Top Floor Generals: Central/Western VA

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 of the top floor generals in the Central and Western parts of the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='1259624' first='Chance' last='Mallory'] | 5'8” PG | STAB 2025   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Mallory-Chance-Thrill.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Mallory-Chance-Thrill.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1969810" /></a></figure>   Mallory has become one of the top guards in the country despite often being the smallest player on the floor, and it's his all-around production and understanding of the game that separates him from other talented guards across the country. His skillset includes the ability to attack off the bounce and make passes with both hands, he has a great feel as a playmaker, he has a knack for being around the ball as a defender and a rebounder and he can flat out score the ball efficiently from multiple levels.   [player_tooltip player_id='1494115' first='Cy' last='Hardy'] | 5'11” PG | Northside 2025   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Cy-Hardy-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Cy-Hardy-scaled.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1604226" /></a></figure>   Hardy had a breakout sophomore season for Northside helping lead them to the Class 3 State Championship, and while he split time on the ball last year he'll have the ball in his hands and ready to lead the team this year. His game is much more mature than many guards his age as he can handle pressure and get his team into their sets, he touches the paint and makes good decisions on kick-outs and dump offs, he's a very good shooter and he sets the tone on both ends of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588502' first='Jordan' last='Hairston'] | 6'0” PG | Miller 2025   Hairston spent last year at Blue Ridge where he was a backup point guard, and he'll head across Charlottesville to Miller School and the way he played for the talented VA Elite team he should have a good role for the Mavs this year. Hariston is a true tone setter who guards the ball the length of the floor and knows how to control the tempo, he's a one many press break who can handle pressure and get his team into sets and he is excellent in the pick-and-roll where he can turn the corner and make great decisions for others.   [player_tooltip player_id='1595768' first='Wade' last='Bland'] | 6'1” PG | Blacksburg 2025   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Screen-Shot-2022-09-26-at-2.38.35-PM.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Screen-Shot-2022-09-26-at-2.38.35-PM.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1603921" /></a></figure>   Bland was a breakout player as a sophomore for Blacksburg, earning All State Class 3 honors and he had a good summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2078813' first='VA' last='Premier'] as well which makes me think he'll be even better as a junior. The 6'1” lead guard is shifty off the bounce with the ability to come off the pick-and-roll and touch the paint, he's a very good shooter from deep off the catch and off the bounce and he has great leadership qualities as well at the point guard position.   [player_tooltip player_id='1963527' first='Matthew' last='Burkhart'] | 6'3” PG | Rockbridge County 2026   Burkhart is on the verge of making his name known along I-81, as he had a very good freshman season after moving to VA from upstate NY and throughout the season he got better and better. The 6'3” guard has good size and a smooth skillset that includes the ability to touch the paint and make plays for others, he is unselfish and makes the right reads and he can get to spots where he's an efficient shotmaker and he can make tough shots when things break down.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588114' first='Tristan' last='Isenhour'] | 6'2” PG | New Covenant 2026   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Screen-Shot-2022-09-18-at-12.50.52-PM.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Screen-Shot-2022-09-18-at-12.50.52-PM.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1592021" /></a></figure>   Isenhour had a great freshman season as he led New Covenant to the state semifinals as their primary ball handler and he jumped straight into a leadership role like it was nothing as a freshman. He's not only a vocal leader but a leader on the court with his ability to handle pressure and get them into sets, he controlled tempo and made the right reads and he picked his spots to take over and score the ball off the bounce too.

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 of the top floor generals in the Central and Western parts of the state.