804 Recent Standouts (January)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/F36C3280-3903-4A06-BD79-4CF9B76DB269.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/F36C3280-3903-4A06-BD79-4CF9B76DB269.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3345644" style="width:598px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <p>804 Recent January Standouts</p>   <p>Written by Scout Riley Highfill</p>   <p>January is always when the separation starts to show. Conference play becomes more intense. Scouting reports get thicker. The guys who can handle being the focus every night begin to rise to the top. Across the 804, a few players have put together impressive stretches over the last few weeks. They may be carrying a contender, emerging as a breakout piece, or proving they belong in next-level conversations. Here are some of the standouts who have made the month notable.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2194718' first='Justin' last='Golden'] — 5'10 PG, 2028 — Henrico HS</h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/IMG_3117-crop-1141x749-1768231489.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/IMG_3117-crop-1141x749-1768231489.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3345689" style="object-fit:cover;width:300px;height:300px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: instagram @justingoldenn_</figcaption></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2194718' first='Justin' last='Golden'] has quietly become the engine that makes Henrico go. Even as one of the younger players in the rotation, he carries himself like a veteran floor general. Golden runs the show with poise, controlling pace, organizing teammates, and making the right read more often than not. While many know him as a scorer, what truly sets him apart is his exceptional feel for the game. He uses ball screens extremely well. He gets two feet in the lane. He keeps defenses guessing between his pull-up jumper. His ability to finish inside and his knack for setting up teammates also contribute.</p>   <p>His shooting has taken a noticeable leap as the season has gone on. With that confidence has come even more responsibility. Coaches trust him to make the right play, and that's rare for a 2028. You can see the maturity in how he plays and how he carries himself — always composed, always in control. Golden is already one of the top young guards in Virginia. Once his recruitment opens up, he won't stay under the radar for long.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1782689' first='Faron' last='Friend'] — 6'5 G, 2026 — Glen Allen</h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Friend-Faron.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Friend-Faron.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2198957" style="object-fit:cover;width:300px;height:300px" /></a></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1782689' first='Faron' last='Friend'] continues to do what he's done all year: put pressure on the scoreboard. Friend is one of the most dangerous shooters in the state. He has been on a tear in January with performances of 27 against Deep Run. He scored 22 versus Bird and 24 against Cosby. Every scouting report is built around stopping him, and it hasn't mattered much. His jumper is consistent. His range is deep. He's comfortable taking — and making — tough shots when defenses sell out.</p>   <p>As Glen Allen's all-time leading scorer, Friend has embraced being the focal point of every game plan. Teams throw different coverages at him nightly. However, he still finds ways to get to his spots. He continues to keep his team competitive. With his combination of size, shooting, and confidence, he remains one of the top available guards in the 804. He is a serious candidate for postseason honors in his region.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Blake Watkins — 6'1 G, 2029 — Steward</h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Watkins-Blake.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Watkins-Blake.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2967828" style="object-fit:cover;width:300px;height:300px" /></a></figure>   <p>Blake Watkins has quickly gone from unknown to must-know. The freshman transfer from Manchester has been electric for a young Steward squad. He provides scoring punch and energy well beyond his years. His recent stretch — 22 against Atlantic Shores, 19 versus St. Chris, and 29 against TPLS — has shown him as one of the top young guards in the area.</p>   <p>Watkins scores at all three levels, but it's his shot-making and quickness that jump off the page. He's a true sharpshooter who can also put it on the deck, change pace, and get to his spots. Averaging nearly 20 points per game already, he's only scratching the surface of what he can become. It is rare for a freshman to play with this level of confidence and production. Steward will benefit from these qualities for years to come.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2898028' first='Joel' last='Nicholson'] — 6'2 PG, 2027 — Hanover</h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Image-1-crop-1242x815-1768231561.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Image-1-crop-1242x815-1768231561.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3345694" style="object-fit:cover;width:300px;height:300px" /></a></figure>   <p>Few players in the 804 have been as impactful this season as [player_tooltip player_id='2898028' first='Joel' last='Nicholson']. His stat lines tell part of the story. He averages over 23 points per game, more than five rebounds, over three assists, and more than four steals. However, the film shows even more. Nicholson has been the heartbeat of Hanover. He leads the team in nearly every major category. He does this while facing the full attention of opposing defenses.</p>   <p>January and December showcased impressive performances. He scored 33 points against Mechanicsville. He tallied 29 points and 8 rebounds against Warhill. Against Tucker, he achieved 23 points with 9 steals. His performance remained consistent night after night. He's a change-of-pace guard who controls tempo, attacks off the bounce, and makes great reads out of ball screens. On the defensive end, his anticipation and activity stand out. He is one of the best on-ball and passing-lane defenders in the state.</p>   <p>Nicholson's experience playing up an age group with Team Loaded 804 has clearly paid off. His confidence, composure, and feel for the game have all taken a leap. It shows every time he steps on the floor. Expect him to be an all-region type player and a name college coaches circle heading into the spring and summer.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Troy Tomlin — 6'3 G, 2027 — John Marshall</h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/IMG_7855.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/IMG_7855.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2192875" style="object-fit:cover;width:300px;height:300px" /></a></figure>   <p>Troy Tomlin is as real as it gets. The transfer from Paul VI has wasted no time making his presence felt at John Marshall. He's been one of the most productive guards in the state this season. Tomlin is a high-level athlete with deep scoring ability. He can hurt defenses from anywhere on the floor. This could be above the rim, in transition, or pulling up off the bounce.</p>   <p>A recent 32-point, 17-rebound, three-steal performance is just a snapshot of the type of impact he brings. He already has Division I offers from Duquesne, Chattanooga, and Radford. His recruitment is well underway. More schools will continue to come through. Tomlin possesses a mix of athleticism, shot-making, and competitiveness. This combination makes him a nightmare matchup. He is one of the top prospects in Virginia, regardless of class.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Myles Tyler — 6'1 G, 2026 — Thomas Dale</h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Image-1-crop-1454x955-1768231636.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Image-1-crop-1454x955-1768231636.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3345699" style="object-fit:cover;width:300px;height:300px" /></a></figure>   <p>Myles Tyler is the definition of a winning guard. He may not always lead the box score, but his impact is felt everywhere. His performance against Western Branch showcased his capabilities. He scored 22 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and made a clutch game-tying three to force overtime. This was a perfect example of what he brings to the table.</p>   <p>Tyler is an efficient shooter from deep, but he's just as effective attacking the rim and playing through contact. One of his most underrated traits is his rebounding. He consistently plays bigger than his size. He comes up with extra possessions. Add in his defensive versatility, and you have a guard who can truly do it all. A former Team Loaded 804 standout, Tyler knows how to fit into winning environments. He is a major reason Thomas Dale has been successful early in the season. Any college that lands him is getting a player who impacts the game in every way that matters.</p>   <p></p>   <p>January gave us a clear look at who's ready to step up when games start to matter most. Young guards like Golden and Watkins are breaking through. Proven producers like Friend, Nicholson, Tomlin, and Tyler continue to shine. The 804 is loaded with talent. It's only getting better as the season rolls on.</p>   <p></p>