Preseason All-Junior Teams: Virginia Publics

<p>While we’re certainly taking things one day at a time, the prospects of high school basketball occurring in the DMV this winter are more promising now than they have been in quite a while. In anticipation of this, we will be rolling out preview content over the next several weeks. Here is a look at the Preseason All-Junior Teams for Virginia Public Schools. </p> <h5>First Team</h5> <p><strong>G - [player_tooltip player_id="787667" first="Jayden" last="Epps"]</strong></p> <p>Epps was outstanding last season at King's Fork, earning 4A Player of the Year after a dominant sophomore campaign. He was an easy pick to make the first team based on his accolades. </p> <p><strong>G - [player_tooltip player_id="815580" first="Donald" last="Hand Jr."]</strong></p> <p>Hand is another talented guard from the 757 who has been recognized as a VHSL All-State First Teamer. He should be considered among the favorites to lead the beach in scoring this season. </p> <p><strong>G - [player_tooltip player_id="815585" first="Efrem" last="Johnson"]</strong></p> <p>Johnson is part of a talented crop of players at Western Branch. He will be in the running for state player of the year and should be able to build off the positive momentum he created last season. </p> <p><strong>F - [player_tooltip player_id="815588" first="Alphonzo" last="Billups"]</strong></p> <p>Billups has as high of a ceiling as any player on any of the three teams listed here. He's already doing big things at Varina, and that should continue moving forward. </p> <p><strong>F - [player_tooltip player_id="815579" first="Tyler" last="Nickel"]</strong></p> <p>Nickel is a premium bucket-getter who would be a safe bet to find himself among the state's top scorers. The sharpshooting 6-foot-7 forward has looked sharp this fall and seems primed for another huge season. </p> <h5>Second Team</h5> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0904.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1065192" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/IMG_0904-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p><strong>G - [player_tooltip player_id="815590" first="Kenyon" last="Giles"]</strong></p> <p>Giles is the type of guard who will catch your attention one way or another in every game he plays. Whether he's picking someone's pocket and taking it the other way for a slam, or pulling up from several feet behind the arc, he will be must-see TV at Oscar Smith next season and beyond. </p> <p><strong>G - [player_tooltip player_id="815616" first="Ethan" last="Millirons"]</strong></p> <p>Millirons averaged about 22 points, 5 boards, and 5 dimes per game during his 1A State Player of the Year sophomore campaign at Auburn. Expect more of the same from the skilled guard. </p> <p><strong>G - [player_tooltip player_id="815623" first="Kyle" last="Honore"]</strong></p> <p>Honore excelled throughout his sophomore campaign as a result of his shot-making prowess and heady defense. He earned first-team all-state as a result and continues to be a linchpin at Potomac. </p> <p><strong>F - Carmelo Pacheco</strong></p> <p>Pacheco is a three-point ace that is blossoming into a fine all-around player. He has the opportunity and potential to be a future state player of the year at Spotswood. </p> <p><strong>F - [player_tooltip player_id="736190" first="Jaden" last="Daughtry"]</strong></p> <p>Daughtry's arrival at LC Bird is a significant one as he immediately bolsters their frontcourt with his versatility and athleticism. He will have high expectations but should be able to deliver on a nightly basis.</p> <h5>Third Team</h5> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/Hall-Ben-Head-Shot.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1081371" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/Hall-Ben-Head-Shot-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a></p> <p><strong>G - Elijah Easter</strong></p> <p>Easter is a promising young player who has drawn high praise from Coach Powers at Freedom South-Riding. He is already a big part of the program and figures to see a steady increase in usage moving forward. </p> <p><strong>G - [player_tooltip player_id="962806" first="Braylon" last="Wheeler"]</strong></p> <p>Hayfield will go as far as Wheeler takes them. The lefty lead guard is a dynamic talent who has the ability to take over at any time. The Hawks should be an exciting team to watch this season and Wheeler is one reason why. </p> <p><strong>F - Dorion Staples</strong></p> <p>Staples is a hidden gem from Fredericksburg. A 6-foot-7 stretch big who can also play inside, he is active on the glass and is a powerhouse who moves bodies in the paint. Expect another big season for Staples at Massaponax. </p> <p><strong>F - Ben Hall</strong></p> <p>Hall is a high IQ big man who should be able to facilitate some offense at Loudoun Valley. His patience and court vision set him apart from many others who play his position. </p> <p><strong>C - [player_tooltip player_id="815581" first="David" last="Solomon"]</strong></p> <p>Solomon's athleticism and ability to defend at a high level are essential to Lake Braddock's success. He is a forceful paint presence who will have the advantage in most matchups throughout the season. </p>