Virginia Prep Schools Film Room – Part 4
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Part 4 will conclude our series breaking down and analyzing the talent in the Prep schools of Virginia. Each and every player previewed continues to sharpen their craft and will be exciting prospects now and in the future. Jordan McConnell…
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Continue ReadingPart 4 will conclude our series breaking down and analyzing the talent in the Prep schools of Virginia. Each and every player previewed continues to sharpen their craft and will be exciting prospects now and in the future.
Highlights
McConnell is a very interesting talent out in Woodberry Forest that we’ve touched on before. Jordan McConnell Jordan McConnell 6'10" | C Phillips Exeter Academy | 2025 State VA is a 6’10 juggernaut on the court, he gives coaches everything they could ask for in a hard-nosed, back-to-the-basket center. McConnell is great at converting on dump-off passes and rolls to the basket because he is able to get his shots up quickly when he is around the rim and he uses his strength as a weapon; goes up strong every time. He also has very good footwork and body control around the basket for his size and age. On the other end of the court, McConnell thrives at anticipating blocks and moving his feet. He uses length and mobility as key tools to stay in front of quicker players and to effect shots.
Marius Mazeika (2024) | 6-3 Wing | Woodberry Forest
The 6’3 shooter is a knock-down threat from the perimeter. Mazeika is a fierce competitor who competes with a high motor until a whistle is blown. Mazeika is great in transition, he’s good at getting to his hop step and getting defenders in the air before going up for a shot with a great pump fake. He is a very crafty player when he gets going downhill as he uses the proper strides and has a nice euro-step equipped to free up a shot at the rim. Mazeika is great at getting off threes quickly. he has long arms that allow him to have a higher release point, shooting shots right over the top of defenders. Mazeika is great off the ball, as he thrives at knocking down the catch and shoot shots and spacing the floor for his teammates to work.
At 5’10, Bridges is a speedy quick guard with explosive burst off the dribble as well as off the catch. Bridges is advanced when it comes to finding and creating his own shots. Though he is a 5’10 guard he plays a lot bigger than his size may indicate. Bridges is a player who can get anywhere he wants on the court, his handle and speed allow him to create driving angles and get defenders on their heels for an easy pull-up jumper from the mid-range or from three. He has great playmaking skills, and he when and where to hit teammates, making everyone around him a better player. This young player is highly skilled entering his freshman year and his game will continue to grow at an alarming rate, don’t miss out Bridges!
Mallory at 5’8 is another player who plays much bigger than his size may indicate. Mallory dominates the court with his twitchy handles and ability to change speed and direction instantaneously making him a nightmare to try and stay in front of. Mallory is one of the best shot creators in his class. Mallory has a very advanced in-between game. He utilizes an elite floater to catch defenders off guard when he sees the defense back peddling, expecting a finish at the rim. Though he is an extremely creative guard, he is a very technical player, taking the right shots at the right time and the same goes for his playmaking. At 5’8 Mallory is able to complete very difficult passes over, around, or through defenses which is a sign of just how incredible of a player Mallory is.
Wallace Hardison (2023) | 5-9 PG | Woodberry Forest
Hardison is a 5’9 beast on the court. He plays with loads of energy and keeps everyone on the court involved as he runs the point guard position. Hardison is good at creating something out of nothing. he uses pump fakes and a variety of other moves to get the defense out of position to hit open teammates. His playmaking and court vision can be key to his success on the court as he is already delivering passes that a lot of point guards wouldn’t even dare to attempt. Hardison is on his way to mastering the fly-by jumper, similar to his playmaking, he is great at creating a good look at the rim for a jumper by using the pump fake to get the defense jumping and flying by him, and knocking down the tough, self-created jump shot.