Virginia Rankings Breakdown: Biggest Risers in 2018
The Vantage Hoops Virginia 2018 Top 100 Rankings were updated this 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 2019…
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Continue ReadingThe Vantage Hoops Virginia 2018 Top 100 Rankings were updated this 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 2019 class.
PG Deja Jackson | Deep Creek | #61 Overall
A super skilled lefty who can score it at all three levels, Deja Jackson has the confidence to go toe-to-toe with any lead guard in the class. He’s a crafty finisher in the lane with a nice middle game, and does a good job setting up his teammates on the break and in half court sets. Jackson is a solid defender who uses his quickness and length to be effective on and off the ball. He’s good at reading passing lanes, and pushes it quickly in the open court.
PG Chris Rogers | East Rockingham | #37
Chris Rogers has looked very solid this spring with Spectrum Basketball Club 16U. He’s a poised, mature floor general who is getting comfortable running his team and making others better. He’s a crafty and skilled ball handler who can work ball screens, thread the needle, and shoot efficiently from the catch or off the dribble. Rogers has a high IQ and great feel for the game on both ends of the court.
PG Darius Hines | Bishop Ireton | #29 Overall
One of the most appealing attributes Darius Hines possesses is his ball-handling ability. He’s a speedster who can handle pressure and break a press almost on his own. Hines can get into the lane, pull up on a dime, and hit efficiently from mid range. He uses floaters, and can finish efficiently with either hand through contact. He’s a decent rebounder out of his position, and does a great job finding teammates in the open court and in half court situations. He can shoot efficiently off the dribble, work ball screens, and knock down three pointers from the catch. Despite his relatively small stature, Hines is a super competitive lead guard who has a real shot to make an impact at the division 1 level.
PG Nick Price | Northside | #27 Overall
Nick Price continues to make strides, especially on the offensive end. His perimeter jumper has improved, and he’s gotten stronger and more athletic over the past six months. Price is a lanky, active defender who has good instincts and a super high motor. He’s a good paint getter who is very crafty and efficient around the basket, and creates well for his teammates off the bounce. As he continues to sharpen his skill set and bulk up, Price has a serious chance to be a target for division 1 programs.
SG Devon Sims | Paul VI | #39 Overall
He got some good experience off the bench last year for Paul VI, and now it’s time for Devon Sims to take the next step. Sims got off to a good start with District Basketball Club this spring before a minor knee injury sidelined him. He’s a long, tough, active defender who rebounds well for his position. Sims is a sneaky athlete who runs the floor, slashes into the paint, and finishes with touch around the basket. He’s gotten stronger, and more confident this spring, and will look to continue his progress this July.
PF Bassiroui Diop | Bayside | #70 Overall
We saw him for the first time with Team Loaded Red this spring, and each time he hits the court, Bassiroui Diop finds a way to make a statement on both ends of the court. The lanky, 6-foot-8 power forward is a very active rim protector who can get off the floor quickly. He’s a solid rebounder with strong hands, runs the floor, and crashes the offensive glass hard. Diop has a soft touch out to the 3 point line, where he can hit consistently from the catch. He’ll need to fill out his relatively thin frame and continue to show he can finish in traffic, but Diop is a productive big who has demonstrated solid potential.
SF Cole Meadows | Giles | #71 Overall
Cole Meadows is a strong, athletic wing with a great work rate. Meadows has improved his offensive repertoire, and has the ability to absorb contact and finish consistently in the lane with either hand. He is a good passer who knows how to space the floor correctly and fill the lane in transition. Meadows rebounds well for his position, and does a great job boxing out his man. He still needs a bit of consistency on his jumper, but he’s a capable long range shooter from the catch. Meadows possesses a nice blend of size and skill to go along with a good motor and feel for the game.
PF Jack Wyatt | Collegiate | #76 Overall
A relatively under-the-radar prospect out of the Richmond area, we first saw Jack Wyatt during the VISAA tournament with Collegiate. The well-built, skilled forward is relentless on the boards. He runs the floor, hits open shots, and makes some very nice passes out of the high and low post. Wyatt can post up smaller defenders, and face up bigger ones. He’s definitely a name to track as he continues to get stronger and more skilled.