High School Preview: Woodside Loaded for State Title Run

The talent coming back to the 757 next season is loaded, and few teams in the state may have as much firepower returning as the Woodside Wolverines. Year after year, Woodside finds itself in the conversation among Virginia's premier programs, and there is little reason to believe that changes heading into next season. With four key returners already turning heads on the AAU circuit this spring and summer, the Wolverines look primed to make another serious run.   One thing that separates Woodside from many programs across the state is the culture surrounding the team. The Wolverines live in the gym. Multiple workouts throughout the day, constant skill development, and former college players regularly returning to mentor the younger guys has created an environment built on accountability and improvement. That standard starts with head coach Stef Welsh, who continues to prove why he is regarded as one of the best coaches in Virginia high school basketball. The consistency, toughness, and discipline Woodside brings every season is no accident.   On paper, this may already be the early favorite to win a state championship next season.    [player_tooltip player_id='2898054' first='Jayden' last='Detrick'] is one of those players every winning team needs. The 6-foot-4 guard is a knockdown shooter who understands how to impact the game both with and without the basketball. Whether he is spacing the floor, relocating into open windows, or attacking closeouts, Detrick consistently makes the right reads offensively.   What stands out most is how effectively he is playing within the flow of the game. He does not force much and has a natural feel for when to score. Defensively, his length and physicality allow him to guard multiple positions and create problems on the perimeter. He has had a very productive spring with Team Push MHC 17U alongside fellow Woodside standout Donnell Jarrett Jr., and his consistency has been a major factor in that group's success.   Heading into next season, Detrick will be a major piece for Woodside on both ends of the floor.     Donnell “Deuce” Jarrett Jr. continues to establish himself as one of the top guards in the 757 regardless of class. What makes him so dangerous is his versatility offensively. He can hurt defenses from beyond the arc, create off the bounce, change speeds effectively, and make plays for teammates when defenses collapse.   This spring, he has stood out as more than just a scorer. His ability to move without the basketball and remain a constant threat has taken another step forward. Pairing him alongside another high-level guard like MJ Montague creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. There simply are not many backcourts in Virginia capable of containing both guards for four quarters.   Jarrett has also noticeably added strength and muscle since last season, which has helped him finish through contact and handle physical defenders more effectively. Playing with Team Push MHC 17U, he has emerged as one of the group's leading scorers all spring long while continuing to elevate his overall game.   Expect him to be one of the premier guards in the state next season.     Few players in Virginia have seen their stock rise more this spring than MJ Montague. The explosive guard has been one of the key pieces for [program_tooltip program_id='3424568' first='Team' last='Loaded Gold'] 17U on the Adidas 3SSB Gold circuit, helping lead the program to an undefeated 14-0 start.   Montague recently picked up his first college offer from Hampden–Sydney College, and it is unlikely to be his last. College coaches have been impressed with the complete package he brings to the floor. He is an elite scorer who can shoot it at a high level, but his playmaking ability and defensive presence have also stood out throughout the spring.   At the recent CBG event, Montague was lights out from deep, shooting 7-for-9 from three-point range while finishing the weekend at 78% from beyond the arc. His confidence, physicality, and ability to make winning plays continue to separate him from many guards in his class.   He has all the tools to emerge as one of the best players in the 757 next season.     If there is one player whose name keeps coming up every weekend this spring, it is Trenton Smalling. Smalling has been phenomenal for [program_tooltip program_id='3424568' first='Team' last='Loaded Gold'] 17U this summer and has quickly become one of the biggest stock risers in Virginia.   The athletic guard has been leading [program_tooltip program_id='3424568' first='Team' last='Loaded Gold'] in scoring while producing at an extremely efficient level. Through the spring, he is averaging over 17.5 points per game while shooting above 60% from the field. Defensively, he has been equally impressive, averaging over four steals per game and constantly creating havoc with his activity and intensity.   Smalling was already a key contributor for Woodside last season, but his development over the last several months has been significant. He looks more confident, more assertive offensively, and continues to impact winning in multiple ways.   When you combine his production with the pieces around him, it becomes easy to understand why Woodside enters next season with massive expectations. This is a team loaded with toughness, athleticism, shot-making, and defensive intensity. Every time they step on the floor, they bring a different level of energy and competitiveness.   The Wolverines are going to be very difficult to beat next season.

The talent coming back to the 757 next season is loaded, and few teams in the state may have as much firepower returning as the Woodside Wolverines. Year after year, Woodside finds itself in the conversation among Virginia's premier programs, and there is little reason to believe that changes heading into next season. With four key returners already turning heads on the AAU circuit this spring and summer, the Wolverines look primed to make another serious run.