Top Floor Generals in VA (Part 2)
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With the high school season under way and a lot of big time games already having took place, we though it would be a good idea to look at some of the top point guards and leaders we’ve seen so…
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Continue ReadingWith the high school season under way and a lot of big time games already having took place, we though it would be a good idea to look at some of the top point guards and leaders we’ve seen so far this season. Here’s a look at part two of some of the top floor generals in the state to go check out this year.
Ben Hammond Ben Hammond 5'10" | PG Paul VI | 2024 State #143 Nation VA | 5’9” PG | Paul VI 2024
Hammond is on the verge of breaking out nationally as the next big time PVI point guard, as he’s running the show for what looks like one of the top teams in the country and doing an exceptional job at his role. He’s lightning quick off the bounce with a great first step that allows him to blow by defenders and has blazing speed in transition, he’s a big time on ball defender who can guard the length of the floor and he has great control and feel despite how fast he is. He’s becoming more consistent as a scorer and shooter and he just makes winning plays all the time.
Kennard Wyche Jr. | 5’7” PG | Varina 2024
Wyche was an All State selection after having led Varina to a state championship, and this year with an even bigger role he has the Blue Devils looking like possible state title contenders again. While he isn’t the biggest guy he controls the game with his pace and ball handling ability, he finishes over bigger defenders in the paint and knows how to draw contact to get to the line and he is an absolute menace guarding the basketball and forces a lot of turnovers. He’s a gritty type of player who plays much bigger than he is and is often the most impactful player on the floor.
Julian Rivera Julian Rivera 6'1" | PG Highland | 2025 State VA | 6’1” PG | Highland School 2024
Rivera is emerging as one of the top point guards in the NOVA area, and he’s a big reason Highland School has gotten off to a surprisingly good start so far this season. Rivera plays with great understanding and control with the ball in his hands, he shoots it well from deep and is an efficient scorer when he picks his spots and he can make plays for others off the bounce with his vision and instincts. His stock is starting to rise and he’s got Highland looking like a contender this year.
Ulysses Young Ulysses Young 6'0" | CG Oscar Smith | 2024 State VA | 6’0” PG | Oscar Smith 2024
When it comes to pass first and playmaking point guards, there aren’t many you’ll find in the state that are better than Young. He’s a highly intelligent and cerebral guard who changes speeds and directions well, he has terrific feel and vision and makes great reads with the ball in his hands and he’s able to run the show and make plays off the bounce without turning the ball over. He picks his spots scoring the ball but he’s best at breaking down the defense and finishing his teammates in situations where they can get easy shots.
Jason Penn Jason Penn 6'2" | PG Marshall | 2024 State VA | 6’0” PG | George Marshall 2024
Penn is another under the radar NOVA point guard that coaches should be checking out, as he is one of the most well rounded guards you’ll come across in the state. He’s strong with the ball and can get in the paint where he’s a good finisher and playmaker, he changes speeds well and has good burst and defensively he can guard the ball and is a good help side defender too. He makes winning plays across the board and makes all his teammates better too.
Donovan Richardson Donovan Richardson 6'6" | PG Steward | 2025 State #166 Nation VA | 6’5” CG | Collegiate 2025
Richardson has emerged as one of the top prospects in the Richmond area, and he checks a lot of boxes for the next level already. At 6’5” he has terrific size on the perimeter and as a primary ball handler, he gets to his spots where he has great footwork and knows how to use his body to create space and score it from multiple levels and his IQ and feel for the game is off the charts. He understands when to make plays for others and when to take over the game as a scorer and he’s a good rebounder as well.