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<p>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.</p>
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<p>Here's a look at part 1 of the wings who took advantage of the summer of 2024!</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591317' first='Nate' last='Ament'] | 6'8” | Highland School '25</strong></p>
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<p><em>Recruitment</em>: Ament was already considered one of the top players in the country coming into the summer, and he solidified that while picking up offers from high major programs all over the country, including every one of the blue bloods. His recruitment is somewhat of an enigma as he plays it close to his chest, keeping even the best national scouts and journalists in suspense.</p>
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<p><em>Resume</em>: Ament is a consensus 5 star and top 10 player in the country on every major recruiting site. He played for Team USA this summer, was the VISAA D2 Co-Player of the Year and led his team to the state championship game and will be in high consideration as a McDonald's All American this year.</p>
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<p><em>Evaluation</em>: Unique skillset for size and a walking mismatch due to it. Shoots the ball at a very high clip from deep. Good ball handler for his size, can start the break and create shots for himself and others off the bounce. Seen an uptick in his motor as a rebounder, getting stronger and becoming a better finisher in traffic.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1546447' first='Ryan' last='Crotty'] | 6'5” | Miller School '25</strong></p>
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<p><em>Recruitment</em>: Crotty set the EYBL on fire early and in doing so, became one of the hottest prospects in the country even before the live periods began. He picked up offers from high major schools across the country, recently announcing he will take official visits to Oklahoma State, Miami, Virginia Tech and Clemson.</p>
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<p><em>Resume</em>: Crotty's a consensus top 100 player in the country across all of the major recruiting outlets and sites. He was a First Team All VISAA D2 selection last year, breaking the record for most 3 pointers made in a single season in Virginia history and won a state championship.</p>
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<p><em>Evaluation</em>: Dead eye shooter with in the gym range and great confidence in his ability to make shots. Great stamina and ability to move off the ball and set his feet to make shots on the move. Can play on the ball where he can create space and make shots too. Ultra competitor who brings great energy on both ends of the floor.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1259633' first='Elijah' last='Kelly'] | 6'7” | Miller School '25</strong></p>
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<p><em>Recruitment</em>: Coming off a season of growth with Miller School, Kelly stepped into the glue guy role for a Team Loaded group that was one of the best teams on the 3SSB Circuit and coaches took notice. He picked up 8 division one offers this summer, with more to come most likely.</p>
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<p><em>Resume</em>: Kelly started his career at Radford High School before transferring and reclassifying, and was a First Team All State selection as a junior. He was a First Team All BRAC selection and helped Miller win a state championship last year.</p>
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<p><em>Evaluation</em>: Versatile and athletic wing with great positional size for the next level. Elite glue guy who does a lot of things well on the floor. Very good defender who can guard multiple positions and lock down scorers. Good ball skills and shooting ability, has improved a lot over the past year or so.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1489070' first='Danzelle' last='Coles'] | 6'4” | STAB '25</strong></p>
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<p><em>Recruitment</em>: Coles took advantage of the DMV Live period where he was thrust into a bigger role without 4 star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1259624' first='Chance' last='Mallory'], and it landed him his first two division one offers from Siena and Farleigh-Dickinson.</p>
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<p><em>Resume</em>: Before transferring to STAB and reclassifying, Coles was a two time All State selection at Highland Springs and won the VHSL Class 5 State Championship as a sophomore. He's been a top 39 prospect in Prep Hoops VA rankings since he was a sophomore.</p>
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<p><em>Evaluation</em>: High energy off guard who gets after it on both ends of the floor. Good size and athleticism for position. Rebounds well for his position. Can create off the bounce and make shots from multiple levels. Impacts the game in various ways on both ends of the floor.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1494110' first='Sebastian' last='Whitfield'] | 6'5”| Cape Henry '25</strong></p>
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<p><em>Recruitment</em>: Before getting hurt int he last live period, Whitfield was one of the hottest prospects in the state playing for Team Push on the 3SSB Circuit. He picked up numerous division offers from both high academic schools and local ones as well.</p>
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<p><em>Resume</em>: Has been a starter on Cape Henry since he was a freshman, has been a top 20 ranked player in Prep Hoops VA rankings since he was a freshman as well.</p>
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<p><em>Evaluation</em>: Big wing with a great frame and good athleticism as well. Can knock down shots from deep and attacks closeouts well. Good rebounder and defender for his position. High character kid with a good work ethic. Can score the ball in a number of different ways both on and off the ball.</p>
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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.
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