2026 Breakout Candidates: NOVA

A phrase I like to use in the scouting world is the "junior jump," where you see a prospect take a big leap in their game and production during their junior year. Players who have had success in high school usually are bigger, stronger and know the game better going into their junior year, so that's usually where you see the prospects turn the corner.   Here's a look at six players in NOVA I expect to take that junior jump.   [player_tooltip player_id='1370511' first='Frank' last='Siaca-Bey'] | 6'8” C | Fairfax Christian   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Siaca-Bey-Frank-crop-3226x2118-1706680439.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Siaca-Bey-Frank-crop-3226x2118-1706680439.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2337401" /></a></figure>   Siaca-Bey is coming off of a monster summer where he put himself on the map at DMV Live, and will be one of the go-to guys for the two time defending state champs. At 6'8” he is a load in the paint to deal with and can score it over either shoulder, he's very good in the midrange and high-post area, he's shown the ability to stretch the defense and he will command double teams all year.   [player_tooltip player_id='2252305' first='Mike' last='Robinson'] | 6'4” WF | South County   Robinson has shown flashes throughout his first two years and was very good last year, but I expect him to take the jump and be one of the top wings in NOVA this year. At 6'4” with a great frame he's starting to grow into his body to get more explosive, he can shoot the ball from deep off the catch, he can create his own shot in the half court and is dynamic in transition.   [player_tooltip player_id='1966646' first='Noah' last='Barnhart'] | 6'1” PG | Robinson   Barnhart let everyone in NOVA public schools know who he was last year as a sophomore, and this year I think he'll take the jump to being one of the best guards in the area. He's a strong and dynamic guard that can touch the paint and play through contact, he is excellent in the pick-and-roll, he creates space off the bounce and can make tough shots from all over and he's a tone setter on both ends of the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1963533' first='Ryan' last='Brzezanski'] | 6'6” PF | Briar Woods   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Screen-Shot-2023-09-05-at-2.27.11-PM.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Screen-Shot-2023-09-05-at-2.27.11-PM.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2149720" /></a></figure>   Brzezanski has been a standout at Briar Woods since he was a freshman, and this year it will be his team and he'll be looked at to fill it up and lead the way. At 6'6” he's a tough matchup as he is a dead eye shooter from deep who can stretch the defense, he can put it on the deck on the perimeter, he can work out of face ups in the high post and he's a good offensive rebounder too.   [player_tooltip player_id='2242402' first='RJ' last='Jones'] | 6'2” CG | Virginia Academy   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Jones-RJ.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/Jones-RJ.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2221410" /></a></figure>   Jones has quietly been one of the top guards in the NOVA area over the past few years, and the way he's improved he could put up some huge numbers this season with the improved help around him. He's a fluid athlete who can change directions and stop on a dime, he can make tough shots from multiple levels, he attacks the rim hard and gets to the line and he can make plays on the defensive end too.   [player_tooltip player_id='2347778' first='Adam' last='Perdue'] | 6'4” WG | Broad Run   Perdue is another player who has had a good career so far and is due to be one of the top players in Loudoun County going into his junior year. The 6'4” wing is an absolutely pure shooter from deep who has effortless range and can set his feet on the move, he's a strong kid who can get downhill and play through contact and he's willing to do the dirty work to help his team win as well.

A phrase I like to use in the scouting world is the "junior jump," where you see a prospect take a big leap in their game and production during their junior year. Players who have had success in high school usually are bigger, stronger and know the game better going into their junior year, so that's usually where you see the prospects turn the corner.