VHSL Class 5 State Tournament Preview
It’s the final stretch of the high school season, as the brackets have been set for the six VHSL state tournaments. You can find the brackets with the matchups and locations here, and we’ll be looking at some previews to…
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Continue ReadingIt’s the final stretch of the high school season, as the brackets have been set for the six VHSL state tournaments. You can find the brackets with the matchups and locations here, and we’ll be looking at some previews to get everyone prepared for the busy week ahead.
Today, we look at the Class 5 tournament, featuring teams from all over the state. Below, you’ll see our pick for the champion, along with our dark horse candidates and some players to watch in the tournament.
Predicted Champion: Green Run
Jacob Cooper Green Run ’21The Stallions finally got over the hump and qualified for states with a big overtime win against Norview, and they’re possibly the deepest group left in Class 5. They have a mix of talented guards, athletic wings and versatile big men, and they play hard and fast on both ends of the floor. They have added motivation to win after the tragic death of last year’s star AJ James, who was killed in an accidental shooting Monday night after the game. If they can keep their emotions in check and win it for him it would be a great tribute.
Next Pick: Henrico
James Wallace Henrico ’20The Warriors are back in the state tournament after a three year hiatus and come in with one of the most experienced groups as their top 4 scorers are all seniors. They have a versatile and well coached group that defend as a team and share the ball, and they have multiple guys who can step up and take over when needed.
Dark Horse Candidates
Norview
The Pilots have played a tough schedule and have beat a lot of very good teams this year behind their trio of stars in seniors Jahn Hines and Jamaal Madison along with junior Jaylani Darden. They press a lot and play fast turning defense into offense and they have multiple playmakers who can get it done off the bounce in isolation situations.
Patrick Henry (Roanoke)
PH has quietly been one of the most dominant teams in Class 5 but don’t get quite the love the other teams do because of their location in Roanoke. They have a bonafide stud point guard in junior Jamonte Smith to go along with good size and depth as well.
Varina
The Blue Devils weren’t expected to be here this year after making four straight state tournaments because they lost pretty much everyone, but their young group has banded together and grown throughout the year. They play a lot of underclassmen which can be a good and bad thing as they don’t have the experience but they also don’t know better. They have the athleticism and talent to compete with anyone in the state.
Players to Watch
Landon Hawes Landon Hawes 6'4" | SF Potomac Falls | 2020 State VA | 6’4” WF | Potomac Falls 2020
I’m not entirely sure if they’ve done All Region teams in 5C yet but there’s no doubt if he hasn’t already been named it that Hawes will be player of the year. The recent CNU commit is a versatile forward with good size that can score from all over, knows the game well and competes in all aspects as well.
Jahme Ested | 6’2” PG | Henrico 2020
The Region B POY has been fantastic all year for the Warriors and will have to set the tone on both ends if they’re going to make a run this year. He’s an athletic lead guard that comes at you on every play and forces the issue getting to the line a lot, he guards the basketball well and has takeover ability with the game on the line.
James Wallace | 6’4” F | Henrico 2020
Wallace may not put up the biggest numbers for the Warriors but his versatility gives them an advantage with his size. He can play and guard multiple positions for them, he’s a good athlete that uses it to rebound and finish in the paint and he’s a guy who can both score and pass it with the ball in his hands as well.
Jahn Hines | 6’3” F | Norview 2020
Hines may not be the biggest recruit on this Pilot’s team but he’s been possibly their most important player. The 6’3” forward plays all over the floor for them, he moves really well without the basketball and he has the ability to score the basketball in many different ways. They’re undersized but Hines plays much bigger than his 6’3” frame would make you think.
Jaylani Darden | 6’3” G | Norview 2021
Darden is one of the most versatile guards who uses his length on both ends to make plays and he flat out makes winning plays in whatever he’s doing. The 6’3” guard can play on or off the basketball, he scores it well from multiple levels including off the catch from deep and in the midrange off the bounce and he has a great feel for the game in transition where he sets guys up regularly.
Josh Morse | 6’6” PF | Albemarle 2021
Morse has been one of the breakout guys in the Charlottesville area and is a big reason that Albemarle is back in the state championship for what seems like the 20th straight year. The 6’6” forward provides good size in the middle but is also a game changer with his ability to step out to the elbow and even behind the arc and make shots off the catch.
Jacob Cooper | 5’9” PG | Green Run 2021
The Beach District POY is a true floor general who is the straw that stirs the drink for the Stallions. He’s their best option off the bounce as a guy who can run the pick-and-roll and make shots from deep off the bounce, and he has a great feel and tremendous court vision as he’s great at setting up their athletic wings and bigs for easy buckets both in transition and in the half court.
George Wilson | 6’4” F | Green Run 2021
A two sport athlete that’s getting power five looks on the football field, Wilson brings that same energy and physicality on the basketball court where he bullies guys and is able to play fast as well. He’s a high motor guy that plays much bigger than his 6’4” frame and he does all of the dirty work for them. He was huge in their overtime win over Norview in the Region A championship.
Jamonte Smith | 5’11” G | Patrick Henry 2021
Smith is a transfer from Roanoke Catholic who has been a huge reason that PH has been so good this year. The 5’11” guard isn’t the biggest guy but he’s highly skilled and knows his game and plays within himself at all times. He’s a dual threat guy that can create for himself or others and he can turn it on and score in bunches when he needs to, which he will need to do if they’re going to make a run.
Alphonzo Billups | 6’5” WF | Varina 2022
Billups is one of the brightest young stars in the state and at times he’s looked like a guy that projects to the highest levels of college basketball when it’s all said and done. The 6’5” wing has great length and physical tools, he’s a natural athlete that can make plays above the rim and he’s able to score from multiple levels and create his own shot as well.
Christian Carden | 6’4” F | Varina 2022
While Billups got the early praise, Carden has been arguably their most consistent guy down the stretch and has really stepped up big as of late. The 6’4” forward plays all over and creates mismatches as a guy who can play inside-out, and he is money from the midrange and can stretch the floor out to the three-point line.