Northern Virginia’s Top-10 Playmakers
There are many reliable playmakers scattered throughout Northern Virginia. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the very best, regardless of class. Below you will find, in alphabetical order by last name, 10 of the top playmakers…
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Continue ReadingThere are many reliable playmakers scattered throughout Northern Virginia. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the very best, regardless of class. Below you will find, in alphabetical order by last name, 10 of the top playmakers from the region. This is part of a series that will aim to highlight players based on various superlatives.
Note: these superlative lists will not be mutually exclusive. If someone can handle the ball and do something else (i.e. shoot) at a high level, they will be included in both lists.
John Awoke | Annandale ’23
Awoke was mentioned as one of Northern Virginia’s top ball-handlers, where we alluded to his size and vision. As a bigger guard, he has the luxury of being able to see over the top of defenses and does not let that opportunity go to waste. Awoke is a heady ball distributor who demonstrates a good feel and makes smart decisions on the fly.
Garrett Brennan | SSSAS ’22
Even in limited action during his sophomore year, Brennan’s playmaking prowess was on full display. He simply knows how to make winning plays all over the court. Brennan’s playing time is expected to increase significantly during his junior season, so we’re excited to see what he can do with increased opportunities.
Angelo Brizzi Angelo Brizzi 6'3" | PG Highland School | 2021 State #216 Nation VA | Highland ’21
Brizzy is a crafty southpaw combo guard who knows how to make everyone around him better. Passing is one of his best attributes and he’s unselfish enough to spread the wealth.
Lou Hutchinson Lou Hutchinson 6'6" | CG Episcopal | 2022 VA | Episcopal ’22
Playmaking is quite frankly one of Hutchinson’s best assets. The 6-foot-6 guard showcases high-level court vision and passing abilities. Hutchinson’s willingness to keep the ball moving contributes to his team’s success in a massive way.
Paul Lewis Paul Lewis 6'1" | PG Bishop O'Connell | 2022 State VA | Bishop O’Connell ‘22
Lewis had one of the most impressive individual playmaking performances this season at Ireton when he recorded 15 points, 10 assists, and 5 steals. The shifty lead guard shredded through traps and presses with relative ease before consistently finding the open man. Lewis also made several impactful plays on the defensive end with his ball-hawking tendencies. Needless to say, this part of his overall game has developed rapidly in recent months.
Trevor Keels Trevor Keels 6'4" | SG Paul VI | 2021 State #18 Nation VA | Paul VI ’21
Keels is one of the most natural two-way playmakers you will find. He simply knows how to make the right play, whether it be offensively or defensively. In transition, Keels is never afraid to move the ball ahead without taking a dribble to unlock the most efficient play or step up and take a charge on the other end.
Dug McDaniel | Paul VI ‘22
McDaniel is a wizard with the ball, but his passing ability simply jumps off the page. Sometimes it feels like he’s got eyes in the back of his head based on some of the plays you see him make. McDaniel is equally effective at finding the open man in transition as he is in a half-court offense, and he’s become a playmaker defensively as well.
Greg Spurlock | Rock Ridge ’21
At 6-foot-4, Spurlock is a jumbo playmaker who makes some unbelievable passes which look even more impressive when you break them down on film. He’s always surveying the floor with his head up while in possession of the ball and knows when his teammates will be open before they are. Spurlock also flashes big-time defensive potential and makes game-changing plays on that end of the floor as well.
Jack Taylor | Marshall ’21
Playmaking probably is one of Taylor’s most obscure attributes, but it’s certainly one of the things he does best. Just watch some of the passes he makes in this video. He can see everything given the fact that he’s 6-foot-4 and he’s always willing to set up a teammate for an easy look.
Braylon Wheeler Braylon Wheeler 5'10" | PG Hayfield | 2022 State VA | Hayfield ’22
Wheeler is a very solid two-way playmaker. He is perfect for running offense because of his unselfish style of play and willingness to get others involved. Wheeler is also a stout defender who can swing the tide of a game with his effort on that end.