Top 2028 Standouts at Big Shots Richmond Live

The Big Shots Richmond Live period featured plenty of talent across all age groups, but the 2028 class may have been the biggest eye-opener of the weekend. Multiple young prospects stepped into the spotlight against older competition and showed why Virginia, along with surrounding areas, continues to produce high-level young talent.   From explosive guards to physical interior presences, several 2028 prospects used the weekend to firmly place themselves on the radar moving forward.    [player_tooltip player_id='2919016' first='Luke' last='Tomlin'] was one of the more productive guards in attendance regardless of class. The 2028 floor general led the 16U NCAA Certified Division in scoring at 18.5 points per game while also consistently creating opportunities for teammates throughout the event.   Tomlin plays with tremendous pace and confidence as a lead guard. He pushes tempo, keeps defenses under pressure, and does an excellent job balancing scoring with playmaking responsibilities. What stood out most was his ability to control the game without forcing action.   The Liberty Christian guard can really shoot the basketball, but he's far more than just a perimeter scorer. Tomlin used crafty ball handling, change of pace, and quick bursts to get downhill and create paint touches throughout the weekend. Once he got defenders off balance, he either finished himself or made smart reads finding teammates.   Defensively, Tomlin competed at a high level every game. He was active in passing lanes, pressured opposing guards, and consistently created transition opportunities with his energy and instincts. His overall motor and feel for the game made him one of the top young guards at the event.     Makhi Wood continued to show why he's one of the more dangerous young scorers in the region after another impressive weekend in Richmond. The Team Creed guard averaged 15.5 points per game while displaying a polished offensive skill set.   Wood's ability to create offense stood out immediately. He plays with confidence off the bounce and does a great job using hesitations and pace changes to create separation. Whether attacking the rim or stopping on a dime for pull-up jumpers, Wood consistently found ways to score efficiently.   The Bethel guard also proved to be a serious perimeter threat. His shot preparation is advanced for his age, and he consistently stepped into catch-and-shoot opportunities with confidence. Once he gets going offensively, he can pile up points quickly.   What makes Wood intriguing long term is the balance in his offensive game. He can hurt defenses from deep, create off the dribble, and finish plays at the basket despite his size. His scoring instincts were among the best in the 2028 division.     Few 2028 prospects brought the physical presence [player_tooltip player_id='3554606' first='Evan' last='Lee'] did throughout the weekend. The 6-foot-4 forward consistently impacted games with his strength, rebounding, and interior toughness.   Lee carved out space inside all event long and was extremely effective establishing deep post position. Once he sealed defenders near the basket, he finished efficiently around the rim using strong hands and soft touch. He showed comfort scoring over either shoulder and played with tremendous physicality in the paint.   What stood out beyond the scoring was Lee's activity level on the glass. He rebounded at a high rate on both ends and consistently gave his team second-chance opportunities. His willingness to do the dirty work and embrace contact made him one of the more productive frontcourt players in attendance.   Lee also flashed improved footwork and mobility attacking from short drives and face-up situations. As his offensive game continues to expand, his upside becomes even more intriguing.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jace Nicholson | 6'3 Guard | 2028 | Hanover HS | Team Loaded 804 Black</h2>   Another 2028 prospect who made a strong impression throughout the weekend was Jace Nicholson. The 6-foot-1 guard possesses one of the smoother offensive skill sets in the class and consistently showcases his ability to score the basketball in a variety of ways.   Nicholson's shooting ability immediately stands out. He has clean mechanics, quick preparation, and shoots the ball with confidence both off the catch and off the dribble. Whether coming off movement, stepping into catch-and-shoot opportunities, or creating separation for pull-ups, Nicholson consistently looked comfortable and under control offensively.   What makes him especially intriguing is his versatility as a scorer. He can attack closeouts effectively, use long strides to get downhill, and finish plays with touch around the basket. Nicholson also flashed advanced footwork for his age, particularly in the mid-range where he created space efficiently getting to pull-ups and fadeaways.   Beyond the scoring, Nicholson showed quality feel as a secondary playmaker. He handled the ball well in different lineup combinations, made smart reads, and displayed patience operating in the half court. His overall pace and understanding of the game stood out throughout the live period.   With his size, shot-making ability, and polished offensive game, Nicholson continues to look like one of the more fundamentally sound and skilled guards in Virginia's 2028 class, playing up in the 17U division.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Young Talent Continues to Shine</h2>   The 2028 group at Big Shots Richmond Live featured no shortage of talent, and several players proved they're already capable of producing in high-level live period environments.   Whether it was polished lead guards, dynamic scorers, or physical frontcourt players, the future of the region looks extremely bright. As these prospects continue developing physically and skill-wise over the next few years, expect many of these names to become nationally recognized recruits down the road.

The Big Shots Richmond Live period featured plenty of talent across all age groups, but the 2028 class may have been the biggest eye-opener of the weekend. Multiple young prospects stepped into the spotlight against older competition and showed why Virginia, along with surrounding areas, continues to produce high-level young talent.