Grassroots Spotlight: Higher Level 17U

We continue our Grassroots Spotlights series in April taking a look at the Higher Level 17U group.Program Director and Head Coach Darius Wilson has been a staple in the VA AAU scene for over a decade now, consistently having talented teams and producing numerous prospects at all levels of college. This group has to be one of his most talented and deepest teams in recent memories, and already has shown they can play with and beat some of the top teams in the area. Here's a look at their roster to start the spring.   [player_tooltip player_id='1328950' first='Chancellor' last='Perkins'] | 6'2” WG | Highland School   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Perkins-Chance-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Perkins-Chance-scaled.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1605059" /></a></figure>   Perkins has been a standout for Highland School over the past few years and he'll put up big numbers on a regular basis for this HL group. The 6'2” off guard is a sniper from deep who can fill it up in bunches as he gets hot quickly, he has deep range and he can play on or off the ball to get open and create good looks from multiple levels.   [player_tooltip player_id='2148760' first='Preston' last='White'] | 6'5” F | Gainesville   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/607-Preston-White.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/607-Preston-White.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2167246" /></a></figure>   White is a new age hybrid forward who can create mismatches with his athleticism and skillset while also providing a physical presence in the paint as well. At 6'5” he can use his strength to clear out space and bully even taller defenders, he runs the floor hard and gets opportunities in transition, he's an excellent offensive rebounder and he's comfortable on the perimeter on both ends.   [player_tooltip player_id='1339892' first='Julian' last='Rivera'] | 6'1” PG | Highland School   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Screen-Shot-2023-12-04-at-11.48.45-AM.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Screen-Shot-2023-12-04-at-11.48.45-AM.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2288361" /></a></figure>   Rivera is the heart and soul of this team the same way he is his Highland team, as he's a natural leader who makes winning plays on both ends of the floor. He is a pesky defender who can guard any perimeter position and has quick hands and good instincts to jump passing lanes, he's crafty off the bounce and makes good decisions and he can is a good rebounder for his position too.   [player_tooltip player_id='1767530' first='Eann' last='Pennix'] | 6'3” WG | South County   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Screen-Shot-2023-01-10-at-12.52.53-PM.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/01/Screen-Shot-2023-01-10-at-12.52.53-PM.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1740594" /></a></figure>   Pennix is another impact guard for this team, as he is able to make shots and score it while also bringing toughness to his team on both ends. He's a smart and talented player who can be a secondary ball handler and create for himself and others, he can work off the ball to get open and knock down shots consistently and he's a good rebounder and does the dirty work too.   [player_tooltip player_id='1956065' first='Jackson' last='Britt'] | 6'3” CG | Evergreen Christian   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Britt-Jackson.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/Britt-Jackson.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2420482" /></a></figure>   Britt is another talented guard that makes them very tough to matchup with, as they have multiple guys who can handle it and also work off the ball to knock down shots. Britt is a true combo guard who can knock down shots on the move, he can put it on the deck and gets downhill where he's a good finisher of of two feet and he has a good IQ as a playmaker as well.   Dezzie Ainsworth | 6'3” CG | Massaponax   Ainsworth is a big guard who can impact the game in multiple ways, and in doing so he's valuable in the fact that you can play him at different positions and roles. He's very strong and plays with a great motor allowing him to get downhill and use his body to finish when he gets downhill, he can handle the ball and make plays for others and he can score it in bunches when he gets it going.   [player_tooltip player_id='1782687' first='Phenix' last='Card'] | 6'0” PG | Hayfield (2026)   Card stepped into a starting point guard role as a sophomore at one of the most successful programs in NOVA, and he has shown he can play with the best of the best even at his age. He has a fantastic understanding of the game with great instincts on both ends of the floor, he can break down defenders with his change of pace and directions, he can score it from multiple levels and he has great intangibles across the board.   [player_tooltip player_id='2459367' first='Shivas' last='Taylor'] | 6'3” CG | Highland School   Taylor may have gotten overlooked at times on his talented Highland School squad, but he played a significant role in their success and he brings great things to a team. He is a very high IQ player who understands concepts on both ens and doesn't need much teaching, he's a knock down shooter who finds spacing and makes shots consistently and he is an underrated athlete who can make plays too.   [player_tooltip player_id='2452134' first='Ben' last='Vaughn'] | 6'2” WG | Steward School   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Vaughn-Ben.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Vaughn-Ben.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2220804" /></a></figure>   Vaughn was similar to Taylor on a team where he was often overshadowed but he played a key role on a good Steward team and he brings consistent energy and production in his role. At 6'2” he's surprisingly athletic with the ability to get out in transition and make plays at the rim, he can knock down shots when he's left open and he's a scrappy and gritty defender who fights for extra possessions.   [player_tooltip player_id='2242371' first='Josh' last='Hamilton'] | 6'8” PF | Highland School   Hamilton is injured to start the AAU season, but when he comes back he'll be a big addition with his size and athleticism that will give this guard heavy group a big boost in a number of ways. At 6'8” he'll provide a paint presence that can rebound and protect the rim against bigger opponents, he is a versatile defender who can switch on the perimeter and he's able to get out in transition and play fast with their guards.

We continue our Grassroots Spotlights series in April taking a look at the Higher Level 17U group.Program Director and Head Coach Darius Wilson has been a staple in the VA AAU scene for over a decade now, consistently having talented teams and producing numerous prospects at all levels of college. This group has to be one of his most talented and deepest teams in recent memories, and already has shown they can play with and beat some of the top teams in the area. Here's a look at their roster to start the spring.