2025 Hidden Gems in RVA (Part 1)

With the summer being over and the high school season a few months away, it's that time of year where players are taking visits and researching college programs. With that in mind, we've decided it's a good time to take a look at some under the radar players across the state.   Here's a look at some of the hidden gems in the Richmond area of the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='1956070' first='Jalen' last='Deloatch'] | 6'4” CG | James River '25   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Deloatch-Jalen-rotated.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Deloatch-Jalen-rotated.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2198946" /></a></figure>   Deloatch is one of the top scoring guards in the Richmond area, and will have even more of a green light this season as the senior leader of James River. At 6'4” he's a big and strong guard that can play through contact with the ball in his hands, he can knock down tough shots from all three levels, he has good balance when creating space and a knack for getting hot and scoring it in bunches.   [player_tooltip player_id='1494122' first='Sonny' last='Bridges'] | 5'10” PG | St. Chris '25   Bridges will likely step into the role as the primary ball handler this year for St. Chris as their senior floor general, and it should be good for his game as he's a natural playmaker. He is quick and shifty with the ball in his hands and can touch the paint and make plays for others, he can knock down shots from deep when he moves off the ball and he's an excellent point of attack defender who can set the tone.   [player_tooltip player_id='2242394' first='Daron' last='Moore'] | 5'11” PG| LC Bird '25   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImageCJkm8f.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImageCJkm8f.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2450759" /></a></figure>   Moore transferred to LC Bird last season, and watching his progression over the year into a floor general and playmaker was a big reason the Skyhawks made an improbable run to the state championship game. Now that he's back he's even more mature and has become a very good decision maker, he's shifty going either direction and can break down the defense and he's an ultimate competitor who loves big matchups and plays with a lot of toughness.   [player_tooltip player_id='2242387' first='Tykie' last='Jones'] | 6'4” WF | Henrico '25   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImageq4IgpE.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImageq4IgpE.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2446218" /></a></figure>   Jones is part of a rebuilt Henrico team that will be young but very talented, but there's no doubt that he's going to be the go-to guy and should be one of the top players in Richmond next season. The 6'4” wing/forward hybrid has a throwback style game where he works well posting up smaller defenders, he's automatic in the midrange area and can make tough shots and he plays with a great motor on both ends of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='2242400' first='Tyrece' last='Williams'] | 6'2” WG | LC Bird '25   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/Williams-Tyrese.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/Williams-Tyrese.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2268203" /></a></figure>   Williams was another player that grew a lot during the season last year for the Skyhawks, finding his niche as a lock down defender and the one who brings toughness on both ends of the floor. While he may be a little undersized for his position he has very long arms that he uses to get deflections and challenge shots, he can get to spots with the ball in his hands and is a good straight line driver and finisher, and he can make shots when he's left open on the perimeter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1956078' first='Xavier' last='Nelson'] | 6'4” WF | Steward School '25   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImagetaF1bd.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImagetaF1bd.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2446865" /></a></figure>   Nelson is one of the most consistent players in Richmond, embracing his role as the secondary scorer and producing across the board almost every time I've seen him play. The 6'4” wing understands his game and plays to it knocking down open shots off the catch, attacking the offensive glass for second chance points, finding contact and getting to the line and making all the hustle plays to help his team too.

With the summer being over and the high school season a few months away, it's that time of year where players are taking visits and researching college programs. With that in mind, we've decided it's a good time to take a look at some under the radar players across the state.