Prep Hoops Top 250: Underclassmen Standouts (Part 1)
The Prep Hoops Top 250 came to Hanover High School on Sunday, where the talent pool was deep, and the games competitive. Here we continue our coverage of the event by highlighting six underclassmen who stood out throughout the event.
Elvin Edmonds | 6’2” G | Hopewell 2021
Edmonds was one of the most highly recruited players in the event, as the sophomore holds multiple division one offers already. He showed why with his smooth jump shot, ability to handle the basketball in pressure and his playmaking abilities for others. He was one of the top shooters in the camp, and his ability to play both guard positions makes him a lethal weapon.
Logan Barbour | 6’0” PG | Williams Monroe 2021
The smooth point guard from outside of Charlottesville was one of the best competitors at the camp. At 6’0” he has a solid frame, and he isn’t afraid to get physical when he gets downhill and is around the basket. One of the best things about Barbour is his high IQ, as even in a chaotic camp environment he continually made the right play on both ends.
Ricky Goode-Wright | 5’10” PG | James Monroe 2021
This was Goode-Wright’s second Top 250 Expo, and while he put himself on the map at last year’s as a freshman, he showed that he’s been working hard and has improved over the summer. He’s very smooth off the bounce, as he can change speeds, read the pick-and-roll and he can shoot the rock off the dribble. He’s a dual threat point guard who can score it or make others better as well.
Justin Taylor | 6’4” WF | STAB 2022
Another guy who made a name for himself last year at the Top 250 Expo, Taylor reclassified to 2022 and he should be one of the top prospects in the Charlottesville area. He already holds an offer from Liberty, and he showed why with his mix of size and skill set that will allow him to be a mismatch on the perimeter moving forward. He can shoot the lights out, and he can handle the basketball in transition.
Marcus Banks Jr. | 6’2” WG | Walsingham 2021
I’ve said a number of guys were some of the best shooters in the event, but Banks may single handedly be that guy. The Walsingham two guard showed a quick release, deep range and the ability to attack closeouts, but his efficiency and range from deep is the most impressive. He also showed some toughness, after rolling his ankle and staying to compete for the next few games.
DJ Sims | 6’2” G | Hanover 2021
When it comes to pure athleticism, Sims may be the most impressive one on this list. The guy was playing in his home gym at Hanover High School, and if he has some of the highlight finishes this year that he did on Sunday he’ll have that gym buzzing all winter. He’s a strong and bouncy kid who thrives in transition and rebounds much bigger than his 6’2” frame would suggest and he brought the house down when he went off the glass in transition in the final game.