Preseason All-Sophomore Teams: Virginia

FIRST TEAM

Player of the Year – Kareem Stagg Kareem Stagg 6'7" | PF Oscar Smith | 2025 State VA | forward | Oscar Smith

Stagg gets the nod for Player of the Year in this one because his Smith team is talented enough to compete for a state championship but it will all rest on how productive he can be. As a freshman, he showed elite ability as a rebounder and shot blocker, and this summer he showed he added to his offensive game by finishing better around the rim and improving his touch out to 18 feet.

Silas Barksdale Silas Barksdale 6'7" | PF Woodside | 2025 State VA | forward | Woodside

Barksdale is set for a breakout sophomore season on a Woodside team that should be a state championship contender. At 6’8” Barksdale is a fluid athlete who moves well on the perimeter and in the paint, and he’s going to be a walking mismatch who can guard and play multiple positions for them. 

Christian Gurdak Christian Gurdak 6'10" | C Gonzaga | 2025 State VA  | center | Paul VI

Our top-ranked prospect in 2025, Gurdak will be a key figure in the middle for the WCAC favorites. One thing he does well for a big guy is defend ball screens. Look for Gurdak to pose all types of matchup problems for foes throughout the season.

Chance Mallory Chance Mallory 5'10" | PG St. Anne's Belfield | 2025 State VA | guard | St. Anne’s Belfield

Whenever Mallory hits the court, you better have your popcorn ready. He is a consistently strong performer who can fill it up. Expect Mallory to be a primary initiator for what should be a solid STAB squad this year.

Donovan Richardson Donovan Richardson 6'6" | PG Steward | 2025 State VA | guard | Collegiate

Richardson is quickly being touted as one of the top young players in Richmond, and after the summer he had with 17u Team Richmond he’s ready for a breakout year this season. He’s a mismatch with his size at the guard position, he’s fundamentally sound and knows how to use his body and he makes the right play consistently.

SECOND TEAM

Nate Ament Nate Ament 6'8" | SF Colgan | 2025 State VA | forward | Colgan

Ament has come on hard recently and is set to be the breakout player in Prince William County this year. The 6’7” forward has a great skillset that includes the ability to knock down shots from deep and handle it in transition, and there aren’t going to be many teams that can match up with him throughout the season.

Cy Hardy Cy Hardy 5'11" | PG Nortide | 2025 State VA | guard | Northside

Hardy is quickly emerging as one of the better prospects from the 540. He is a heady point guard who runs the show smoothly. Keep a close eye on Hardy and the Vikings moving forward.

David Miller David Miller 6'6" | PF Green Run | 2025 State VA | forward | Green Run

Miller is looking at possibly being the Beach District Player of the Year as just a sophomore as his Green Run team is talented enough to make a run in the playoffs and he’ll be key to that. He’s a bruising big who can outmuscle guys smaller than him in the post, but he also has good ball skills to step out and shoot it and put it on the deck, making him a big-time mismatch.

Jordan Scott Jordan Scott 6'7" | SG South Lakes | 2025 State VA | wing | South Lakes

Scott is one of the first names that comes to mind when thinking of the top sophomores from Northern Virginia. We anticipate big things from the Seahawks’ sharpshooting wing this season.

Austin Williford Austin Williford 6'4" | CG Saint Anne’s Belfield | 2025 State VA | wing | St. Anne’s Belfield

Lockdown defense is a staple of Williford’s game. He can hang with just about anyone on the wing, and this will be key to unlocking his team’s full potential.

THIRD TEAM

Martez Harris Martez Harris 6'10" | PF Cape Henry | 2025 State VA | forward | Cape Henry

Cape Henry will be young this year and will have to lean on a couple of sophomores to step up and carry the load, and that includes Harris. The 6’9” big man has a great frame and is an intimidating presence in the paint defensively, and he has a unique offensive package that makes him an inside-out threat. 

Troy Henderson Troy Henderson 5'9" | PG Lancaster | 2025 State VA | guard | Lancaster

Henderson is one of the most talented young guards in the state, and he should have Lancaster ready to make a run at the state title for the first time in five years. He’s a smooth guard who controls the game, can create space and make shots, and competes on both ends of the floor.

Shane Lincoln Shane Lincoln 6'4" | PG Bishop O'Connell | 2025 State VA | guard | Bishop O’Connell

Lincoln may run the one for the Knights come winter. We’ve seen glimpses of it through the offseason and like what he’s done there.

Jordan McConnell Jordan McConnell 6'10" | C Phillips Exeter Academy | 2025 State VA | center | Woodberry Forest

McConnell is considered one of the better bigs in this class. He gained valuable experience as a freshman which should help him start his sophomore term strongly.

Wyatt Norton Wyatt Norton 6'8" | C Bishop O'Connell | 2025 State VA | forward | Madison

We’re looking forward to a breakout season from Norton at Madison. The Warhawks’ energetic big man is a dynamic addition to their frontcourt.