May Recap: Top-10 Local 2022 Stock Risers
The spring grassroots season has come and gone, but we learned something new during each passing week. Here is a closer look at the top-10 local stock risers we saw throughout May. #10 | Brycen Blaine Brycen Blaine 6'5" |…
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Continue ReadingThe spring grassroots season has come and gone, but we learned something new during each passing week. Here is a closer look at the top-10 local stock risers we saw throughout May.
#10 | Brycen Blaine Brycen Blaine 6'5" | SG LC Bird | 2022 GA | BWSL Marsh/LC Bird (VA)
Brycen Blaine Brycen Blaine 6'5" | SG LC Bird | 2022 GA has grown into his broad frame and is learning as a result. He impressed on Friday night at Southern Jam Fest during his team’s win over Global Squad in part because of his improved physicality, but also because of his shot-making ability. Blaine hit multiple treys to go along with a handful of shots in the paint and several free throws. He has improved defensively, as his size enables him to guard a few different spots. Blaine is also a diligent rebounder. The progress he has made since the pandemic has been encouraging, and he still has plenty of room to grow.
#9 | Jamie Ntiamoah | EC Hoopers/Riverside (VA)
Jamie Ntiamoah is a hidden gem tucked away at Riverside High, but not for long if he keeps playing the way he has been. He is an ideal player for the modern game. At about 6-foot-4, he is built like a tank, has long arms, and plays with a relentless motor. Ntiamoah is a playmaker defensively who is very alert. He is also a quick decision-maker who is unselfish with the ball. To be fair, Ntiamoah was named second-team all-region as a junior, so his stellar play of late should come as no surprise.
#8 | KaShawn Cordes | Team Richmond/Hermitage (VA)
A rangy guard who can handle well enough to play on the ball, but has the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions, KaShawn Cordes was one of the better finds of the spring. He made a difference on both ends of the court while playing with a competitive Team Richmond group down at Southern Jam Fest. Cordes oozes upside and has firmly entrenched himself on our radar moving forward.
#7 | Saxby Sunderland Saxby Sunderland 6'2" | CG Flint Hill | 2022 State VA | New World/Flint Hill (VA)
We didn’t get to see much of Saxby Sunderland Saxby Sunderland 6'2" | CG Flint Hill | 2022 State VA during the winter due to the pandemic, but he’s evidently been working on his craft. He is a rangy guard prospect who does a bit of everything well. On his grassroots club, he showcases his versatility by operating on and off the ball offensively. Sunderland has become a corner specialist. His footwork is good and he gets his shot off quickly from the catch. Another thing Sunderland has done at an exceptional level is rebound his position. Whether he is attacking the offensive glass, or boxing out and snagging a defensive board before initiating a fast break, it’s clear that he’s establishing a reputation as one of the area’s better rebounding guards.
#6 | Trey Thomas Trey Thomas 6'3" | PG Wise | 2022 MD | Team Melo/Spire (OH)
Trey Thomas Trey Thomas 6'3" | PG Wise | 2022 MD has quietly been one of the more consistent players in the area over the last several months. That consistency was on full display for everyone to see during Team Melo’s marquee matchup with Team Loaded VA at Southern Jam Fest. Thomas consistently manufactured points for his team and competed defensively. Now pushing 6-foot-4 with a college-ready frame, he should continue to round into form as we head into the live period.
#5 | Quinn Clark Quinn Clark 6'6" | PF Gonzaga | 2022 State MD | District Basketball Club/Gonzaga (DC)
Quinn Clark Quinn Clark 6'6" | PF Gonzaga | 2022 State MD has gracefully evolved from an intriguing prospect into a consistently productive player during the past year and change. Aside from the effort that he gives on every possession, his attention to detail is outstanding. Clark is a technician with the ball from 15-feet and in. He has a wide arsenal of go-to moves and counters that he routinely punishes opponents with. By the time you have him figured out, the game is over. Clark’s defense could be considered underrated. He is a good communicator who understands how to rotate and help, but is also strong at the point of attack and laterally quick enough to guard multiple positions. Clark has certainly improved at a rapid rate in recent months, but he is still just scratching the surface.
#4 | Kyle Pulliam Kyle Pulliam 6'3" | SG Good Counsel | 2022 State MD | Global Squad/Good Counsel (MD)
It’s clear at this point that Kyle Pulliam Kyle Pulliam 6'3" | SG Good Counsel | 2022 State MD will probably be one of Good Counsel’s best players next season. He has improved so much since the pandemic and continues to do so each time he hits the court. He still has a ways to go, but Pulliam is obviously trending in the right direction.
#3 | Justyn Fernandez | DC Premier /Virginia Episcopal (VA)
Southern Jam Fest was the coming-out party for Justyn Fernandez on a national level. Not only did the athletic wing play above the rim on both ends and finish with authority, but he showcased his perimeter shot-making ability. Fernandez drilled multiple treys in Premier’s wire-to-wire win over New World. We’ve seen multiple schools offer in recent weeks, but the fact that Fernandez takes care of business in the classroom opens up his recruitment to virtually any high academic program. It will be interesting to see how everything unfolds in the coming weeks and months.
#2 | Justin Taylor Justin Taylor 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2022 State #156 Nation FL | Team Takeover/St. Anne’s Belfield (VA)
Justin Taylor Justin Taylor 6'5" | SG IMG Academy | 2022 State #156 Nation FL absolutely scorched the nets at Boo Williams. Whether coming off a screen or spotting up, his footwork was consistently tidy. Taylor’s hot shooting was not the only positive takeaway from his recent performances. His vigilance on the defensive end should be commended. Taylor doesn’t hesitate when it’s time to rotate and make a help-side play at the rim. His passing has also been exceptional.
#1 | Jack Vander Woude | Virginia Playmakers/Seton (VA)
Virginia Playmakers marksman Jack Vander Woude made a name for himself in a high-level matchup against Team Final down at Southern Jam Fest. The lefty wing gets to his spots, showcases efficient footwork and a quick release. At 6-foot-5, Vander Woude’s size enables him to shoot over the top of opponents. He doesn’t lack confidence and can get going in a hurry as the grassroots community learned in Hampton.