Updated 2023 Rankings: Wings (5-1)
In this article:
We recently updated our senior class rankings in the state of VA, and we will take a look at each positional ranking from guards, wings and forwards. Obviously some of these players are positionless players that can fit in multiple…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe recently updated our senior class rankings in the state of VA, and we will take a look at each positional ranking from guards, wings and forwards. Obviously some of these players are positionless players that can fit in multiple spots, but we did our best to categorize them based on their skillset.
Here’s a look at the top 5 shooting guards and small forwards in the new rankings.
5) Curtis Blair III Curtis Blair III 6'6" | SF Steward School | 2023 State #211 Nation VA | 6’5” SF | Steward School (#6 Overall)
Blair has been one of the top players in the Richmond area over the past few years, and this year he has taken another jump and has been one of the most consistent scorers in VISAA D2. The Liberty commit is an old school bucket getter who thrives in the midrange with his ability to use his footwork and body to create space, he can fade going either way off the bounce and stay on balance to get a good shot off and he can hit contested shots from multiple levels. He has the ability to get hot quickly and at the same time doesn’t go through long cold streaks, and he knows his game and stays within it.
4) Adrian Myers Adrian Myers 6'5" | SF Massanutten | 2023 State VA | 6’7” SF | Massanutten (#5 Overall)
Myers has been perhaps the most improved player in Virginia over the last two seasons, as he’s gone from a physically impressive project to a mismatch 6’7” forward who can play and guard multiple positions. The Mississippi State commit has grown into his body over the years and is an extremely explosive athlete who can play above the rim on both ends of the floor, he’s improved in his consistency as a catch-and-shoot player from deep and he has shown the ability to rebound and protect the rim as well. He’s continuing to trend in the right direction and with his ability as a three and d player I think he could find his way on the court early for the Bulldogs.
3) Austin Ball Austin Ball 6'7" | SF Miller School | 2023 State #203 Nation VA | 6’7” SF | Miller School (#4 Overall)
The George Mason commit struggled a little bit when he came to Miller School from West Virginia last year, but since the summer he’s been one of the top players in the state and is having a great senior year against a very tough schedule. The 6’7” wing is a very talented shot maker who can catch it on the move and has a quick release and the ability to set his feet, he’s an explosive finisher on cuts and catches in the paint where he can play above the rim and he has a natural energy he brings to his team and it leads to positive plays. His ability to stretch the floor from deep and finish at and above the rim are all things that translate to the next level.
2) Dennis Parker Dennis Parker 6'6" | SF John Marshall | 2023 State #89 Nation VA | 6’6” SF | John Marshall (#2 Overall)
Parker has been the best player in Richmond for the past few years now, and as a senior he’s stepped up both his game and his leadership and has led them to be a nationally ranked team against a very tough schedule this year. The NC State commit has been electric this year as he’s set the tone on both ends of the floor with his athletic and high motor play, he’s been an incredible finisher who is good for multiple highlight reel finishes above the rim every game and he’s been a solid threat as a ball handler who can get downhill and create for himself and others. His ability to play so hard all the time and impact the game across the board at his size is one of the main reasons that separates him from other talented wings in the class.
1) DeShawn Harris-Smith DeShawn Harris-Smith 6'5" | SF Paul VI | 2023 State #53 Nation VA | 6’4” SF | Paul VI (#1 Overall)
Much like Parker, Harris-Smith has been one of the top players in the one of the top areas of basketball over the last few years, and he’s helped lead Paul VI to a top 5 ranking nationally and his grit and winning style of play separates him from other talented guards and wings in the country. The Maryland commit could easily be listed as a combo guard as he does a lot of the ball handling and playmaking for his team, he plays with an incredible motor and toughness on both ends of the floor guarding the other team’s best player and coming at you over and over again on the offensive end and he has improved a lot in his shot making from deep and in the midrange. He’s the type of player that will just will you to victory as he makes the right play over and over again while also being the toughest player on the court and playing with the most energy.