VA Gatorade State POTY Candidate: Robbie Beran
Taking a note from fellow contributor Adam Ayalew’s “All-Met Candidate” series, we’re going to take a look at 11 guys across the state of Virginia who should compete for the coveted Gatorade State Player of the Year. While taking everything into consideration, we’re going to be looking at three categories in particular: individual production, team performance and the competition level that the programs play. We will release each candidate in alphabetical order over the next few weeks.
To get it started, we look at Collegiate (Richmond) senior and Northwestern commit Robbie Beran.
PRODUCTION
Beran was already An All Prep League guy last season, but this summer he really blew up with Team Richmond Garner Road, leading to multiple high major offers and his eventual commitment to Northwestern. The 6’9” forward showed his versatility as a guy who can play inside-out, run the floor, protect the rim and use his length to bother guys on the perimeter. He was much more aggressive toward the end of the summer, which Collegiate will need this year with the departure of two starters. Beran is a walking mismatch at the high school level, and if he uses all his offensive tools and rebounds well he should be a double-double guy this season.
PERFORMANCE
Last season Collegiate qualified for the VISAA Division 1 state tournament for the first time in years and were knocked out in the first round by Potomac School. With Beran as the undeniable leader on this team, he’ll be leaned upon heavily to lead them in a number of statistical categories if they’re going to be able to compete and continue to improve as a program.
COMPETITION
Collegiate has steadily played tougher and tougher competition over the last few years, and the Prep League they play in always has some good programs in Trinity Episcopal, St. Chris, STAB and others. They have scheduled some tough opponents across the area in Steward School, Cape Henry and Benedictine, so Beran should face some stiff competition on a regular basis.