Top Recent Underclassmen Performers (2029)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Take a closer look at some of the top underclassmen performers in the 804. These prospects are the next wave of great players to come out of the Richmond area and are looking to have breakout seasons for their High School programs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3721837"],"_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-6ae12edfd9efb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3721837' first='Jacob' last='Sanders'] is one of the best players in his class regardless of position. He had a great summer with Rockit MHC with Coach Jerron Athey and is looking to build on that heading into his sophomore season with L.C. Bird. Jacob isn't afraid of the spotlight and we've seen that time and time again in all the CBG events thus far he is ready for the big stage. He is a quick and shifty guard with great length and instincts on both sides of the ball. He uses his body well to get to his spots and score in bunches. Jacob is a consistent shooter and fearless finisher inside, he does a great job of attacking and getting downhill while also making the right plays for his team. I believe he will be a scholarship level player and among one of the more talked about players in the Richmond area this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3554533"],"_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-6ae12edfd9f69"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3554533' first='Jemell' last='Smith'] reclassified from the 2028 class to the 2029 class at Cristo Rey and he was given the keys to the team at a young age at Cristo Rey and it definitely has paid off thus far. Jemell plays beyond his years with poise and control, a pass-first point guard who can score when needed but is a great example of a pure point guard who is an extension of the coaching staff when he is on the floor. He is lightning quick and beats his defenders off the dribble often to create for himself or others. Jemell is someone that defenses will have a tough time containing as he attacks as he finishes through contact well and has a very consitent pull-up jumper. I have enjoyed watching Jemell operate in ball screens and displaying his High IQ play. What isn't talked about enough with his game is his elite defensive presence, he excels in making the opposing guard struggle. He will be a guard college coaches should want to keep an eye on as he continues to progress. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3554524"],"_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-6ae12edfd9fc1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3554524' first='Javarius' last='Thurston'] is now a 2029 point guard at TPLS who has been under the radar for a while, but he has repeatedly shown he deserves recognition. He is lightning-quick and a reliable scorer and playmaker, but what stands out most is his relentless effort and ability to compete on every possession. He has been an immediate impact player for TPLS thus far and always makes his teammates better when he's on the court. I've enjoyed watching him and seeing the value he brings on the floor on both sides of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3723438"],"_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-6ae12edfda013"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3723438' first='Landon' last='Irwin'] may be a newer name for most, but he's already established himself as a pivotal piece for Deep Run thus far under Coach Doug Bibby. Landon is a pure sharpshooter who can get hot from beyond the arc and simply makes the right plays when he's out there. He will have a large role as a sophomore for Deep Run, which will be crucial for his growth moving forward. Landon is a workhorse and loves to compete; he stands at about 6 feet tall and looks like he's still growing. He is one of the more promising long-term prospects in the Henrico County area with his ball-handling skills, sharpshooting, and relentless motor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3346359"],"_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-6ae133d0234de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3346359' first='Blake' last='Watkins'] is another name people should begin to become familiar with. He was the leading scorer last season for The Steward School and is a lights-out shooter and scoring guard. He has the ability to take over a game, and he makes an impact every time he's on the court. Although he's been sidelined for a little bit with an injury, once he returns, the Spartans should be one of the stronger teams in the area. Blake is a smooth operator who controls the game and plays with maturity. It'll be intriguing to see him take on a larger role this year with another key player transferring out; he will be the focal point of the offense, but those who know Blake know he is up for the challenge. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->