Preseason All-Junior Team: Virginia

FIRST TEAM

Player of the Year – Eli DeLaurier Eli DeLaurier 6'8" | C Miller School | 2024 State #173 Nation VA | forward | Miller School

Delaurier gets the nod for POY because Miller is the favorite to win the state championship in division two and he’s on track to have a breakout year barring any injuries. He turned the corner this summer from a production standpoint, and he’s capable of impacting the game as a rim protector, a scorer, a rebounder and even a distributor at times.

Teyvien Barbour Teyvien Barbour 6'5" | SG Patriot | 2024 State #210 Nation VA | guard | Osbourn

It’s rare to see a public school player achieve a double-digit offer sheet around here these days, but Barbour is showing it can be done. Osbourn’s sharpshooting guard appears on track for a productive junior campaign after a promising start to his high school career.

Ben Hammond Ben Hammond 5'10" | PG Paul VI | 2024 State VA

Hammond is going to be a key for PVI this year as he’s their only true ballhandler other than DeShawn Harris-Smith DeShawn Harris-Smith 6'5" | SF Paul VI | 2023 State #53 Nation VA , and he’s going to be key for them setting the tone. He’s an absolute blur with the ball in his hands, he has improved in his ability to score it off pick-and-rolls, and when he’s in the lane and he’s an elite on-ball defender. 

Darren Harris Darren Harris 6'6" | SF Paul VI | 2024 State #38 Nation VA | wing | Paul VI

The recent Duke commit is our number one player in the 2024 class, and if he wasn’t on such a stacked team he’d likely be in the conversion for player of the year. Harris is one of the best shooters I’ve seen at his age in my years doing this, he consistently hits shots and when defenders don’t help off him makes it easier for his teammates and he’s an underrated defender as well.

Jadyn Harris Jadyn Harris 6'6" | PF Bishop O'Connell | 2024 State VA | wing | Bishop O’Connell

Harris emerged as one of O’Connell’s better players last year. Heading into the 2022-23 campaign, expectations will be high for him given his past performances. Harris impressed during the offseason and should deliver the goods.

SECOND TEAM

Isaiah Abraham Isaiah Abraham 6'7" | SG Paul VI | 2024 State #92 Nation VA | wing | Paul VI

Abraham’s decision to transfer to Paul VI was significant. He is a hard-playing wing who is a good athlete that will help the Panthers both offensively and defensively.

Gavin Cormany Gavin Cormany 6'0" | CG Radford | 2024 State VA | guard | Radford

If there’s anyone who can challenge John Marshall in Class 2 this year it’s Radford, and a lot of that has to do with Cormany’s ability to score the ball. He’s a tough-nosed player who is an assassin from deep, can create his own shot and he’s going to have a lot of 20+ games this year.

Brandon Jennings Brandon Jennings 6'4" | PG St. Christopher's | 2024 State VA | guard | St. Christopher’s

Jennings is our pick for breakout player in the Richmond area this year, and he’ll lead an underrated St. Chris team that will surprise a lot of people. He’s a good athlete with long arms and the ability to control the game on both ends of the floor with his unreal feel and instincts for the game.

Josiah Rickards Josiah Rickards 6'3" | CG Catholic | 2024 State VA | guard | Catholic

Rickards has quietly been one of the top players in the 757 over the past few years, and with his talented Catholic team he should have a big year. He’s a smooth scoring combo who gets to spots effortlessly, understands how to create space and can make shots from all three levels.

Damon Thompson Damon Thompson 6'0" | PG John Marshall | 2024 State VA | guard | John Marshall

Speaking of John Marshall, they’re in the drivers seat for another state championship and will play one of the toughest schedules of anyone in the state, and Thompson will be key to their success. He’s a scoring guard who gets to spots and can fill it up from all over the court, and with his other talented teammates it’s hard to double him or help on him in isolation situations.

THIRD TEAM

Elijah Adegbenro Elijah Adegbenro 6'4" | PF Fairfax Christian | 2024 State VA | forward | Fairfax Christian

Adegbenro is a threat to record a double-double each time he hits the court. His relentless motor and aggression should translate into consistent productivity.

Dez Hopkins | guard | Patriot

Hopkins is a safe bet to average double-figure scoring numbers, perhaps in the upper teens or even higher, this season. The smooth lefty will feature on what projects to be a solid Pioneers squad.

Patrick Ngongba Jr. Patrick Ngongba Jr. 6'10" | C Paul VI | 2024 State #97 Nation VA | center | Paul VI

Ngongba is another former Highland Hawk whose arrival will bolster the Panthers moving forward. He will fortify their interior on both sides of the floor with his ability to defend, rebound and score.

Kolier Pruett Kolier Pruett 6'4" | SG Narrows | 2024 State VA | guard | Narrows

Pruitt is one of the best players in all of Class 1, and he should have Narrows in the mix come March. He’s going to put up big numbers this season as there aren’t many guards in his area who can impact the game across the board the way he can, and he’s able to create and make shots pretty effortlessly without being overly selfish.

Kennard Wyche Jr. | guard | Varina

Wyche was an All-State selection last season after helping Varina to a state championship, but with the departure of a talented senior class he’ll be looked at more to be the go-to guy this season. The 5’8” point guard is toughness personified as he brings it on both ends, he knows how to play against bigger players and he will do whatever it takes to win.