The
Vantage Hoops Spring Showcase was held the day after the VHSL state championships at
Potomac High School in Dumfries. It featured 55 of the most underrated players in the state, ranging in classes from seniors to freshman. The day included head shots, skill development stations and live games. We already highlighted 20 of the top seniors that attended, and now we move on to the underclassmen. Here's part one, featuring 8 of the top underclassmen at the event.
Guards
Gregory "Alden" Parham - Monacan
- Greg Parham; 6'2” Jr. ; Monacan
Parham was recently named to the 4A All State team, and he showed why at the showcase. At 6'2” he's got great size at the point guard position, and he plays with a smoothness that it almost looks too easy. He can create his shot in the halfcourt and in transition, and can score it from all three levels. He's also a solid facilitator and good defender.
Chris Morris - Henrico
- Chris Morris; 5'8” Jr.; Henrico
He's one of those players that's just so good at what he does. Morris is a facilitating guard that lives in the paint and has a good middle game. He dogs ball handlers and does a good job moving his feet and not gambling by reaching. His jump shot has become consistent enough that he'll hurt you if you forget about him, and he's simply the type of player that finds ways to help you when he's on the court.
Chuck Hill - Highland Springs
- Chuck Hill; 5'9”; Highland Springs
A lightning quick guard with a good understanding of the game, Hill does not back down from anyone. He showed throughout the season that he has a knack for hitting the big shot, and he's able to get his shot off from anywhere despite his size. He has a great frame and knows how to use his strength on both ends, and is a point guard that can facilitate throughout the game and take over when he needs to.
Wings
Terrence Whitfield - Matoaca
- Terrence Whitfield; 6'3" Jr.; Matoaca
Whitfield took full advantage of the camp setting, as he attacked the rim in transition and showed off his terrific athleticism. He was great getting up and down the floor, attacking in downhill scenarios and playing the passing lanes on defense. His great frame and athleticism, along with the fact that he's comfortable putting it on the floor and attacking makes him an intriguing prospect to watch this summer. He picked up an offer from West Virginia Wesleyan (D2) at the Spring Showcase.
James Mitchell - Union
- James Mitchell; 6'3” So.; Union
Just looking at the sophomore from SWVA brings one word to mind: Upside. Mitchell, who's also a standout on the gridiron, is built like grown man with broad shoulders, a good base and natural athletic ability. He's able to run the floor with the guards and finish at the rim in transition, but he can also duck in the post and bang on the glass with taller bigs. His strength and natural ability impressed for his age.
Tim Coward - Hermitage
- Tim Coward; 6'2”; Jr. Hermitage
Coward was an unsung hero on a Hermitage team that was a surprise contender in Conference 11. He showed great understanding of his game, as he moved well without the basketball and got to his sweet spots where he knocked shots consistently. A high level shooter with range, he also showed toughness and athleticism on the defensive end, even in a camp setting.
Bigs
Kenneth Southerland - Varina
- Kenneth Southerland; 6'6” Jr.; Varina
Southerland had a huge breakout season for Varina, earning First Team All Conference 12 and Second Team All 5A South. At the showcase, he showed that he could be a long term prospect with huge upside. Southerland is an athletic freak for his size, as he threw down a number of monster dunks that had everyone at the camp turning their heads. A strong post player, he rebounds and defends like he's much bigger than he is, and he has the foundation to expand his offensive game as he develops.
Ameer Bennett - St. Christopher's
- Ameer Bennett; 6'8” Jr.; St. Chris
Bennett continues to show that he's one of the most improved big men in the state. He still needs to fill out, but he's becoming more aggressive on the offensive end and doesn't shy away from contact in the post. He's long, contests shots defensively and can run the floor and finish in transition. What's improved the most is his mid range jump shot, which he knocked down with consistency throughout the event. He received an offer from WV Wesleyan at the event.
