackets. She's able to leap over players without fouling to snatch boards.
"She tracks the ball really well and she understands where to be to grab rebounds and then she can literally out-jump people. She's winning 50-50 rebounds," Rockwood said. "She also runs the floor well and she can guard four out of the five positions."
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Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @aabrami5.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: VT high school girls basketball: Players who do the 'little things'
