Hazen Union junior Brendan Moodie (left) rushes the ball up the court during a scrimmage held at Hazen, December 2. At right is Vincent Palmieri of Danville.
by Ken Brown
HARDWICK – Head coach Aaron Hill and his Hazen Union boys’ basketball program nearly defended their Division III state championship last March in a thriller at the Barre Auditorium, but he’ll be looking for a new wave of players to step into key roles this season after losing a historically great senior class to graduation.
The Wildcats came up just five points short in their title defense last winter as Winooski finished off a 22-0 season with the Division III crown. Hill lost a trio of special seniors to graduation in Tyler Rivard, Jadon Baker, and Lincoln Michaud who won 39 games the last two seasons, including the program’s eighth state title in 2022.
Rivard capped off a historic high school hoops career with Vermomt Gatorade Athlete of the Year honors, Capital League Player of the Year Honors, and the first Hazen player to ever reach 1,000 career points and rebounds.
For opposing teams looking forward to a rebuild at Hazen this winter, that will not be the case, as Hill returns a pair of Vermont Dream Dozen selections in senior point guard Xavier Hill and junior sharpshooter Brendan Moodie. Hill is a two-time selection after orchestrating the Wildcat offense last season with over 11 points, while dishing out nearly five assists per game. Moodie was a welcome addition from Peoples Academy last winter, connecting from long range 65 times, the third most in a single season at Hazen.
Coach Hill also returns a trio of senior leadership in Gabe Michaud, Ryan Morrison, and Fenton Meyer, who returns to the program after a season away. Jamison Lamarre and Lincoln Hill were the only two freshmen to make the roster.
“Brendan and Xavier definitely have the ability to give us scoring from anywhere on the court, but it’s their passing ability and unselfishness that really elevates players around them. Individually they are very talented players, but their willingness, and the whole team’s willingness to share the accolades and elevate everybody around them really has me excited for the season. Ryan has put a lot of work in on his game and should provide some quality offense and defense for us down low. Fenton has really busted onto the scene early on in practice and scrimmages with his energy. His length and motor is really going to be a factor for us on the glass and he has been a wonderful addition. We’re excited to have a pair of talented freshmen on the team and they’ll also get minutes with the junior varsity team. They are good kids, extremely coachable, and the future looks bright for the program,” said Hill.
The Hardwick community and communities from all around the state will celebrate the memory of Hall-of-Famer Dave Morse this week with the eighth installment of the Dave Morse Classic (DMC). Legendary Wildcat coach Dan Hudson will be there with microphone in hand to MC the event. Hill’s squad, along with Coach Lumsden’s Lady Cats, will also be competing in the first annual Winter Solstice Tournament at the Barre Auditorium on December 23. Both Hazen boys’ and girls’ teams will square off against Peoples Academy and Montpelier will face Spaulding. The event was organized by Aud event organizer and Hardwick alum Jim McWilliams.
“We’ve had some great teams and great support over the years, but this team still has a bad taste in their mouth the way last year ended. These guys are ready to forge their own identity and stamp their own mark on this program. We’re excited to get the season started with such a special event for all of us in the Dave Morse Classic,” said Hill.
The Wildcats welcome Lamoille, Williamstown, and Peoples Academy to the Cat Den on Wednesday night for the eighth annual DMC. Tip-off is 5:30 p.m.
