Pitt Jam’s Most Impressive WV Players: Part 1
One of the most anticipated and coveted tournaments this side of the Mississippi River is the Pitt Jam put on by the Hoop Group. Annually drawing over 600 teams and hundreds of college coaches and scouts, this is a must…
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Continue ReadingOne of the most anticipated and coveted tournaments this side of the Mississippi River is the Pitt Jam put on by the Hoop Group. Annually drawing over 600 teams and hundreds of college coaches and scouts, this is a must see event and an event every player should want to be a part of. The massive convention center houses 40-50 courts allowing a buffet style viewing experience for basketball enthusiasts, parents, players, coaches and scouts. We’re highlighting in this piece the most impressive players we saw while in Pittsburgh.
- D’arrae Goodwin D’arrae Goodwin 6'7" | SF The Linsly School | 2025 State #190 Nation WV was the driving force behind WV Gold 16 Pro squad. Goodwin displayed a more refined and polished game than we had seen previously. Known for his toughness in the paint and athletic rebounding and put backs, Goodwin showed why he should be considered as a legit wing player at the next level. The 2025 prospect consistently shot from three and mid level as well as drive hard to the bucket with his usual solid finishing. Goodwin looks comfortable and smooth handling the ball under pressure whether in the half court or transition. He certainly did nothing but help his chances of further D1 offers after the weekend.
- Anden Santamaria Anden Santamaria 6'7" | PF Musselman | 2026 State WV was one player on our list of “must sees” after tracking him throughout the school season and watching streams. Santamaria is an imposing 2026 forward and is as big as advertised. Athletic and dynamic are great words to describe this post playing force who is more than comfortable facing up for mid-range jumpers. Santamaria led the PrimeTime Performance squad to a 2-2 record in the 17U Gold division including a buzzer beating 2 on Saturday. Santamaria should turn some heads and quickly get on some recruiting watch lists this spring and summer.
- Preston Clary Preston Clary 6'0" | CG Woodrow Wilson | 2026 State WV is a name all of you will hear often throughout the spring and summer as he’s off to a fantastic start to the AAU season. The 2026 prospect from Beckley playing for WV Hustle has played excellent through two tournaments including last weekend where competition was no joke. Clary provided not only offensive support but matched that on the defensive end. Strong drives to the paint and great attention to ball movement, Clary is a great fit at a combo or shooting guard. Excellent ball handler as well as on ball defender.
- Luke Sancomb Luke Sancomb 5'5" | CG Wheeling Central | 2027 WV is pound for pound one of the toughest players we saw all weekend. Luke dropped key dimes, drained crucial threes and broke contain on full court pressure often. Luke is a 5’5″ bottle of dynamite that, as you’d expect with a coach’s son, makes great decisions and keeps his teammates involved offensively. Sancomb left us impressed with his willingness to be the team’s facilitator in the half court making sure to be in the right spot on ball reversals and penetrating the lane to create for drop offs to bigs. Sancomb topped off his weekend with a sudden death 3 ball vs Global Squad to seal victory.
- Taj Joyce Taj Joyce 6'4" | PF Parkersburg South | 2026 WV is another WV Gold prospect that caught our eye this past weekend. Joyce is a strong and athletic built 2026 player who will be a key piece of Parkersburg South’s puzzle going forward. Joyce has a great post presence, is scrappy and fights for rebounds as well as loose balls. Joyce could either be a great role player with clean up duty on rebounds and put backs, but also could blossom into a gifted and skilled player as well. Talent is not an issue and Joyce will be given the opportunity to succeed in one of WV’s top 4A programs.
- Zane Saunders Zane Saunders 6'7" | PF South Charleston | 2025 State WV didn’t disappoint in Pittsburgh. He kept his momentum from Big Shots WV Tip Off and rolled into Pittsburgh more confident. Saunders continues to be a dynamic big that seems more comfortable driving than catching with back to basket. Saunders led the WV Hustle 17U to a near 50 point victory Sunday closing out there week. Saunders should’ve impressed several coaches in attendance to their games and there were many.
- Xavier Kirk Xavier Kirk 6'2" | CG Hedgesville | 2025 State WV of Mountain State Basketball Academy had a more than fine showing in Pittsburgh. The lockdown defending Kirk rarely missed his cue whether defensively or on offense. Knocking down consistently from beyond the arc and finishing drives and transition. Kirk is a 2025 with a very high ceiling in regards to basketball and athletically. Kirk has drawn interest from D1, D2 and D3 coaches alike and did nothing to turn them away this past weekend.
- Phoenix Sickles Phoenix Sickles 6'1" | SF Bridgeport | 2025 WV was his usual dynamic self for Best Virginia 17U. The 6’4″ utility guy of sorts can literally do it all. Sickles continued his off season momentum in Pittsburgh not needed to be as much of a scorer but having to show his versatility and toughness and play defense in the post as well as get tough rebounds and trigger transition. Sickles is an obvious talent and high IQ player when you see him on the floor able to transition into whatever he needs to be. Skilled enough to play four positions on offense and guard wings or bigs on D.