Virginia Rankings Breakdown: Biggest Risers in 2017
| The Vantage Hoops Virginia 2017 Top 150 Rankings were updated last week, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Below, we run down 8 of the biggest stock risers in the class. Stay tuned for similar in-depth analysis on the…
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Continue Reading| The Vantage Hoops Virginia 2017 Top 150 Rankings were updated last week, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Below, we run down 8 of the biggest stock risers in the class. Stay tuned for similar in-depth analysis on the 2018 and 2019 classes.
PG Tyree Gholston | Tallwood | #75 Overall
Tyree Gholston had a big junior campaign with Tallwood. His momentum has carried over with him into the grassroots season, where he’s impressed with Team Loaded 757. A quick and crafty lead guard, Gholston has a knack for making plays in the paint. He’s a threat from long range, and has a nice middle game as well. He is considered a high level scoring threat, and can be a go-to-guy at the next level.
SF Tahjay Jacobs | Woodside | #68 Overall
Tahjay Jacobs was the designated lock-down on-ball defender for Woodside last season. At 6-foot-5, he’s a long and well built forward who plays with an awesome motor. Jacobs is a solid rebounder who takes pride in locking his man up, and exhibits great defensive instincts. He’s still developing his offensive skill set, but his confidence is growing every day. He’s a capable 3-point threat from the catch or off the bounce.
PF Nana Opoku | Potomac | #48 Overall
We’ve had a close eye on Nana Opoku over the last few months. His steady improvement has been well documented, and hasn’t showed any signs of letting up. The 6-foot-7 forward is still growing, and has started filling out his lanky frame. He’s an instinctive shot blocker who has always been very mobile, and he does a great job running the floor and consistently finishing above the rim in traffic. A solid rebounder on both ends, Nana has strong hands and does well to secure the ball at it’s highest point. Opoku has a very soft touch, and is an underrated threat from 15+ feet.
PF Kenneth Southerland | Varina | #58 Overall
Considered among the best pure athletes in his class, there may only be a handful of players who can rival the leaping ability of Kenneth Southerland. The uber-athletic power forward has a high motor and can rebound well in crowds. He enjoys running the floor and punishing rims with fierce dunks. An underrated perimeter threat, Southerland has the ability to hit from long range if left open. His production has increased, and should continue to do so as his skills develop.
SG Caleb Snead | Heritage-Lynchburg | #77 Overall
Caleb Snead is a strong, broad-shouldered guard with toughness and solid athleticism. At 6-foot-3, he’s able to get into the lane and consistently finish through contact with either hand. He demonstrates a pure shooting stroke from 3-point range, and his length and quickness make him adept defensively. Snead’s physical attributes in conjunction with his underrated skill-set give him the potential to be a two-way contributor at the next level.
PG Gregory “Alden” Parham | Monacan | #49 Overall
We saw the clutch gene in Alden Parham during Monacan’s state title run. The long-limbed 6-foot-3 floor general plays with poise, and has an awesome feel for the game. He’s a sneaky athlete who rebounds well for his position and defends with tenacity. Parham’s perimeter shooting has improved, and he does a good job utilizing head and ball fakes to keep defenders off balance. An accurate passer with either hand, Parham is also an ambidextrous finisher in the lane who knows how to navigate through crowds.
CG Cam Bacote | Bethel | #33 Overall
There’s no denying what Cam Bacote brings to the table as a scoring threat. The skilled combo guard is a lights out perimeter shooter who can do it from the bounce and off the catch. He knows hot to move without the ball, and is always prepared to make opponents pay if left open. One of the most underrated aspects of his game, along with his defense, has to be his playmaking ability. He’s a deliberate, solid decision maker who can thread the needle but is also not afraid to make the simple play.
C Kelvin Nicholson | Cox | #99 Overall
One of the more under-the-radar prospects in the state, Kevin Nicholson is beginning to emerge among the big men in his class. A bouncy, athletic big man who can run the floor, rebound, and finish, Nicholson is super tough with a great work rate. His 6-foot-9 frame is filling out, and he does well as a rim protector as a result of his timing and leaping ability. He’s got strong hands and works hard on the offensive and defensive glass.