2021 Rankings List: Dime Droppers
We’ve started to break down our first ever rankings in the 2021 class in Virginia, and will continue by taking a look at some of the best players in particular areas on the basketball court. Today, we’ll take a look…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe’ve started to break down our first ever rankings in the 2021 class in Virginia, and will continue by taking a look at some of the best players in particular areas on the basketball court. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the best set up guys and assist men. Stay tuned even more breakdowns moving forward of the rising sophomore class!
Allen Strothers | 6’2” PG | Menchville (#5 Overall)
Not only does Strothers have great feel for the game, he’s 6’2” and athletic, meaning he can see over defenses and get in the lane easily to make plays for others. He understands defensive rotations and he can deliver passes for easy layups or jumpers after breaking down the defense. He also is very smart, knowing when to make the easy pass to move the defense or keep the offense flowing in the right way.
Brayon Freeman | 6’1” PG | Bishop O’Connell (#9 Overall)
There aren’t many guards in the state regardless of class who have the ability to create by himself the way Freeman does. He has great wiggle off the bounce, being able to weave through defenses while still keeping his head up to find open men. He’s terrific in transition where he finds shooters and athletes for easy baskets on the regular.
Jason Nelson | 5’8” PG | Varina (#16 Overall)
A true floor general, it doesn’t matter about his height because the impact Nelson makes on the game is huge. He controls the tempo, he keeps everyone involved, he never panics and he keeps other stars happy by getting them easy shots. He sees the game a few plays ahead of others, and he has the demeanor you like to see out of your lead guard.
Ricky Goode-Wright | 5’10” PG | James Monroe (#26 Overall)
He’s really a scoring guard at first, but once Goode-Wright makes it obvious that he’s able to score it he makes others around him better. He stays under control when being pressured, he can pass with both hands and he has the ability to thread the needle when needed. At times he can get flashy but you have to live with it because he makes others so much better.
Chris Kuzemka | 5’11” PG | Paul VI (#27 Overall)
He split time on JV and varsity as a freshman because of their insane talent and depth at the point guard spot, but playing with Team Takeover 15s he showed that he is a floor general of his own. He’s exactly what you want out of a small guard, a guy who keeps the offense rolling and knocks down open shots. He’s great with both hands, consistently makes the right read and he’s a guy who has some toughness about him too.
Isaiah Simmons | 5’7” PG | Steward School (#28 Overall)
Speaking of smaller guards, not many are smaller than Simmons but he is lightning quick and a dynamic playmaker. He can make an array of shots from deep and in the midrange, and that leads defenses to cheat up where he can drop off to bigs for easy buckets. In transition he keeps his head up for shooters and rim runners and can make it happen for himself off the bounce too.
Logan Barbour | 5’11” PG | William Monroe (#35 Overall)
Barbour doesn’t play in a big market, so not many people know much about him, but he had a huge summer for River City Reign where he put himself on the map. The 5’11” lead guard has a great understanding of the game and a good work ethic to go with it. He makes the right play regularly, can be moved off the ball where he still can facilitate and he changes pace well to get in the lane and make plays for others.
George Pettaway | 6’0” PG | Nansemond-Suffolk (#40 Overall)
Pettaway is that lead guard you love to have because he doesn’t make mistakes and he knows how to play the game. Within sets, he’s able to keep the offense flowing and the defense moving with crisp passes and a good understanding of the game. He’s a stocky guard who can bully his way into the paint and keeps his head on a swivel.
Jacob Cooper | 5’7” PG | Green Run (#46 Overall)
Don’t let Cooper’s height fool you, because the kid can flat out go! He’s terrific with the ball in his hands where he can run the pick-and-roll, knock down shots off the bounce and he is able to turn the corner and find shooters on collapsing defenses. He’s heady and tough, a great combination when you’re a smaller lead guard.