Updated 2028 Rankings: 540/434/276 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 Central/Western area in the rankings.   #38) [player_tooltip player_id='2395088' first='Carlos' last='Lanier'] | 6'1” CG | North Cross   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/716-Carlos-Lanier.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/716-Carlos-Lanier.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2552812" /></a></figure>   Lanier had a big sophomore season for North Cross which had one of the best backcourts in the state, and he's emerging as one of the top guards in the Roanoke area moving forward. The 6'1” combo has a strong build and quick hands that allows him to defend and get deflections or steals relatively easily, he is a dead eye shooter from deep with range and is wildly efficient from behind the arc, and he can create for himself and others off the bounce as well.   #45) [player_tooltip player_id='3554541' first='Devin' last='Mikell'] | 6'5” SF | Stuart Hall   Mikell stepped into a Stuart Hall group that was already talented coming off a state championship, and he fit right in looking like one of their better long term prospects throughout the season. He has great positional size and is a good athlete who can play above the rim when he gets downhill and on lobs, he can knock it down from deep both off the catch and using step backs and pull-ups, and he can create for himself and others both in transition and using ball screens in the half court.   #47) [player_tooltip player_id='2918943' first='Linney' last='Reed'] | 5'11” PG | Stuart Hall   Reed started for Stuart Hall as a freshman when they won the VISAA D-IV state championship, and came back with an even better season his sophomore year. The 5'11” lead guard has great intangibles as he's a leader both vocally and by example, he's lightning quick with blow by speed and a tight handle to break down defenders, he sees the floor well and makes plays for others, and he's a very good on ball defender too.   #48) [player_tooltip player_id='3554542' first='Amalachi' last='Poindexter'] | 6'0” CG | Orange   Poindexter took the reigns for Orange this year and it proved to be the right decision, as he was one of the more consistent guards in the Charlottesville area all season long. He's an aggressive downhill attacker who lives in the lane and can make plays for others when the defense collapses, he's able to finish through contact or create space in the midrange as well, and defensively he sets the tone with his ability to hound ball handlers and be a pesty on ball defender.   #51) [player_tooltip player_id='2919099' first='Patrick' last='Steptoe'] | 5'9” PG | Virginia Episcopal   Steptoe may have played behind some very talented upperclassmen this past season, but he likely learned a lot and will have the keys given to him over the next few years. He's quick and crafty with the ability to change speeds and keep defenders off balance, he has a great middle game when he gets downhill to negate his size and finish over bigger defenders, he can step into the trey ball when defenders sag off, and he has great instincts on the defensive end too.   #53) [player_tooltip player_id='2548192' first='Ty' last='Martin'] | 6'2” PG | Graham   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/705-Ty-Martin.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/705-Ty-Martin.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2552806" /></a></figure>   Martin has been a fixture of this Graham group since the day he stepped on campus, and he played a big role in their run to the state tournament as just a sophomore. He's a high IQ bigger guard who can get downhill and use his size to see cutters and shooters and deliver passes on time, he can move off the ball where he can knock it down from deep and use his IQ as a cutter for easy buckets, and he's willing and capable of playing multiple roles throughout the game depending on the lineup they throw out there.   #58) [player_tooltip player_id='3554548' first='Elijah' last='Lacey'] | 5'9” PG | Mountain View   Lacey had a breakout year at Mountain View as he was handed the keys as the primary ball handler and playmaker, and he didn't disappoint as he put up an impressive 12.3 points, 4.1 assists and 2.6 steals per game. The 5'9” guard is lightning quick with the ability to push in transition or blow by defenders in the half court, he has great vision and timing on his passes that can thread the needle for easy buckets, he picks his spots and scores it efficiently, and he has great instincts on the defensive end 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 Central/Western area in the rankings.