High Flyers: Nova Edition
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As we approach the preseason for high school basketball, we will take a look at some different categories of players and those that excel in those roles in different areas of the state. Today, we take a look at some…
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Continue ReadingAs we approach the preseason for high school basketball, we will take a look at some different categories of players and those that excel in those roles in different areas of the state. Today, we take a look at some of the top rim rockers in the Northern VA part of the state.
Isaiah Abraham Isaiah Abraham 6'7" | SG Paul VI | 2024 State #62 Nation VA | 6’6” WF | Paul VI 2024
Abraham has been soaring in the skies of Northern VA since he was a freshman for Highland School, and now he’s done it on a national level with PVI and Team Takeover over the past few years. He’s one of the most exciting players you’ll see in transition as he can handle it himself or run the wings and catch lobs that are thrown his way, he’s fearless when it comes to challenging and throwing it down in transition and he has a mix of flair and power to the way he plays above the rim.
AJ Swinton | 6’7” F | Bishop O’Connell 2024
Swinton is one of the most powerful athletes you’ll come across, as the 6’7” Florida State commit wears a size 18 shoe and with his long arms and powerful leaping ability he’s able to make plays on both ends of the floor most can’t. He’s an elite rim protector that blocks shots like he’s 6’10” and blocks shots on players bigger than him, he attacks the offensive glass for put backs and he finishes with authority when he’s alone in transition.
Matthew Shelton Matthew Shelton 6'5" | PF Evergreen Christian | 2024 State VA | 6’5” F | Evergreen Christian 2024
Shelton has developed his overall game nicely over the past few years since reclassifying and transferring to Evergreen, and while he holds a number of division one offers he’s still one of the most underrated players when it comes to how exciting he is in the paint. He’s a menace in the open floor with the ability to handle the rock and get downhill, he will challenge defenders at the rim, he runs the floor well and he’s quick off his feet and tracks the ball well on the offensive glass.
Elijah Adegbenro Elijah Adegbenro 6'4" | PF Fairfax Christian | 2024 State VA | 6’5” PF | Fairfax Christian 2024
Adegbenro is perhaps the most consistent body catcher on this list, as the 6’5” forward is a powerful athlete and very strong and coupled with his high motor he’s able to make a lot of exciting plays above the rim. He is always around the rim and is powerful enough to catch put-backs even when he’s under the rim, he runs the floor and will seek out the opportunity to overpower guys at the rim and within the half court set he can catch lobs on set plays or come on duck ins for finishes above the rim.
Jordan Scott Jordan Scott 6'7" | SG South Lakes | 2025 State #130 Nation VA | 6’6” WF | South Lakes 2025
Scott has been one of the hottest recruits in the country this summer, picking up a ton of high major offers with his play on the UAA Rise Circuit and while he’s known as a shooter he is also a big time athlete who can make plays above the rim on both ends of the floor. He has good size and long arms that coupled with his athleticism makes him dangerous, he has great timing as a shot blocker and is great at getting chase down blocks and he is dangerous in transition with his ability to rise up and put it down with authority.
Riley Jacobs Riley Jacobs 6'8" | C St. Stephen's & St. Agnes | 2025 State VA | 6’8” C | St. Stephen’s St. Agnes 2025
Jacobs had a breakout summer playing with New World 16s and saw his stock rise dramatically picking up double digit offers that are still rolling in, and his versatility is a big reason but so is his ability to make athletic plays at the rim. He’s able to step out and knock down shots so that allows him to use pump fakes to put it on the deck and get a head of steam toward the basket where he finishes with authority, he runs the floor well in transition that gets him a lot of dunks and he’s a big time shot blocker where he’ll challenge anyone at the rim.
Jordan Smith Jordan Smith 6'1" | PG Evergreen Christian | 2025 VA | 6’3” CG | Paul VI 2026
Smith is a big time athlete as are many on this list, but the fact that he has an unreal wingspan for a player his size gives him another reason that he makes effortless plays above the rim on both ends of the floor. He’s a high IQ player with a high motor that knows where to be and at what times, so that allows him to get blocks and rebound on both ends of the floor and when he gets downhill he has the ability to get up and play above the rim in traffic.