Updated 2028 Rankings: NOVA Forwards Primed for a Big Junior Year

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We recently updated our class of 2028 rankings in the state of Virginia, going to 142 prospects from across the state we believe will be players to keep an eye on moving forward. Obviously the list will change plenty over the next two seasons, but for now here's a look atof some of the top junior forwards in the Northern VA areas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2847084"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa449cdc6161"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fitzgerald transferred back to Flint Hill after a big season at Highland last year, and he'll be a big part of a Huskies team that will be a dark horse team in the DMV this year. The 6'7” hybrid forward is a walking mismatch who can shoot it and put it on the deck on the perimeter, he can post up smaller defenders in the paint with good touch around the rim, he is a sneaky athlete who can play above the rim and is a good rim protector, and he's a good passer for his position too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3659467"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa449cdc619f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tchounteu has shown a lot of improvement over the past season at Episcopal, and is coming off a big summer with AKT and Episcopal where he showed he's going to be a handful to keep up with this year. He's a load in the paint with a strong upper body and the ability to use his physicality to clear out space, he finishes well around the rim with both hands through contact, he can step out to the midrange area and is a good free throw shooter, he's very active on the glass, and he's just scratching the surface with how good he can be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3336925"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa449cdc61c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kodi took some big strides last year as a sophomore on a very talented Highland group, and he is player to watch for as he continues to develop and improve over the next few years. At 6'9” he has a great frame and is strong when battling in the paint, he's explosive for his size and is able to play above the rim, he runs the floor well and plays with a good motor, and he has shown the ability to step out and knock down shots too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2854109"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa449cdc61e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aeyle is set up to have a big junior season at Independence, as the 6'6” mismatch forward has only continued to improve over the years and is going to be a tough matchup for anyone in their area. He's a hybrid forward who is very strong in the paint and is willing to post smaller defenders and finishes well in the paint, he can step out and knock down shots from deep, he is very good in the midrange with the ability to run the offense from the high post, and he brings versatility on the defensive end as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3554607"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa449cdc6202"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Andreassen transferred to Evergreen from Loudoun County this summer after a successful sophomore season there, and I expect him to be a big contributor with his versatility and ability to play inside-out for them. He can knock down open shots from deep to stretch the defense, he has good footwork and soft touch around the rim, he's a high IQ passer and unselfish playmaker, and while he may be a bit undersized he's long enough to challenge shots at the rim and moves his feet well enough to switch on ball screens and hand-offs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3728054"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa449cdc6222"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While Devereaux is still a project, he has shown a lot of improvement over the past year or so and is chock full of potential, and I wouldn't be shocked to see him skyrocket up this list if he continues his trajectory. He's a legit 7 footer so he's obviously one to alter shots and make guards question taking layups around the rim, he rebounds well in and out of his area, he plays with a good motor and should fill out well with time, and he has good touch around the rim as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3554616"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa449cdc6241"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Adda is heading into McLean after a good sophomore campaign and good summer with the NOVA Cavs ready to have a monster year, and his versatility makes him an absolute nightmare to game plan and matchup with. At 6'5” he's one of those new age forwards with a blend of strength and athleticism that allows him to play and guard multiple positions, he shoots a good ball from deep and is a consistent threat to knock down shots, he can post up smaller defenders and finishes well with both hands around the rim through contact, and he is continuing to improve his ability to put it on the deck and create for himself and others.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->