Summer Stockrising Guards (Part 1)

With the grassroots season officially over it's time to look back on some of the biggest stock risers in VA! There were plenty of names to choose from, but we picked a handful that we thought helped themselves the most during the summer.   Here's a look at part 1 of the guards who took advantage of the summer of 2024!   [player_tooltip player_id='1494112' first='Troy' last='Henderson'] | 6'1” | John Marshall '25   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Henderson-Troy-Loaded.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Henderson-Troy-Loaded.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1978892" /></a></figure>   Recruitment: Henderson saw a massive leap in his recruitment playing with Team Loaded on the 3SSB Circuit, picking up double digit offers from mid major programs all over the country.   Resume: Henderson's been the state player of the year and a state champion the last two years at Lancaster, but playing on the 3SSB Circuit gave him a chance to show he can do it against the best of the best.   Evaluation: A smooth guard who is highly skilled as both a scorer and distributor as well. Creates space well off the bounce, excellent balance with the ability to make contested shots, changes speeds and directions well. High IQ guard who is savvy running a team and can take over games as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1340929' first='Austin' last='Williford'] | 6'4” | STAB '25   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/IMG_8987.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/IMG_8987.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2289290" /></a></figure>   Recruitment: Williford saw his stock really take off during DMV Live as he was thrust into the main option with the absence off four star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1259624' first='Chance' last='Mallory']. He picked up nine offers throughout the summer from schools in the A10, CAA, Conference USA and more.   Resume: Has helped lead STAB to the state finals the last two seasons and was an integral part of Team Takeover making the Peach Jam Final Four for the third year in a row. The son of current UVA Associate Head Coach and former UVA star Jason Williford. Has been All Prep League in basketball and football the last two seasons.   Evaluation: High level athlete who impacts the game across the board. Elite defender both on the ball and in help side, uses his length and athleticism to make plays and lock down the other team's best perimeter scorer. Can play both guard positions, shoots it well off the catch, attacks aggressively downhill and a good finisher.   [player_tooltip player_id='1494108' first='Aiden' last='Argabright'] | 6'0” | John Marshall '25   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Argabright-Aiden-2-crop-3226x2118-1702337201.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Argabright-Aiden-2-crop-3226x2118-1702337201.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2295521" /></a></figure>   Recruitment: Argabright came into the summer with a number of offers, but really shined as one of the top guards on the 3SSB Circuit playing with New World this summer. He recently committed to Richmond, picking them over the likes of Hofstra, Murray State, College of Charleston and other high level mid major schools.   Resume: Argabright was a First Team All State selection while helping John Marshall win the Class 2 state championship last year. He was top 10 in scoring on the 3SSB Circuit this summer and was named 1st Team All 3SSB by The Circuit.   Evaluation: Shot making guard who can fill it up in bunches both on and off the ball. Shifty off the bounce, gets to the rim and has a knack for drawing contacts and getting to the line. Makes shots off the catch from deep at a very high clip. Crafty, high IQ guard who sees the game a few plays ahead, always in the right place and makes the right play.   [player_tooltip player_id='1494115' first='Cy' last='Hardy'] | 6'0” PG | Northside '25   <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>   Recruitment: While Hardy doesn't have any division one offers that I know of, he has a lot of interest from low major schools and every D2 and D3 school in the area would gladly take him and give him the reigns early. He's been loyal to his Northside team in Roanoke and hasn't played on a major shoe circuit, but he's shown time and time again he can play against the best of them.   Resume: Hardy's been the VHSL Class 3 Player of the Year the last two seasons, while also leading Northside to back-to-back state championships as well. He was voted the Timesland Player of the Year as the best player in Roanoke, and has been ranked in the top 30 on Prep Hoops VA since he was a freshman.   Evaluation: Highly skilled and savvy guard who can do a little bit of everything. Has become much more explosive over the past few years as a finisher. Makes shots from all three levels off the bounce. High IQ as a playmaker and a defender too.   [player_tooltip player_id='1956065' first='Jackson' last='Britt'] | 6'3” | Evergreen Christian '25   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImageMDqyXI.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImageMDqyXI.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2446216" /></a></figure>   Recruitment: Britt saw his stock rise this summer with a good Higher Level team, with numerous D2 and D3 programs making him a priority. He also has some low major D1 programs showing him interest as well.   Resume: Has been a starter for Evergreen Christian for the last two seasons and has brought a brand new program to relevance in one of the toughest areas of basketball in the state. Was mentioned by Hoop Group multiple times as a standout in the HGSL and is a top 40 ranked prospect in Prep Hoops VA rankings.   Evaluation: Talented shot making guard who can play on and off the ball. Drills it from deep and has great range, can get to spots in the midrange where he can make the pull-up. Plays with great energy and doesn't give up on plays, natural leader and hard working kid.

With the grassroots season officially over it's time to look back on some of the biggest stock risers in VA! There were plenty of names to choose from, but we picked a handful that we thought helped themselves the most during the summer.