Vantage Hoops 2017 Rankings: Point Guards (Part 2)
The Vantage Hoops Virginia 2017 Top 150 Rankings were updated yesterday, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Below is part two of our breakdown of the top point 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 2017 Top 150 Rankings were updated yesterday, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Below is part two of our breakdown of the top point guards in the class. Stay tuned for more content, including additional position-by-position break-downs, biggest stock boosters, and more.
Denmark Slay | 5’11” | St. Stephen’s St. Agnes (#29 Overall)
There may be no other player on this list who took advantage of summer exposure as much as Slay did. After a great season with SSAS last year, Slay was the catalyst for a talented District Basketball Club team, and also had terrific showings at multiple camps, including being named to the All Star team at Hoop Group Elite Session 2. He may not be the biggest guard, but he’s lightning quick and always brings energy to his team, even when he’s on the bench. He’s a killer who loves the ball in his hands at crunch time, and he’s able to make plays on his own or within the system his team is running. He recently committed to High Point University in the Big South Conference.
James West IV | 6’1” | Freedom (#32 Overall)
A triple threat point guard that can shoot, dribble and pass, West has developed from just a shooter into a true point guard. He plays with great pace, reads the pick-and-roll well, keeps defenses on their toes with his shooting range and can thread the needle with his passing ability. He’s capable of getting his own shot off the bounce, and his strength when finishing through contact is very underrated. After a good season with BWSL WAWG, West announced that he will be attending Mount St. Mary’s after taking a prep season.
Aaron Duhart | 6’0” | Trinity Episcopal (#33 Overall)
He’s healthy again after a knee injury his sophomore year, and he tore it up for Squires Richmond this summer, leading to multiple offers before making his final decision to choose Army. Duhart’s biggest strength is by far his on ball defense, as he dogs ball handlers all day long and has lightning quick hands. He has an explosive first step, good burst in transition, can finish above the rim and is a playmaker both in the half court and in transition. With the unfortunate injury he lost some early interest, but as he works his way back he should be an immediate impact for the Black Knights, who continue to strike it big in Virginia.
Izaiah James | 6’0” | Cape Henry Collegiate (#36 Overall)
He’s just what the doctor ordered for Cape Henry, who really missed James’ defensive ability and intensity last year as he played last year at Legacy Charter in South Carolina. Now that he’s back home, expect guards in the TCIS to have sleepless nights preparing for him. James is an in your face type of defender that pesters you, outworks you and drives you nuts over the course of 32 minutes. He’s also an explosive playmaker offensively, and his all out style will spread through the team and make everyone want to win that much more.
Malik Marrow | 6’0” | Cape Henry Collegiate (#43 Overall)
The ying to Jame’s yang, Marrow isn’t as explosive or intense, but he’s a walking bucket when he gets it going. Last season when they upset nationally ranked Huntington Prep, Marrow scored 18 points in the second half, many of them coming on broken plays or isolation situations. While no one can question that he’s a very tough kid, Marrow at times let his emotions get the best of him and tried to do too much last season, but this year he has more talent around him and shouldn’t feel the need to have to score on every play. If he can pick his spots and be the go-to guy down the stretch, he could have a great senior season.
Greg “Alden” Parham | 6’3” | Monacan (#49 Overall)
The 4A State Player of the Year came up big in multiple spots last season as he led Monacan to the 4A State Championship, the first in school history as they upset Lake Taylor of Norfolk. He’s a very tall guard that can play on or off the ball, can shoot it from deep and is also a smooth handler that can break down the defense and create opportunities for his teammates. Another player who suffered an unfortunate injury his sophomore year, Parham looked much more explosive finishing around the rim toward the end of the summer as well. He has the feel and skill set of a scholarship player, oh and on top of that he’s a proven winner!
Anias Saunders | 6’2” | Eastern View (#51 Overall)
Saunders missed the July live period with a wrist injury which hurt his recruitment, but last season he was one of most consistent lead guards in the state as he led Eastern View to an undefeated regular season and the Conference 19 Tournament Championship. His frame is one you don’t see in many guards, as he’s stocky and strong but also quick and shifty off the bounce. He’s great in transition when he goes downhill, and he also has a high IQ that makes him very easy to play with. The combo guard still has a chance to pick up his recruitment if he can take Eastern View even further this year.