Summer Stock Boosters: 2019 Wings (Part 1)
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 one of the 2019 wings.
Mike Christmas | 6’5” | Landstown/Boo Williams 16U
New Offers: Hampton
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #7
Christmas wasted no time making his presence felt on the varsity level for Landstown, where he led the team in scoring and rebounding in his first season. He’s displayed a high motor every time we’ve seen him, attacking the glass hard whether he’s playing on the wing or at the power forward position. He has great fundamentals for a player his age, working well out of the triple threat and showing a smooth midrange jumper that allows him to avoid charges when attacking the basket. He has a good frame and is an above average athlete, which bolds well for him moving forward as well.
Zac Ervin | 6’5” | Gate City/Team Loaded VA
New Offers: JMU
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #8
Despite playing in a smaller market, Ervin was firmly on our radar after leading Gate City to the 2A State Semifinal alongside rising junior point guard Mac McClung and recently graduated John Reed-Barnes. He has great size for a three man of his age, and he has a nice blend of athleticism and skill set that makes him versatile enough to play multiple positions. He can shoot it from deep, attack off the wing and he’s a tough rebounder that will bang with bigger players inside. He also has a great work ethic which shows in the fact that he seems to get better every time we see him.
Dajour Rucker | 6’5” | Cape Henry/Team Loaded VA
New Offers: Marshall, Richmond
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #9
After reclassifying and transferring to Cape Henry, Rucker was a production machine last season for Mark Hall’s group, which included an 18 point 12 rebound outing against Michigan State commit Miles Bridges. He was named team MVP, and his high level of play continued throughout the summer. He’s a three in a four man’s body, which is what he needs to work on the most, but his ability to shoot from deep and rebound like a big man makes him a valuable asset to any team. The most encouraging fact is that he plays extremely hard every game, which isn’t always the case for young perimeter oriented players like himself.
Christian DePollar | 6’4” | St. Stephen’s St. Agnes/DC Blue Devils
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #11
DePollar was blessed with good size and an athletic pedigree, but his skill set shows that he’s been working on his game from a young age. The lefty has a smooth stroke from deep, rebounds well in and out of his area and he has a high IQ for a wing his age. He was a key factor in St. Stephen’s St. Agnes making a run to the VISAA Division One semifinals, and will likely be a go-to guy for them this season along with the backcourt combo of Denmark Slay and Domenick Bailey.
DeArvae Heard | 6’3” | Miller School/Boo Williams
Vantage Hoops Ranking: #14
He had an up and down freshman season because of the situation at Greenbrier Christian, but Heard played at a high level all summer with Boo Williams and should be in a good position moving forward at the Miller School. He has a great frame for a kid his age, with broad shoulders and a strong upper body that allows him to finish through contact. He’s a high level defender, has a good mid range game and can play as a secondary ball handler when needed as well. He needs to work on his consistency from deep, but he has a lot of potential moving forward.