Senior Snipers: 540/434/276 Edition (Part One)
We take a look at some of the smaller markets in Virginia, as I’ll be producing some lists of guys to watch for this year. We’ll get started taking a look at some of the best senior shooters in the Central and Western Parts of the state, as here’s part one of the best 2018 snipers in the 540, 434 and 276.
- Cameron O’Conner | 6’4” | Northside
The designated shooter off the bench last year for Northside, O’Conner added a big dimension to the team by being able to stretch the floor and create driving opportunities for the Vikings’ guards and wings. He’s the perfect type of kid in the sixth man role, because he comes off the bench and is hot immediately! He has good size so he can shoot over top of smaller guards, and he’s an absolute zone buster because when he gets hot he’s going to make a few in a row. He’ll have to shoot it well and provide scoring off the bench if Northside is going to make it back to the State Championship this year.
- Jake Martin | 6’1” | George Wythe (Wytheville)
Speaking of state championship games, Martin was a stud in GW’s heartbreaking loss to Radford in the 1A State Championship. With Radford looking to pull away, Martin got hot in a big way and started knocking down shots from all over the court. He has a quick release, plays under control and has effortless range out to the NBA line. He also has a competitive fire and toughness about him, so when his team needs him the most he steps up and gets it done.
- Darius McGhee | 5’9” | Blue Ridge School
The Liberty commit will have the ball in his hands this season which means he’s going to get a lot of shots because he can shoot it from anywhere. Despite his height, McGhee greats great elevation on his shot, he can hit out to NBA range off the bounce and he sets his feet quickly and is always shot ready. He’s somewhat of a streaky shooter at times, but he’s a kid you have to let shoot out of slumps because once he gets it going he can hang 12-15 in the blink of an eye. He’s explosive and quick on both ends of the floor, making him much more than just a shooter as well.
- Sardarr Calhoun | 6’3” | Blue Ridge School
Calhoun, who holds double digit division one offers, will have to play a much bigger role for the Barons if they want to get back to a fourth straight VISAA Division 2 Championship. He’s improved his game in a number of facets, but most noticeable is his ability to shoot it from deep. Last year, he stepped in as a 3 and d guy, and this year he’ll have to look for his shot a lot more. He has a quick release and great form, and when he’s confident he can be one of the best shooters in the gym. He’s also a superb athlete who will throw it down in transition and can guard multiple positions.
- Latrell Winkey | 5’10” | Tandem School
Despite staying under the radar, the Louisa native transferred to Tandem School and averaged a whopping 28 points per game last season. He didn’t just do it against smaller competition though, as he started and was one of the top scorers for a talented Virginia Elite 17U group this summer as well. He has effortless range, can play on and off the ball and he can shoot it off the bounce or off the dribble. He’s a tough guy too, who isn’t afraid to attack closeouts and get in the lane either. He’s a guy who wants the ball in his hands late in games, and his shot making ability makes him a tough bucket getter despite his height.
- Zach Hatter | 6’0” | Waynesboro
Hatton has terrific feel and can make plays for others on the ball, but when he’s off the ball he can really stroke it from deep. He plays with a high IQ, moves well without the ball, gets to his spot and sets his feet and lets it fly quickly. He’s a combo with some toughness to him, and if you let him get it going he’s going to burn you. He may not look like it, but the kid has a lot of game to him!
- Gus Wise | 6’6” | Handley
Everyone loves a stretch four, and Wise is the epitome of one as he’s a great pick-and-pop guy who can pull out defenders and open the lane for his guards. He’s wiry but has good length and height which allows him to get his shot up even when contested. He’s a mismatch problem and a guy who makes the defense change their gameplan when he’s in the game. He shot over 40% from deep the last two years and it would be hard to think he won’t do it again this year.