Big Shots VB May Madness Standouts (Part 2)
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Big Shots was in multiple areas this year, but one of their spots was in the brand new and beautiful VB Sportscenter by the Ocean Front for the VB May Madness. A two day event featuring teams from all over…
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Continue ReadingBig Shots was in multiple areas this year, but one of their spots was in the brand new and beautiful VB Sportscenter by the Ocean Front for the VB May Madness. A two day event featuring teams from all over the east coast, it was an excellent opportunity to see some of the top independent programs in the VA and DMV area, and there were tons of talented teams and individuals in attendance.
I was streaming and broadcasting the games with the CBG Live Network on the championship court, and you can see all the games on that court here.
Here’s a look at part two of the standouts, featuring some of the top 17U players from VA.
Cam Gregory Cam Gregory 6'5" | CG Steward School | 2022 State VA | 6’2” CG | Team Richmond 17U
Gregory had a great run for a Team Richmond squad that was missing some of their top guys, and as their undisputed leader he willed them to multiple victories with his ability to both score it and make plays for others off the bounce. He’s a long and skilled combo guard that can get to spots and score it from multiple levels, he has good feel and vision on the basketball and he has good feel and instincts on the defensive end as well. He is improving in a number of ways, and will be one of the breakout guys in the Richmond area at Steward School next year.
Rival Axselle Rival Axselle 6'3" | SG Atlee | 2022 State VA | 6’3” WG | Team Richmond 17U
Axselle had a great showing in VB this weekend, as the sniper out of Atlee was one of the most consistent shooters in the event and was on fire for most of the time I watched him. He’s extremely smart off the basketball as he knows how to float, cut and go backdoor when he’s overplayed, and he has a quick release and the ability to set his feet on the move to knock it down. He’s extremely good from the corners and the wings, the most efficient spots to make shots from deep, and he hit multiple threes in almost every game he played in.
Kashawn Cordes | 6’3” WF | Team Richmond 17U
Cordes joined this short handed group and if it was a tryout type situation he likely earned his spot on the team as he was an excellent glue guy who did a little bit of everything to help his team. The Hermitage wing is long and athletic, but he showed great improvement on both ends as he has good instincts to be around the basketball and he’s an excellent defender who uses his length to disrupt guys and make plays. He’s an athletic finisher above the rim, he can score it in the midrange well and he showed improved ability from behind the arc as well.
Luke Smith Luke Smith 6'9" | C Collegiate | 2023 State VA | 6’8” PF | Team Richmond 17U
Smith is a budding big man prospect in the Richmond area who should have a breakout season at Collegiate as a junior. He’s very mobile and highly skilled, as he can play on the perimeter where he’s a good shooter and an excellent passer, and he can rebound and start the break either by handling it or on a long outlet pass. He has a good frame with good strength and his inside-out ability makes him very tough to matchup with and allows his guards room to drive the lane.
Curtis Allen Curtis Allen 6'2" | SF Prince George | 2022 State VA | 6’1” WG | VA Havoc 17U
Allen, who was a standout last weekend at the DMV Elite Super Circuit, continues his hot hand and continues to show why he’s one of the most underrated guys in the Richmond area. The strong wing is a knock down shooter from deep who works well to get open, has a quick release and is extremely consistent when he gets it going. He can use his strength and athleticism to rebound and defend as well, and while he’s a quiet guy he brings a competitive chip to his game as well.
CJ Highsmith CJ Highsmith 6'11" | C Richmond Christian | 2022 State VA | 6’10” C | VA Havoc 17U
Highsmith is a guy I have watched for a few years now, and the way he continues to improve is very impressive as he was very good for Havoc this weekend. He isn’t the type of big man that’s going to score 30 points in a game, but he’s a high motor and defensive oriented guy who will block shots, rebound the basketball and be a constant presence in the middle. He’s improved in his ability to catch and finish in the lane and his timing as well.
Christian Carden Christian Carden 6'4" | PF Varina | 2022 State VA | 6’5” F | VA Havoc 17U
Carden dealt with some injuries last year after a breakout sophomore season at Varina, but he’s starting to look like his old elite glue guy self as he was making all sorts of plays this past weekend. The 6’5” forward is a versatile guy who can play multiple positions, make plays with the ball in his hands and he has great instincts when rebounding and is just always around the basketball. He’s a mismatch nightmare that can make plays on both ends and always helps his team in positive ways.