2017’s Best: 3-Point Marksmen (Virginia)
It’s hard to believe that it’s already almost been one month since basketball season began. Here’s a look at the 13 best shooter’s we’ve seen so far this season in Virginia’s 2017 class. The players are listed below by last…
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Continue ReadingIt’s hard to believe that it’s already almost been one month since basketball season began. Here’s a look at the 13 best shooter’s we’ve seen so far this season in Virginia’s 2017 class. The players are listed below by last name, in alphabetical order.
Jordan Adams – G – Annandale
The 6-foot-1 combo guard exploded for the Atoms against Fairfax in the season opener. In the first half alone, Adams scored 20 points while connecting on all four of his attempts from downtown. The junior displayed a confident and smooth jumper, and finished up with 5 made threes on his way to an impressive 29-point effort.
Jason Aigner – G – WT Woodson
In 7 games this season, Aigner has hit 3 or more threes in all but one. The 6’1 sharpshooter hit 6 threes against Parkdale on his way to a season-high 22 points. Jason is averaging 15 points per game, and is announding himself as a real threat on the perimeter this year for the Cavs.
Adnan Arslanagic – G – Virginia Episcopal
The native of Bosnia is still getting acclimated to playing ball here in the states, but one thing is evident: he exhibits consistency and range with his jump shot. Adnan is a 6′ lefty who displays picture-perfect form, and great rotation. He offers an added dimension as a primary ball-handler, and can create space for his shot with his dribble.
Calder Clay – G – Woodberry Forest
Calder is without question among the best pure catch-and shoot players on this list. He showcases a lightning quick-release, and is capable of getting hot in a hurry. Look for the Tigers to rely on his shooting ability over the remaining course of the season.
James Dugan – F – St. John Paul the Great
At 6-foot-7, James is the one of the tallest players on this list. His size, mixed with his soft touch give the Wolves an important added dimension. He loves to operate at the top of the key, where he often trails and cashes in the three ball. He’s a reliable and confident shooter, and should certainly be accounted for on the perimeter.
Brandon Edmond – G – St. John Paul the Great
Brandon has the ability to absolutely light it up from deep. He can score it in a variety of ways: off the catch, dribble, and curls. What impresses most about Edmond’s shooting ability is his seemingly limitless range. With a 40 point game under his belt already this season, we’ve seen glimpses of what he’s truly capable of.
Dom Fragala – G – John Champe
At the point guard position, Dominik Fragala does as good a job of any as creating space for his shot. He gets great elevation, and demonstrates a sweet and confident shooting stroke. He’s averaging 25 points per game this year for Champe, including a 41 point outburst last Saturday. In just three games for his new team, he’s already connected on 14 three pointers.
Justin Henry – G – Benedictine
Justin doesn’t really take a high volume of shots, but he is certainly accurate when he does. On the season so far, he’s shooting 44% from downtown, and 91% from the charity stripe. He won the award for top free throw shooting percentage at the MAIT games in Hagerstown earlier this year, connecting on all 12 of his attempts from the charity stripe in the 2-day event. Justin should be regarded among the most reliable shooters in Virginia’s 2017 class.
George Mawanda-Kalema – G – Episcopal
George Mawanda-Kalema can shoot the ball with great range. What makes his shooting ability so impressive is that he can hurt you in a variety of ways. He displays a tight and confident handle, and is very comfortable shooting off the dribble. He’s very good off the catch, and when curling off screens as well. George hit 6 from deep on his way to a season-high 28 points earlier this season in a win at The Potomac School. He’s very capable of exploding for those type of numbers almost on a nightly basis, but is not always asked to.
Arminas Kleisys – F – Bishop Ireton
Despite just recently having arrived from Lithuania, Arminas Kleisys has already showed signs of the type of player he has a chance to be. At 6-foot-8, he blends size, mobility, and a high skill level. Arminas can really shoot the ball, particularly off the catch. He’s still very much developing, but has a chance to be a very good player.
Matt Palumbo – G – St. Anne’s Belfield
When you consider the list of pure dead-eye shooters in Virginia, regardless of class, it’s simply not complete without a mention of Matt Palumbo. Matt demonstrates a pure and very confident touch from the perimeter. STAB’s junior guard can absolutely wreck your game plan if you haven’t accounted for him. In his most recent outing for the Saints, he contributed 5 made three pointers on his way to 19 points and a win over Virginia Academy.
Alex Petrie – G – St. Chrisopher’s
Alex has a quick release, and can fill it up from deep in a hurry. The 6’2″ guard is a confident handler, who can be deadly both with and without the ball in his hands. He moves very well without the ball, and is always ready to pull the trigger. Look for him to continue scorching the nets this year.
Denmark Slay – G – St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes
When he’s hot, it’s very difficult to try and stop Denmark. He’s super fast, particularly with the ball in his hands. He loves to stop on a dime, and gets very good height on his pull-up jumper. On any given night, if you don’t pay close attention, Denmark has the ability to destroy a gameplan.