Max is a shifty lead combo guard known for his quick first step and ability to create space on the floor. His agile ball handling allows him to break down defenders and orchestrate the offense with confidence. Max’s on-court vision and decision-making make him a reliable option at the point, while his capacity to score from various spots ensures he remains a dual threat.

Riverside should still be terrific, but they are losing 3 key players from a team that was one of the best in NOVA. Max averaged 14 a game last season, but I think he can be a guy that hovers around 20 a game as a senior. Max can play either guard position, although he is a little better suited as a two. He has good size and three-level scoring ability. Max uses his size well against smaller guards, and he is a crafty finisher. I watched the DeMatha summer league, and one of my takeaways from the day was that Max should be one of the better guards in the 2026 class in NOVA.

Without Mason Ridgeway Mason Ridgeway 6'6" | SF/SG Evergreen Christian | 2027 State VA today, I was excited to see what Max Lawson Max Lawson 6'2" | SG Riverside | 2026 State VA did. Max had a couple of tough finishes, and he knocked down a few threes. Riverside ran a lot of stuff through him, and I loved a set they ran for him where they cleared a whole side out for him to go in the post. Max attacked the rim well and was the best player on the floor. He finished with 21 points 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Max and his team crushed the Regional Championship game against Riverbend, with Max lighting up the scoreboard by sinking 9 three-pointers—a new high school record! His incredible shooting performance helped propel the team to victory and made this game one to remember. Max is definitely making his mark!

If you want to see one of the more easy to watch teams in the state play, go and watch Riverside. I have watched this Riverside team as much as any team in the state, and I think they can compete with almost any Public School in the state. This team is an offensive juggernaut, and they have failed to score below 70 in February. Riverside won a Region title this week, and Junior Guard Max Lawson Max Lawson 6'2" | SG Riverside | 2026 State VA was outstanding. Max is an opportunistic defender who turns defense into offense. He is a good passer and someone who can get his bucket on his own. He set a school record with 9 threes in their region title win, and he averaged 25.5 PPG this week.