Virginia Rankings Breakdown: 2018 Guards
The Vantage Hoops Virginia 2018 Top 100 Rankings were updated yesterday, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Below is a breakdown of the top 10 guards in the class. Stay tuned for more content, including additional position-by-position break-downs, biggest…
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Continue ReadingThe Vantage Hoops Virginia 2018 Top 100 Rankings were updated yesterday, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Below is a breakdown of the top 10 guards in the class. Stay tuned for more content, including additional position-by-position break-downs, biggest stock boosters, and more.
SG Montez Mathis | Oak Hill Academy | #4 Overall
Considered among the best rebounding guards in his class, Montez Mathis is a major difference maker on both ends of the court. The strong, 6-foot-4 guard can handle it, get into the paint and finish in traffic, and shoot off the dribble. Mathis is tough to contain in the open court as a result of his strength and speed. He plays above the rim, and does a good job getting his teammates involved.
PG Rasir Bolton | Millwood | #7 Overall
A smooth lead guard who demonstrates an awesome feel and understanding of the game, Rasir Bolton is the type of guard who serves as a coach on the floor. He’s super skilled, and can get into the lane where he’s able to finish consistently in traffic. His shot has developed, and he’s a very capable shooter from the catch as a result of his quick release. He’s also able to create space and shoot off the bounce.
PG Xavier Johnson | Bishop O’Connell | #12 Overall
One of the most improved guards in the 2018 class, Xavier Johnson is thriving this spring after a breakout sophomore campaign. He’s super long, tough, and has a great motor. He’s a smart defender who is willing to take charges, and understands how to sell contact when handling the ball. Johnson is a very skilled ball handler who can handle pressure, and is learning how to change speeds to take advantage of his extra gear. An ambidextrous finisher around the basket, Johnson can accurately pass with both hands as well. He’s a sneaky athlete who can rebound well for a guard, and finish above the rim.
PG Donovann Toatley | Bishop O’Connell | #13 Overall
Perhaps the most gifted ball-handler in the rising junior class, Donovann Toatley is one of the most exciting guards in the state regardless of class. The 5-foot-8 point guard has the ability to fill it up from long range. He moves well without the ball, and his quickness makes him tough to follow around screens. A capable shooter off the dribble, Toatley can also get into the lane and finish among bigs. He’s got a soft touch with either hand around the basket. His playmaking ability is improving, and he’s learning how to make others better. One of the most impressive qualities Toatley possesses is his sheer determination and toughness. He’s a true competitor, and will go toe-to-toe with any opponent.
PG Jonathan Norfleet | Salem | #15 Overall
Jonathan Norfleet is a competitive guard who makes an impact on both ends of the court. He’s an explosive athlete, and can get into the lane and finish efficiently through contact. Norfleet can change speeds and pull up on a dime from mid range where he consistently hits jumpers. He can mix in a few floaters to round out his middle game, and is a capable 3 point shooter from the catch. Defensively, he rebounds well out of his position and reacts well to passing lanes. As he continues to develop his skill-set, and fill out his broad and long frame, Norfleet should emerge as a solid division 1 point guard prospect.
PG Joe Bryant Jr. | Lake Taylor | #16 Overall
Joe Bryant Jr. made huge plays for Lake Taylor during run all the way to the state championship game. They lost in the 4A finals to Monacan, but not because Bryant failed to show up. The stocky guard is an awesome defender, especially off the ball where he’s very alert and active. He’s a good athlete with soft hands who lives in the passing lanes and does well to push it in the open court. A capable three point shooter from the catch, Bryant knows how to space the floor and move without the ball to get open. He’s also a very good rebounder for his position.
PG Mac McClung | Gate City | #18 Overall
Mac McClung is a bouncy, athletic guard who is very crafty around the rim. McClung has a complete middle game featuring runners and floaters. He knows how to use the glass as well. McClung constantly plays above the rim, rebounds, and contests shots at a high level. His consistent motor translates to both ends of the court. While he still needs more consistency with his perimeter jumper, McClung has clearly put in work. His shot has significantly improved since we saw him during the high school season.
CG Deandre Thomas | Millwood | #19 Overall
Since his sophomore year, DeAndre Thomas has grown to about 6-foot-4. The rising junior, who will attend Millwood next season, has the ability to play on or off the ball given his awesome blend of size and skill. He’s a good athlete who does a good job boxing out and rebounding. Thomas is adept at getting into the lane and finishing through contact. While can be streaky at times, Thomas is a very capable perimeter threat.
SG Max Johns | Woodberry Forest | #22 Overall
One of the lesser known prospects in the state, Max Johns is certainly no slouch. He grew from 6-foot-2 to about 6-foot-5 from his freshman to sophomore year, and so did his production. Johns is a tough, smooth off guard who can shoot efficiently off the bounce and from the catch. He can attack the paint and finish strong at the rim with either hand. Johns is a good leaper who rebounds very well for his position. He led his team in scoring, and finished second in boards per game. A high academic student, Johns has received interest from Harvard along with other Ivy league programs.
CG Cle’Von Greene | Williamsburg Christian | #23 Overall
One of the most athletic guards in the class, Cle’Von Greene is a high flyer who has intriguing two-way potential. He can be a lockdown defender, given his elite quickness, athleticism, and solid instincts. Greene can rebound well in traffic and also finish through crowds in the paint consistently. His jumper still needs some consistency, but when he’s hot, Greene fill it up in a hurry. He’s a consistent scoring threat who’s not afraid to take and make big time shots.