Updated 2028 Rankings: NOVA Prospects (Part 2)

We at Prep Hoops VA recently updated our 2028 rankings, expanding to 100 prospects who we feel are ones to watch in the sophomore class. Here's a look at part two of the prospects from the Northern VA area in the rankings.   #15) [player_tooltip player_id='2918960' first='Malachi' last='Lee'] | 6'2” SG | Westfield   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Malachi-Johnson-Melee.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/Malachi-Johnson-Melee.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1969527" /></a></figure>   Lee is a two sport athlete who shines on the football field as well, and he played a major role in Westfield securing the VHSL Class 6 State Championship this year. It's obvious why the 6'2” guard is a football star as he's very strong and athletic and doesn't shy away from contact, he's got a quick first step and attacks downhill aggressively, he is a very good defender and rebounder, and he can score the ball without needing it too much in his hands.   #16) [player_tooltip player_id='2194772' first='Cameron' last='Jefferson'] | 6'1” CG | Gainesville   Jefferson had a breakout season for a very talented Gainesville team, and he's emerging as one of the top young prospects in all of the DMV moving forward. The 6'1” combo is a super talented shot maker who can create space off the bounce and hit contested shots from all over, he's dynamic in transition with athletic finishing ability, he can put defenders on an island or work out of ball screens, and he has great instincts on the defensive end too.   #17) [player_tooltip player_id='3336925' first='Chum' last='Kodi'] | 6'9” C | Highland   Kodi didn't play too much for Highland this season as they were very deep and he's still somewhat of a project, but he is chock full of potential and could be a big time player over the next few years. The 6'9” center has a big frame and he moves well for his size already, he can hit the glass on both ends and gets put backs relatively easily, he's shown the ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots, and he will only get better with time and reps.   #18) [player_tooltip player_id='2815380' first='Jayden' last='Banks'] | 6'5” SF | Highland   Banks was a breakout player for Highland this year, earning more time and opportunities throughout the year, and he is starting to turn the corner from potential to production. The 6'5” wing is bouncy in transition and when he gets downhill, he uses his length to contest shots and jump passing lanes, he can knock down shots from deep and on one-to-two dribble pull-ups, and he projects as a “3 and d” archetype moving forward.   #20) [player_tooltip player_id='3336926' first='Jaeden' last='Palmer'] | 6'2” CG | Highland   Palmer was another breakout player for Highland this year after transferring from Patriot, and he was a player that you saw get better and more confident as the season went on. The 6'2” combo guard is a scrappy defender who can move his feet and stay in front of ball handlers, he is shifty off the bounce and gets in the paint regularly, he can knock down shots from deep and in the midrange, and he plays with a great motor as well.   #21) Hudson Moshtashari | 6'2” CG | Bishop O'Connell   Moshtashari was an integral part of O'Connell's rotation this year and that role will only grow as time goes on, as he's the perfect glue guard to compliment more offensive and scoring type of guards. The 6'2” combo is a very good secondary ball handler who makes good decisions and can make plays late in the shot clock, he can move off the ball and knock down shots at a consistent rate, he is a tough nosed defender who can frustrate ball handlers, and over the summer he should be able to show his scoring prowess a little more.   #23) [player_tooltip player_id='2918915' first='Aiden' last='Friend'] | 6'3” SG | St. Stephen's St. Agnes   Friend is part of a young SSSAS core that will be a tough out if they all stay together, and he took a big leap this year and should take an even bigger one next season. The 6'3” off guard is an all-around talent who is strong and athletic around the rim as a finisher, he can work off the ball to get open and make shots on the move, he can create in transition and in isolation, and he is a high motor defender on and off the ball too.

We at Prep Hoops VA recently updated our 2028 rankings, expanding to 100 prospects who we feel are ones to watch in the sophomore class. Here's a look at part two of the prospects from the Northern VA area in the rankings.