Transfer News: VA 2021s

<p>Although AAU was different this year, there seems to be a plan to play high school basketball this year in Virginia, even if it starts a little later than usual. There’s been plenty of news of transfers across the state, and we will take a look at a few of them. Here’s a look at seven transfers in the upcoming senior class that should make a big impact this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="798685" first="AJ" last="Williams"] | 6’2” WG | Oak Hill Academy 2021</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Williams-AJ-TES-1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1015347" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Williams-AJ-TES-1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>Williams has been one of the most successful players in the Richmond area after winning a state championship at Varina as a freshman and helping Trinity Episcopal to the VISAA D1 semifinals last year after he transferred. It’s long been a rumor that he would end up at Oak Hill, where he’ll have plenty of playmakers around him so he’ll fit in well as a knock down shooter. He’s a specialist who shoots the ball particularly well, and with a lot of talent around him he’ll have plenty of opportunities to get open looks and make shots.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="798721" first="Grayson" last="Honaker"] | 6’2” WG | Hargrave 2021</strong></p> <p>Honaker was one of the best players in SWVA the past three seasons, eclipsing the 1,000 point mark as a sophomore and averaging close to 30 points per game last year. He’ll head to Hargrave to play on their post grad team with a chance to stay another year and should get some much needed exposure there. Honaker is a high level shooter who should prosper from playing with other guys that can create shots as well, and his high IQ and good work ethic should fit in seamlessly with the Hargrave way.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957898" first="Reed" last="Pendleton"] | 6’2” WG | Hargrave 2021</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Pendleton-Reed.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1018179" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/Pendleton-Reed-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>Pendleton was a big reason Cave Spring went on to win the Class 3 State Championship last year and he will head to Hargrave to team up with Honaker and a few others that should be very good together. Another sniper from deep, Pendleton is a guy who moves well without the ball, has a quick release and can heat up quickly from behind the arc. He’ll have plenty of playmakers around him to get him shots and he’s part of a dangerous back court that can fill it up with the best of them.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="798716" first="Isaiah" last="Simmons"] | 5’6” PG | Monacan 2021</strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/Simmons-Isiah.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1045534" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/09/Simmons-Isiah-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p>Simmons is back in Chesterfield after a few years at Steward School and he should bring a huge punch to a backcourt that was senior ladened last year. Simmons is on the smaller side but he’s extremely tough to guard off the bounce with his shiftiness and quickness off the bounce. He can score it from multiple levels, makes plays for others and brings toughness as a leader.</p> <p><strong>Zakari McQueen | 6’0” G | James River 2021</strong></p> <p>McQueen had a break out year at Matoaca last year and will head to James River where he’ll team up with three other standout seniors and have the Rapids looking like a contender in Class 6 on paper. McQueen is a two way guard that can both score it and distribute well off the bounce, and when he gets hot he’s able to take over a game with his scoring ability. They’ll have to gel throughout the season but he brings them a much needed scoring threat at the point guard position.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="798700" first="Lamonta" last="Ellis"] | 6’3” WG | Hopewell 2021</strong></p> <p>Ellis will return to Hopewell this year after a one year hiatus at Virginia Beach Sports Academy and brings a great two way attitude and shooting to the group. At 6’3”, he’s a guy who is the prototypical 3 and d guy, as he guards the other team’s best player and stretches the floor for the guards. His experience and knowledge of the system already should make for a seamless transition back as well.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="798743" first="Ethan" last="DeLaurier"] | 6’7” PF | Miller School 2021</strong></p> <p>Both DeLaurier’s will head from STAB to Miller School this year where they’re athleticism and length will be a welcome addition alongside division one prospect [player_tooltip player_id="798686" first="Clarence" last="Rupert"] in the post. Ethan, the older of the two still in high school, has improved a ton over the past few years and always provides a lot of energy on both ends. He runs the floor well and uses his length and athleticism well on both ends of the floor where his high motor makes an impact in the paint.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>