Summer Stock Boosters: 2017 Wings (Part 2)
With the final live periods coming to a close a couple weeks ago, it’s now time to take an in depth look at some of the biggest stock boosters in Virginia throughout the entire AAU season. The lists compiled will…
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Continue ReadingWith the final live periods coming to a close a couple weeks ago, it’s now time to take an in depth look at some of the biggest stock boosters in Virginia throughout the entire AAU season. The lists compiled will be organized based on year and position, and will only include players that have open recruitments and have yet to make a verbal commitment. It’s impossible for us to mention every kid that boosted their stock throughout the summer, but we’ve narrowed down some of the players that took the biggest jumps in improvement and interest from colleges. Here’s part two of the 2017 wings.
Trevon “TJ” Taylor | 6’5” | Salem/Team Loaded 757
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #59
On a team that was stacked with wings, Taylor stood out because of his improvement on the perimeter from the year before. He has good size and athleticism to run the floor and finish, and he also used his length defensively as well as on the glass. Taylor has all levels eyeing him moving forward, including competitive post-grad schools that think another year playing on the perimeter before college will help.
Tajhay Jacobs | 6’4” | Woodside/Team Loaded 757
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #68
Yet another wing for Loaded 757 that showed improvement was Jacobs, who will team up with 757 running mate Taqwain Drummond this season with Woodside. A strong and athletic forward, he’s willing to guard the best player no matter what the position, and he’s a capable shooter and explosive finisher at the rim as well.
Jason Aigner | 6’2” | WT Woodson/Higher Level
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #84
They say let shooters shoot, and Aigner has no qualms about that saying. After a breakout junior season with Woodson, Aigner continued to scorch nets from deep all summer with Higher Level, and his form looks good from the feet up off the move. He’s the classic zone buster and floor stretcher, but he’s up there as one of the deadliest pure strokes in VA perhaps.
Cameron Henry | 6’3” | LC Bird/River City Reign
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #94
Speaking of shooters, Henry showed this summer that he can stretch the floor and be a secondary ball handler against pressure. Playing in an uptempo system fits Henry perfectly, because he can shoot and has the size to finish, and he’s a big wing that can lock up and read defenses well. His play was good enough to gain serious interest from a number of scholarship level schools.
Joe Davis | 6’0” | Battlefield/Higher Level Elite
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #117
Need instant offense? Davis can provide scoring in bunches if he’s let off the leash, and he’s able to be effective in the starting lineup or off the bench in quick spurts. He’s lightning quick and can blow by defenders, he can shoot it off the catch from deep and he’s a tough guard that doesn’t mind absorbing contact and going to the line. A lot of D3 schools latched on to him after a big April and followed him through the summer.
Giovanni Jones | 6’3” | Granby/Team Loaded 757 Astrop
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #128
With Granby he’s more of a hybrid player that plays all over the court, but with 757 he was a defensive stopper on the wing that used his energy to create opportunities for himself. He’s super productive, hitting shots from 18 and in, rebounding with the big men and blocking shots and getting deflections. He’s still got room to get better, and his high motor has some D2 and D3 schools very interested.
Matt Palumbo | 6’0” | St. Anne’s Belfield/Spectrum
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #150
For the last two seasons, Palumbo has been the shooter for a good STAB team, and despite being a below average athlete he’s found ways to be productive by spacing the floor and playing with a high IQ. However, this summer he’s been in the gym with STAB assistant Damin Altizer, and he’s playing with a confidence that we haven’t seen from him much. He’s improved off the bounce, and is looking to shoot the basketball more. Also sports an impressive 4.4 GPA.