Big Shots VB May Madness Standouts (Part 5)
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 four of the standouts, featuring some of the top 16U and 15U players from VA.
CJ McPhearson | 6’2” WG | Team Loaded 757 16U
The Norfolk Collegiate off guard is set to have a breakout junior season this year, as he can really fill it up in bunches and has a killer’s mentality to his game. He’s able to play both on and off the basketball where he can get to spots and score from multiple levels, but it’s his ability to stretch the floor and shoot it at a high clip from deep that makes him so dangerous. He was the top scorer for his team throughout the event and he’ll be one to watch moving forward.
Xzavier Walton | 6’5” WF | Team Loaded 757 16U
Walton, who’s out of Greensville County in Emporia, was the mismatch guy for Loaded 757 throughout the event and was one of the more productive guys for them as well. The 6’5” forward is a guy who can go inside-out, he’s a very good athlete and he plays with a great motor on both ends of the floor. He has a good understanding of the game and can make plays for others, and he’s capable of scoring it in a multitude of ways as well.
Christian Greenlaw | 6’6” PF | Team Loaded 757 16U
Greenlaw is a rapidly developing big man out of Woodside that was as productive as anyone, finishing with a double-double in the championship win. The 6’6” forward is strong in the paint but he’s also patient and does a good job using fakes and counters to keep defenders off balance. He rebounds well both in and out of his area, he can face up and shoot it out to 15 feet and he brings a lot of energy and a good motor on both ends.
Zekhi Darden | 6’5” F | Team Loaded 757 15U
Darden has shown that he could be one of the top young prospects in the 757, as he’s physically and athletically advanced for his age and has a budding skillset on both ends that is very promising. He’s a long 6’5” hybrid forward out of King’s Fork that can play inside-out, he plays with a great motor and he can make plays above the rim using said length and athleticism. He showed that while he still has room to improve he can make shots when he’s open and put it on the deck, and he brings it on both ends as well.
Brayden Thorne | 5’11” PG | Team Loaded 757 15U
Thorne is a talented guard out of Ocean Lakes High School that was one of the key reasons this Loaded 757 group was able to win the championship. He’s a strong and heady guard with a good IQ and good playmaking ability for himself and others. He plays with good pace and sees the floor well, he can score it in bunches and he has a good mindset and attitude as a floor general.
Caden Parker | 6’6” F | Team Loaded 757 15U
Parker is another very intriguing prospect on this Loaded 757 group, as the son of a former Maury and UVA star is absolutely chock full of potential once he grows into his body and fills out his frame. He’s a skilled hybrid forward that can play in the post and on the perimeter, and he has the footwork and mobility to guard multiple positions when he’s on the floor. He showed consistency from behind the arc when he was set, his length allowed him to get deflections and challenge shots and he’s just scratching the surface with how good he can be moving forward.