Preseason Player of the Year Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the players who could make a run for player of the year in West Virginia. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2211906' first='Eli' last='Sancomb']<br><br><img class="wp-image-3044498" style="width: 150px" src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/sancomb2-crop-1639x1076-1762769907.jpg" alt=""><br>Sancomb is obviously the odds on favorite as he's the returning PoY and there's certainly no reason to believe he'll not repeat. I'm anxious to see the add layers to his game coming off an offseason full of recruiting and speculation. Sancomb, who's committed to the Liberty Flames program, took the role as primary scorer last season and did it with being aggressive toward the basket and mastering his finishing game. I think this year we'll see a strong jump shooting element along with displaying the ability to play at a very high pace. Sancomb certainly has more tools in his toolbox than anyone else in the state currently and is the favorite until someone proves me wrong. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1851878' first='Noah' last='Lewis']<br><br><img class="wp-image-3044499" style="width: 150px" src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/NOAHLEWIS2-crop-320x211-1762769953.jpg" alt=""><br>Lewis is not only one of the best players in West Virginia but in my opinion one of the most improved over the course of four three years in terms of bigs, forwards, etc.. He's done a great job of constantly developing and providing more value to his game no matter what arena that is. Lewis has already committed to Wright State and has a chance to contribute immediately and looks the part. Lewis while playing at one of the most notable programs in WV will certainly get plenty of ink this season and will certainly have a chance to win PoY honors being that he's playing in Charleston and against the top competition level in the state. If coach Greene unleashes him and gives him a full green lights then look out because the PoY battle will heat up. <br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2243492' first='Dazon' last='Reid']<br><br><img class="wp-image-2697850" style="width: 150px" src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/eZy-Watermark_16-12-2024_09-22-27-5680PM.jpeg" alt=""><br>Reid is an imposing guard and relentless on both ends. He's a pace setter and a good one because he's comfortable at any tempo. His only drawback may be he's on a team of high level players that its oh so easy to dish the ball to. However, nobody was ever disappointed in a triple double and Reid is certainly capable of that anytime he steps on the floor. Reid has alot of mid-major interest with several impending offers at places he'll be a tremendous player. While he's only a junior, Reid can still make a push for PoY while at one of the premier preps in the US based on playing high level competition and having huge games which is exactly what I'm anticipating. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2114433' first='Zyon' last='Hawthorne']<br><img class="wp-image-3044503" style="width: 150px" src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/zyhawthorne.jpg" alt=""><br>Hawthorne is probably the least likely to win of this group but in a position where we can't leave him out of the conversation. He's starting to look like a high level college player and coaches are starting to notice. His change of pace and direction as a point guard are at a high level and that extends well beyond his home state. If Zyon strings together some impressive showings in the right events he could emerge as the darkhorse candidate in the PoY race. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others to mention:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1510473' first='Jeremiah' last='Hammond']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1851975' first='Max' last='Olejasz']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2340983' first='Connor' last='Balwanz']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2053688' first='Jasiah' last='King']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2306566' first='Isaiah' last='Turner']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->