WV 2028 Wings, Shooters and Scorers

Scott Strode November 8, 2024 @ 08:49 AM

Trying to encompass this class has been a task. Not because there isn't much to write about, but rather the diversity of their size, skill and styles. Its been one of the more enjoyable groups to watch from the standpoint of checking all boxes for everything I like to see in a class that will have to be "marketed" if you will to college coaches. This class seems to have everything that coaches could want as well as depth with every position, which isn't common in any state let alone WV. Here's another group of outstanding players that can flat put the ball in the bucket. Shooters, slashers, dashers, finishers, etc.   [player_tooltip player_id='2395988' first='Ayden' last='Spence'] is the kid in these rankings who we think has the potential to overtake the #1 spot regardless of Huntington Prep players or not. Not making the prediction he will, just putting into context how special he could be. Spence is long, athletic and skilled with a jumper that most upperclassmen haven't mastered yet. Now, taking that top spot does come with some contingencies, growing to a 6'4" or above height and continuing on his current plane of development, but regardless its exciting to know there's another kid with that kinda ceiling out there.   [player_tooltip player_id='2425395' first='Gabe' last='Short'] comes into the Shady Spring program as yet another in a long list of great and talented guards. Short who we saw in Morgantown at the WVU Team camp blew us away playing schools similar in size and bigger while in Morgantown and never backing down or missing a beat. Young mistakes for an incoming freshman playing at that level, yeah. But the growing pains don't come close to the value and energy this young guard has. Will he see varsity time this year in a very crowded room of all-state level guards, it'll remain to be seen. But don't be surprised if he isn't on the floor in some capacity by March. Short has every tool available and is in a system that allows those to be used.   [player_tooltip player_id='2395983' first='Dominic' last='Sprouse'] came on our radar last winter during his 8th grade season and we've tracked ever since because he's one of the fastest developing players out there in any grade. Sprouse who was a high level scorer in middle school in the state's most talent laden league, has started to transform himself into a varsity level player in his approach to the game and his physical build. One of the hardest working kids out there Dom will certainly have a shot to get on the floor at GW but that's a tall task that nobody would criticize if it didn't happen as GW is typically one of the most talented rosters in WV and in the state's top division. Sprouse has great handles and takes care of the ball when in his possession, has an outstanding while developing jumpshot and is adding the one and two dribble to his weaponry. Yet again another Kanawha Valley kid with an extremely high ceiling who we're anxious to watch.   [player_tooltip player_id='2617683' first='Jaden' last='Fleming'] is one kid who's came onto our radar recently and we really enjoyed watching in person. The Fairmont Senior freshman has a great feel for the game and we would much liken it to an "old school" style. Never settling for jumpshots or threes, Fleming does an excellent job of shielding defender and using his body to get to the hoop or create for other scorers. Fleming has natural point guard skills and instincts but has a high enough basketball IQ to play multiple positions within any system. We haven't seen him shoot too many jumpshots (mainly because he doesn't depend on it) but if he develops a mid-range game, look out folks.   [player_tooltip player_id='2605861' first='Teigan' last='Watson'] is another that we were able to see just recently and were pleasantly surprised by the Wheeling Park freshman's showing. Watson looks as thought he will develop into a wing with length and good athletic ability. Watson will enter the season in one of WV's best freshman programs but as with any program, the chance to advance is always there and he certainly has the potential for playing his way up a level. Another player on this list with big talent and high ceiling.

Trying to encompass this class has been a task. Not because there isn't much to write about, but rather the diversity of their size, skill and styles. Its been one of the more enjoyable groups to watch from the standpoint of checking all boxes for everything I like to see in a class that will have to be "marketed" if you will to college coaches. This class seems to have everything that coaches could want as well as depth with every position, which isn't common in any state let alone WV. Here's another group of outstanding players that can flat put the ball in the bucket. Shooters, slashers, dashers, finishers, etc.