<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>With the high school season getting underway, we at Prep Hoops VA will be taking a look at some previews for the season in each classification. We'll look at both state title contenders, as well as preseason All State teams. Here's a look at our picks for Preseason First Team All State in VHSL Class 3.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>POY: [player_tooltip player_id='1494115' first='Cy' last='Hardy'] | 5'11” PG | Northside '25</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":2568105,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImagecGVAYb.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImagecGVAYb.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2568105" /></a></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>The two time reigning state player of the year comes in as the obvious favorite to win it again, and the way he's led them to two straight state championships it wouldn't be a shocker if he can get to the rare three-peat and go down as a legend. The 5'11” guard is exactly what you want in a p point guard, as he uses no wasted motion in his moves, get to his spots with ease and is highly efficient as a three level scorer. He makes plays for others off the bounce, he is an excellent point of attack defender and he makes plays in the biggest moments for his team.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1963391' first='Deshawn' last='Spellman'] | 6'7” SF | Hopewell '26</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":1922879,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/Spellman-Deshawn.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/Spellman-Deshawn.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1922879" /></a></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Spellman transferred to Hopewell after being a two year starter at Landstown, and he's one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2026 class and is on a Hopewell team that is set to make a run at the championship this year. The 6'7” wing is a dead eye shooter from deep who doesn't need a ton of space to get his shot off with his size, and he's an athletic finisher who thrives in transition as well. He can get to spots off the bounce and make tough shots, he uses his length defensively to get deflections and challenge shots and he's a walking mismatch that most teams won't be able to matchup with.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2561115' first='Jack' last='Castner'] | 6'5” SG | Western Albemarle '26</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":2566650,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageQ5RcAg.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageQ5RcAg.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2566650" /></a></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Castner is set up to have a breakout junior season for a Western team that is always in the running come February, and the way he played this summer makes me think he'll have a huge season this year. The 6'5” wing is a dead eye shooter from deep who sets his feet quickly on the move and can make shots coming off screens, and he can work on the ball where he can create space as well. He has a very high IQ on both ends of the floor, he can get hot quickly and take over games and he is an unselfish and high motor player too.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1494113' first='Camryn' last='Pacheco'] | 6'3” CG | Spotswood '25</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":2675564,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Pacheco-Camryn-rotated-crop-2815x1849-1733082454.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Pacheco-Camryn-rotated-crop-2815x1849-1733082454.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2675564" /></a></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Pacheco is a two time All State selection at Spotswood and is part of a super talented backcourt that is highly experienced and will look to make a deep run this season. The Mount St. Mary's commit is already off to a hot start with a 44 point game in their season opener, and that probably won't be the only time he has a huge game that like as he's built to score the basketball. The 6'3” combo has an array of shots he can make including from deep off the catch and off the bounce, he gets to spots in the midrange, he can post smaller guards and he is a very good finisher in traffic too.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1767531' first='Mykell' last='Harvey'] | 6'2” SG | Northside '25</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":2452170,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImagexaCTG8.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/tempImagexaCTG8.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2452170" /></a></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Harvey was a First Team All State selection last year helping lead Northside to their second straight state championship, and he's one of the top two way players in the entire state. A division one football commit, Harvey is an exceptional athlete who plays with a great motor on both ends, and he puts relentless pressure on the defense with his speed and athleticism. He's big time in transition with his ability to play above the rim, he is a lock down defender who can shut down the other team's best player and he can make open shots on kick-outs and pull-ups too.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2451946' first='Tyrell' last='Beverly'] | 6'6” PF | Norcom '25</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Beverly is coming off a great junior year and summer on the 3SSB Circuit with Team Push, and he's set to be one of the best players in the 757 this season. The 6'6” forward is a big time athlete and plays extremely hard on both ends of the floor, and his versatility makes him a walking mismatch and allows him to produce across the board. He can guard multiple positions and is a very good rim protector, he thrives in transition with his athleticism, he's relentless on the offensive glass and he scores it very well in the paint and in the midrange area too.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2459359' first='Jisaiah' last='Bryant'] | 6'5” SF | Liberty Christian '26</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":2548659,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageolUVDx.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageolUVDx.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2548659" /></a></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Bryant is coming off a big sophomore season and has already had a great start to his junior year for an LCA group that is set to make some noise this year. The 6'5” wing is a strong and athletic allowing him to attack downhill and finish through contact, and he gets to the rim at will where he can play above the rim with authority. He can knock down open shots from deep off the catch, he can post smaller defenders, he's a good rebounder on both ends and he plays with a good motor on both ends.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2347779' first='Nick' last='Byrd'] | 6'0” PG | Hopewell '26</strong></p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Byrd has been a starter for Hopewell since day one, and he's got the perfect team around him to do what he does best, which is run the show and make plays for himself and others. He's improved quite a bit in his shot making and has put up some big numbers already this season, with his ability to knock down shots from deep off the bounce and get to the rim at will where he can finish over bigger defenders. He has great feel and delivers passes with both hands, he changes speeds well and has a tight handle and he's a good on ball defender too.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
With the high school season getting underway, we at Prep Hoops VA will be taking a look at some previews for the season in each classification. We'll look at both state title contenders, as well as preseason All State teams. Here's a look at our picks for Preseason First Team All State in VHSL Class 3.
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Already a subscriber?
Log in