2017 Stock Boosters: VHSL Championships
RICHMOND, VA — The VHSL brought all 6 classifications to VCU‘s Siegel Center for their respective state semifinals and championships. In a week during which 24 teams competed under the bright lights on the biggest stage, a few players emerged as…
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Continue ReadingRICHMOND, VA — The VHSL brought all 6 classifications to VCU‘s Siegel Center for their respective state semifinals and championships. In a week during which 24 teams competed under the bright lights on the biggest stage, a few players emerged as standouts. Below are 10 juniors who raised their profile with productive play, and are names to know heading into AAU season.
Greg “Alden” Parham – 6’3″ PG – Monacan
When his team needed him most, Alden Parham stepped up and sank two big free throws to help them seal the state championship. The silky smooth guard played like a veteran during Monacan‘s title run. Parham has great size and skill at the lead guard spot, along with a terrific overall feel for the game. Look for his recruitment to develop this spring and summer with River City Reign.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/707633687249211392
Dominik Fragala – 6′ PG – John Champe
With his team down late in the state semifinals to Lake Taylor, Dominik Fragala did everything in his power to try and will his team back into it. He drew charges and on the other end was able to score both in the paint and on the perimeter. He finished the game with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Despite his team falling just short, the future is bright for the highly skilled, high IQ floor general. He’ll run the show for Higher Level 17U Premier this spring and summer.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/706966986341933056
Nana Opoku – 6’7″ C/PF – Potomac
Since he quietly emerged at the Metro South Fall League, Nana Opoku has steadily improved each time he’s hit the court. The long, mobile forward serves as a terrific rim protector as a result of his great timing and instincts. He also has great coordination and hands to go along with a soft touch and high motor. He’s just scratching the surface but is on the right track. He will continue his development on the Adidas Gauntlet with Team Loaded.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/707681835145363456
Halil Parks – 6’2″ SG – Wakefield
In Wakefield’s hard-fought state semifinal defeat vs. L.C. Bird, Halil Parks displayed a deadly touch from beyond the arc. The junior hit 4/8 threes, including one to tie it with under 20 seconds to go in regulation. His quick release is super effective when curling off screens from the catch. An underrated athlete with good paint getting ability, look for him to be a primary scoring option for Pro Look 17U.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/707267571704340480
Alan Treakle – 5’9″ PG – Wakefield
Don’t be fooled by his listed height, Alan Treakle is one tough customer. He finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds for Wakefield in their state semifinal loss to L.C. Bird, but his impact came beyond the numbers he put up. Treakle willed his team on every possession with a tremendous display of passion and play-making ability on both ends. Look for him to do more of the same with Pro Look 17U.
Shonari Street – 6’5″ F – Battlefield
Shonari Street continues to establish himself as a developing threat inside and out. His length and ability to stretch the floor from the catch, along with his high work rate is certainly appealing. Look for his recruitment to take the next step with Higher Level 17U Premier.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/707326491613331456
Jamal Washington – 6’2″ SG – Potomac
A well-rounded guard with good size, there aren’t many boxes Jamal Washington doesn’t check off during an evaluation. He’s a skilled paint getter, with a strong frame to go along with a competitive nature. In Potomac‘s state semifinal victory vs. L.C. Bird, Washington played efficiently, shooting 6/7 from the field on his way to 16 points. He also grabbed 4 rebounds in traffic, making an impact for the Panthers on the defensive glass. Look for the talented scorer’s recruitment to expand with a talented Uncommon Bulls 17U Team.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/707684829685551104
Travis Ingram – 6’2″ SG – Norcom
Now a three time state champ, there’s no denying Travis Ingram‘s experience in big games. The junior is regarded among the best athletes in the state, and that was certainly on display in Richmond. What stood out, however, was his maturity and development in his decision making. Ingram has become an effective play-maker with a matured understanding of tempo and pace. He is impossible to keep out of the paint, and can defend at a high level on the perimeter. He’ll be a can’t miss prospect for Baltimore Elite 17U.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/708468216335564800
Elyjah Camp – 5’11” PG – Potomac
After aggravating an ankle injury which sidelined him for the majority of his team’s state semifinal victory, Elyjah Camp was told he would not be permitted to suit up just prior to the state championship. After some convincing, he was allowed to test the ankle during warm-ups and eventually play. He hit 11 of 14 free throws, including a series of clutch makes down the stretch to help clinch the state championship. Camp displayed a high level of toughness and competitiveness in the state finals. Once he heals up, he should be considered among the biggest stock boosters at the point guard spot in 2017.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/707684637976489984
K.J. Davis – 6’6″ F – Norcom
K.J. Davis has great length, mobility, and skill, which gives Norcom Head Coach Leon Goolsby plenty of options. Davis’ presence both on the interior as a shot blocker and on the perimeter as a 3-point threat, along with his developing perimeter skills have been well-noted throughout the Greyhounds’ post-season run. A high motor wing with big game experience and an expanding skill-set, with a 4.0 GPA should be in high demand this spring and summer. Look for a variety of schools to pursue him on the EYBL with Boo Williams 17U.
https://twitter.com/Akayalew/status/708471967435857920