6 Players Ready to Take the "Junior Jump" in the 757

Heading into the high school season, I would like to highlight some players that I think are underrated or under recruited by colleges. These players are, in my opinion, either being overlooked by colleges at the level they could play for, or don't have enough schools at that level that are aware of the impact they could bring. Here's a look at six juniors in the Hampton Roads area that could have a breakout season this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='2470583' first='Trey' last='Barnhart'] | 6'2” PG | Kellam   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/tempImagekcnpFl.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/tempImagekcnpFl.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2502944" /></a></figure>   Barnhart isn't exactly unknown in the 757 area, as he's been the starter for Kellam since he was a freshman and has had a great career for them so far, but this season I believe he'll emerge as one of the best guards in the Beach District this year. The 6'2” guard is fundamentally sound with a high IQ as he can get to spots has great footwork to get to his pull-up which is very consistent, he sees the floor well and makes plays for others, he changes speeds well to get in the paint and is excellent in ball screens, and he plays within his game and scores it efficiently from all three levels.    [player_tooltip player_id='2815386' first='Kelley' last='King Jr.'] | 6'0” PG | Oscar Smith   King Jr. was quietly one of the best guards in Chesapeake at Great Bridge last season, and now he's transferring to local powerhouse Oscar Smith where more people will be able to see how talented he is on a very good team. The 6'0” guard is a walking bucket who can blow by defenders and finishes well at the rim and in the midrange area, he has deep range off the catch from deep, he has great speed in the open floor and can make plays for himself and others in transition, and he can set the tone with his on ball defensive pressure too.   [player_tooltip player_id='2898036' first='Quinton' last='Cruse'] | 6'1” PG | Nansemond River   Cruse had a great summer with Team Loaded 757 and so far this fall he's looked like he's ready to take the reigns as the go-to ball handler, scorer and playmaker this year at Nansemond River. The 6'1” guard is quick and shifty off the bounce with the ability to beat defenders both in isolation and in ball screens, he's fantastic in transition and gets downhill aggressively to put pressure on the defense, he can knock down open shots when he moves off the ball, and he jumps passing lanes well for easy buckets on the defensive end.   [player_tooltip player_id='2898054' first='Jayden' last='Detrick'] | 6'2” SG | Woodside   Detrick had a breakout summer for Woodside who lost two of their top players to graduation, but he's part of a trio of juniors that are going to take the reigns and be one of the top backcourts in the 757. Detrick is wired to score the ball and has the ability to make tough shots while also knowing how to get easy ones, he can finish in traffic off cuts and getting downhill, he can drill it from deep off the catch, and he's excellent in the midrange with his size and footwork to create space and great balance to get his shot off.   [player_tooltip player_id='2896969' first='Josiah' last='Law'] | 6'4” SG | Landstown   Law was part of a very young but talented Landstown team that overachieved last year and bring back almost all of their top players this year, and Law will be one of their most versatile and experienced players this year coming off a great sophomore season and summer. The 6'4” guard can play all over the floor at this level and is a mismatch with his guard skillset and athleticism, he can work off the ball to get open for shots on the perimeter or cuts for layups and dunks, he's great in transition as a finisher, and he is a good rebounder who can start the break as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='2353664' first='Namarqus' last='Byrd'] | 6'4” SG | Princess Anne   Byrd if part of a very underrated group that has me thinking this PA team could be a major player in the Beach District this year, and he's one of the most underrated players in the area who projects as a very good “3 and d” player at the next level. With two years under him he's developed nicely as he's a very efficient shooter off the catch with guards who can create for him, he's improved in his ability to create for himself on the ball both in the half court and in transition, he can guard the other team's best perimeter scorer, and he plays with a good motor on both ends of the floor.

Heading into the high school season, I would like to highlight some players that I think are underrated or under recruited by colleges. These players are, in my opinion, either being overlooked by colleges at the level they could play for, or don't have enough schools at that level that are aware of the impact they could bring. Here's a look at six juniors in the Hampton Roads area that could have a breakout season this year.