NOVA Shooting Specialists (Part 1)
It’s no secret that shooting has and will continue to become more and more important in the game of basketball, and as the old adage goes “if you can shoot, you can play anywhere.” Well it’s becoming more and more…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt’s no secret that shooting has and will continue to become more and more important in the game of basketball, and as the old adage goes “if you can shoot, you can play anywhere.” Well it’s becoming more and more evident that young players and trainers are putting more emphasis on shooting, and we have noticed. Here’s a look at part one of some of the top shooters in the Northern VA area, in no particular order.
Josiah Freeman | 6’3” WG | Paul VI 2020
After both of their blue blood guards went down last year due to injury, Freeman stepped up huge for PVI and helped lead them to the VISAA State Semifinals. Over the summer with District WAWG, he became one of the most recruited shooters at the mid major level in the DMV, and with his quick release and picture perfect form to go along with his size it’s easy to see why. He relocates well and moves well without the ball, he can attack closeouts and use his size to finish and he’s always looking for the opportunity to get hot.
Jared Cross | 6’3” WG | St. Stephen’s St. Agnes 2020
Cross was a part of a very talented SSSAS team that won the state championship and will look to repeat, and over the June live periods he really blew up picking up offers from Army, Navy, Coppin State, Towson and East Tennessee State. He has a good frame that should fill out well moving forward, he’s a high percentage shooter that doesn’t need much to get him going and he’s able to score it without having the ball in his hands for very long.
James Berry | 6’3” WG | Bishop Ireton 2020
Another DMV guy that took advantage of the new high school live periods, Berry picked up offers from Youngstown State, Merrimack, Towson, Quinnipiac and Mount St. Mary’s, and it’s about time! While he doesn’t play for the best team in the WCAC, he’s been consistently putting up numbers and showing out in one of the top conferences in the country. He has good length and he’s a good athlete, he can get to his spots with or without the ball and he can put up points quickly from deep when he gets it going.
Landon Hawes | 6’4” WF | Potomac Falls 2020
Hawes is a little different than some of the other guys on this list as he’s a versatile wing who can play inside and out, making him a very tough matchup. He’s smooth on the offensive end as he can shoot the rock off the pick-and-pop, size you up and make shots over top and once he hits a few he’s able to attack closeouts and use his size to finish. He’s much more than just a shooter, but his ability to make shots plays a big role in opening the game for himself and others.
Jack Fitzpatrick | 5’11” G | Episcopal 2020
Fitzpatrick has seen a lot of success since joining Episcopal including a trip to the VISAA State Championship last year where they fell to rival St. Stephen’s St. Agnes. He’s a point guard at heart but plays both on and off the ball because of some other talented PGs they’ve had, but he’s good in either role because he’s a smart and steady player who can make shots off the catch or off the bounce. He’s a strong kid with a good motor who never stops moving, and when teams forget about him he will make them pay with his deep range and shotmaking ability.
Chris Miers | 6’0” WG | Chantilly 2020
Miers is a guy who set to blow up with some of the smaller colleges in the state, as he’s one of the best shooters in NOVA public school. A lefty with a good understanding of the game and a high motor, Miers is always working without the ball to get good looks, and he doesn’t take a ton of bad shots even though he’s a shooter. He’s also an underrated athlete who will put it down in transition and can rebound well for a shooter too.
Drew Rowson | 6’3” WG | McLean 2020
Rowson is one of the most underrated and under appreciated guys in the NOVA area as he not only is a terrific shooter but he has good length and some grit to his game as well. He can make plays on both ends using his length, hustle and toughness, and he isn’t a bad option as a scorer either. His length allows him to get to his spots and shoot over top of other guys with ease.