Grassroots Preview: River City Reign 17U
With the high school season coming to a close, we now move our focus towards the AAU season, which started last weekend. We will be doing individual previews for teams across the state ranging in age from 15-17U. We continue…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith the high school season coming to a close, we now move our focus towards the AAU season, which started last weekend. We will be doing individual previews for teams across the state ranging in age from 15-17U. We continue today with the preview for River City Reign 17U. Check it out below, and be sure to stay tuned to Vantage Hoops for more AAU previews and news moving forward.
Program Director: Rafer Giles
Head Coach: Troy Manns
Roster
Johquin “Pinky” Wiley; 6’0” PG (LC Bird)
Zach Jacobs; 6’8” PF (Trinity Episcopal)
Cam Henry; 6’4” WG (LC Bird)
Charles Falden; 6’2” WG (LC Bird, 2016)
John Salley; 6’10” C (Benedictine)
Ameer Bennett; 6’8” PF (St. Christopher’s)
Terrence Whitfield; 6’3” WF (Matoaca)
Jyles Webster; 6’7” PF (LC Bird)
Tahkey Williams; 6’6” PF (LC Bird)
Damian Knowlin; 6’4” WF (Kecoughtan)
Schedule
April 2-3: Zero Gravity Southern Classic; Richmond, VA
April 15-17: Hoop Seen Atlanta Jam Fest; Atlanta, GA (Live Period)
April 22-24: Phenom Hoops Grassroots; Greensboro, NC (Live Period)
May 7-8: Big Shots Team Loaded; Richmond, VA
May 20-22: Hoop Group Southern Invitational; Hampton, VA
May 28-29: Big Shots Memorial Day; Richmond, VA
June 25-26: RCR Summer Slamfest; Richmond, VA
July 6-10: Big Shots Myrtle Beach; Myrtle Beach, SC (Live Period)
July 15-17: Zero Gravity The Show; Richmond, VA (Live Period)
July 20-24: Fab 40 Las Vegas; Las Vegas, NV (Live Period)
July 22-24: Big Shots Vegas; Las Vegas, NV (Live Period)
*Schedule subject to change based on quality of events and level of exposure.
Notes
One of the newest programs in the state, River City Reign has seen tremendous success the past two seasons, their first two seasons at 16 and 17U. In their first year at 17U, the “Reign Gang” produced four players who signed division one letters of intent, and have a handful of others who are attending division one Junior Colleges or high level prep schools. While their players have blown up from the success, RCR is mostly a local group of kids from Richmond who their coaches develop into better players. One of the best coached and well knit groups in VA, expect Reign to continue to compete with the best on the east coast, shoe company or not.
Players to Watch
- Johquin “Pinky” Wiley: A savvy point guard with a competitive fire and tremendous IQ, Wiley is the type of lead guard that coaches wish they had, yet not many are pulling the trigger on him. At 6’0” he isn’t the most explosive lead guard, but he lives in the lane, finds his scoring options in transition and is capable of taking the game over when needed. He’ll be a catalyst for RCR this season.
- Zach Jacobs: Possibly the best next level prospect on this team, Jacobs stock has been soaring after reclassifying to the 2017 class and transferring to Trinity Episcopal. He has a great frame for a 6’7” forward, and he attacks the glass with ferocity on both ends. He’s improved his perimeter game, where he’s able to hit the set three now, and he works pretty well out of the triple threat from 18-and-in. His recruitment is set to take off this summer.
- Ameer Bennett: He continually improved throughout the season for St. Chris, and toward the end of the season he was a steady option on both ends for the Saints. Bennett has continued to play stronger and tougher, and his skill set has come a long way. At 6’8”, Bennett can run the floor, hit the offensive glass and has shown improved touch on his mid-range game.
- Cam Henry: Much like his LC Bird counterpart Charles Falden, Henry came seemingly out of nowhere this season and was a starter on the 5A State Runner-Up. A 6’4″ guard with a solid stroke, Henry is an efficient scorer that can see the floor and make the right play. He’s also a tremendous defender who understands schemes and creates easy baskets in transition.
- Jyles Webster: The last of the LC Bird players, Webster was as important as any player in their run to the state tournament. A 6’6″ forward, Webster is a hard-hat, lunch-pale like worker in the paint where he uses his broad shoulders to carve out space. He’s relentless on the glass, never gives up on a play and is a good finisher around the rim. He could be a sleeper this summer.