Vantage Hoops 2018 Rankings: Point Guards (Part 2)
The Vantage Hoops Virginia 2018 Top 100 Rankings were updated earlier this week, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Below is part two of our breakdown of the best point guards in the class. Stay tuned for more content, including additional…
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Continue ReadingThe Vantage Hoops Virginia 2018 Top 100 Rankings were updated earlier this week, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Below is part two of our breakdown of the best point guards in the class. Stay tuned for more content, including additional position-by-position break-downs, biggest stock boosters, and more.
Joe Bryant Jr. | 6’1” | Lake Taylor (#17 Overall)
Bryant’s game can best be described as “bully ball,” because the stocky Titans’ lead guard uses his strong frame to beat up and wear down his opponents. Looking more like a running back than a point guard, Bryant’s very shifty off the bounce for his size, and once he gets his body in between you and the basket he’s able to shield defenders and finish in traffic. He also uses his size defensively where he can guard multiple positions and force opposing ball handlers into mistakes by playing physically. He’ll be leading one of the most talented backcourts in the state, and if he can keep everyone happy they should have a chance to avenge their VHSL 4A State Championship loss to Monacan last season.
Mac McClung | 6’1” | Gate City (#18 Overall)
One of the most exciting players to watch on this list, McClung has built up quite the reputation in the state for his all-out style of play and highlight reel ability. He may not look like it, but he’s one of the most athletic guards in the state. He finishes above the rim in transition, and has great hang time that allows him to contort his body and finish over bigger defenders and in transition. He has a tight handle including a vicious crossover that he uses in combos to leave defenders dancing, and he can knock it down from deep off the bounce too. While many love watching him for the “ooh-ahh” factor, McClung is actually a gritty and tough player that will lay it all on the line for an extra possession or to save a basket. He has to continue to work on his decision making and “point guard play,” but there’s a reason he holds multiple division one offers despite playing in a small market like Gate City.
Darius Hines | 5’10” | Bishop Ireton (#27 Overall)
Probably the most overlooked player on this list, Hines can do everything you ask out of your point guard and more. Offensively, he’s a triple threat that can shoot, dribble and pass, and he flourishes in uptempo styles where he uses his speed in transition and sees the floor very well. He has a great middle game, full of floaters and pull ups that help negate his size when he breaks the defense down. He plays under control, has a high basketball IQ and plays with a tremendous motor and competitive chip that makes him a big time threat down the stretch in close games. He’ll surprise a lot of people this year with his play against bigger named guards in the WCAC.
Nick Price | 6’0” | Northside (#32 Overall)
It’s finally his time to lead with Kendrick Tucker, Northside’s leading scorer the last two seasons, now taking a prep year at Massanutten Military Academy. He has a nice blend of youth, experience and talent to make the Vikings a contender in VHSL 3A again this year, but it will be up to him to be a leader and point his teammates in a winning direction. A facilitator first, Price is lightning quick off the bounce and has great speed in transition which constantly puts pressure on the defense. Defensively, he’s very good on the ball where he moves his feet well, has quick and active hands and anticipates well. His jump shot looked completely different this summer (in a good way), and if he can find the right balance of when to score and when to distribute he should have Northside in a good spot this season.
DeShaun Wade | 6’3” | Miller School (#38 Overall)
He was one of the best guards in the 757 the last two seasons at Green Run, but he also was overshadowed a lot by a balanced attack and tons of offensive weapons. He may be in the same boat at Miller School, but he had a great showing in their preseason jamboree at Boo Williams in October, and will have a chance to show his talent against high level competition. Wade has a college ready body now, with great height that allows him to see and deliver passes over smaller guards. He’s a three level scorer that uses his frame to finish at the rim, can make shots off the bounce and rebounds well for a point guard. Although they have plenty of weapons at Miller this year, Wade will a big part of their offense and should thrive with so many scorers around him.
Shyheim Gilkerson | 6’1” | Middleburg Academy (#47 Overall)
Gilkerson, who started last year for Virginia Academy in their run to the VISAA D3 State Championship, showed vast improvement this summer and fall, and stood out in a big way at the Vantage Hoops 250 Expo. He has an unbelievably quick first step out of the triple threat that leaves defenders in the dust allowing him to get in the teeth of the defense and make plays. He has good vision in transition where he’s an absolute blur, and he prides himself in shutting down opposing backcourt bucket getters. There’s a lot that needs to be figured out at Middleburg, which has almost a completely new team, but wherever Gilkerson fits in he’ll be a factor on both ends of the floor.