Shifty Scoring Guards: RVA Edition

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 part one of some of the top scoring guards in the Richmond area of the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='1259544' first='Damon' last='Thompson'] | 6'1” PG | John Marshall 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Thompson-Damon-CBG-scaled-crop-1920x1261-1663347102.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Thompson-Damon-CBG-scaled-crop-1920x1261-1663347102.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1589467" /></a></figure>   Thompson is one of the top guards in the state and his ability to score the ball in different ways is one of the biggest reasons he's being recruited so heavily by some of the top mid major schools in the country. The smooth 6'1” guard is crafty off the bounce with the ability to create space and get into his shot off the bounce going either way, he can change speeds and get in the lane where he draws contact and is a good finisher, he has deep range both off the catch and off the bounce and he finds ways to score it against some of the top competition consistently.   [player_tooltip player_id='1489063' first='Brandon' last='Jennings'] | 6'3” PG | St. Chris 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Jennings-Brandon-Loaded.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Jennings-Brandon-Loaded.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1978328" /></a></figure>   Jennings is another Richmond guard who is being highly touted by some of the top mid major schools in the country, and he has an all-around game with the ability to make others better and score it himself in different ways. He's a talented ball handler who plays with great pace and has good burst to lull defenders asleep and blow by them, he has an excellent midrange game with great footwork, he can get downhill where he's a good finisher with craft and athleticism and he can turn defense into offense too.   [player_tooltip player_id='1489055' first='Kris' last='Tiller'] | 6'0” PG | Glen Allen 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/Tiller-Kris-CBG.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/Tiller-Kris-CBG.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1308375" /></a></figure>   Tiller is one of the more underrated players in the Richmond area, as he put up big numbers for Glen Allen last year and will have the chance to be one of the top scorers in the state this year. The 6'0” lefty has a deep bag that consists of in the gym range off the catch and off the bounce, he plays with great pace and a shifty handle that allows him to break down defenders and get to the paint where he has a great middle game and he knows how to draw contact and get to the line often.   [player_tooltip player_id='1259547' first='Kennard' last='Wyche Jr.'] | 5'9” PG | Varina 2024   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/01/Wyche-Kenard-crop-2898x1903-1611940521.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/01/Wyche-Kenard-crop-2898x1903-1611940521.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1123926" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Lancaptures</figcaption></figure>   The reigning Class 4 player of the year is one of the most skilled all-around guards you'll come across, and he knows how to be productive and score the ball in many different ways. He has developed over the past few years into a knock down shooter with effortless range both off the catch and off the bounce, he has great burst with the ball in his hands, he finishes over bigger defenders with both hands and he's very crafty around the rim allowing him to draw fouls and get to the line where he's automatic.   [player_tooltip player_id='1494105' first='Donovan' last='Richardson'] | 6'5” CG | Steward 2025   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/Richardson-Donnie-CBG.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/Richardson-Donnie-CBG.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1905339" /></a></figure>   Richardson is perhaps the best guard prospect in all of Richmond and becoming one of the best in the state as he's picked up recent high major offers and he has a lot of tools that translate to the next level. He has great size and knows how to use his strong frame to keep defenders at bay and finish through contact, he is an athletic finisher when he gets downhill, he can make shots from deep and in the midrange and he is always under control and making the right play.   [player_tooltip player_id='1956070' first='Jalen' last='Deloatch'] | 6'2” PG | James River 2025   Deloatch had a breakout sophomore season at James River and should continue his strong play as a go-to scorer this year, and it's only a matter of time before he sees college coaches come knocking at his door. The 6'2” guard is a walking bucket with the ball in his hands as he's a big time athlete who can blow by defenders and changes directions well, he gets into his shot quickly and has a quick release to get his shot off and he gets hot quickly and fills it up in bunches.

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 part one of some of the top scoring guards in the Richmond area of the state.