Mickleberry transferred to S3 Academy in Petersburg after spending last year at Glen Allen, and he’s had a great fall playing against tough competition and showing he’s ready to take a leap as an all-around scorer this year. The 6’3” wing has good length and has improved in his ability to get to spots and score it in the midrange and at the rim, he can drill it from deep on the move and gets hot quickly, he is a good defender with great anticipation on and off the ball, and he is starting to look more confident as a go-to guy.

S3 Academy looked impressively cohesive on Sunday for a largely new-look lineup and that included the dynamic play of Mickleberry in the backcourt. The repeat junior from Glen Allen brings great size to either guard spot with an impressive ability to beat his defender to spots off the bounce off a live dribble without needing a ball screen, using his slithery quickness and deceptive pace as a ballhandler. Mickleberry struggled to finish at times but showed smooth footwork and fluid athleticism while navigating bodies in the paint. On the other end, his size and wiry strength give him a versatile profile with the ability to switch across the perimeter. We’d like to see him stretch defenses more consistently as a jump shooter but Mickleberry’s size and ability to generate paint touches from the point of attack should put him onto D1 radars over the next year.

RJ is a 6’4-6’5 Guard who transferred to S3 Academy and is the program’s lead guard; he excels at controlling the pace and tempo of the game, getting to his spots to score, and creating for others. What stood out to me most about his game and the growth I’ve seen is his ability to score in any fashion, whether it’s attacking off the bounce, in the pick-and-roll, or knocking down the three at a high rate. RJ is poised for a breakout Junior year as a major piece for the Panthers.

Mickleberry is a strong, hard playing and productive guard with good positional size and strength on the perimeter. He is at his best getting downhill off the dribble, where he uses his physicality to consistently put pressure on the defense and attack the rim. Mickleberry also brings impressive versatility on the defensive end, where his size, strength and competitiveness allow him to guard all three perimeter positions.

RJ Mickleberry RJ Mickleberry 6'3" | SG Shining Star Sports Academy | 2028 State VA is a 6’3 to 6’4 combo guard who recently transferred to S3 Academy. With a new and revamped roster, RJ will be the focal point of their team as a leader and reliable scoring threat. RJ had a monster summer with VA Havoc on the Under Armour Circuit, and it’s easy to see why he is one of the top combo guards in the state in his class. He is an efficient scorer and is a knockdown shooter, but he uses his length to his advantage to score and finish over smaller defenders. I’ve been impressed with his defensive abilities and the way he uses his length to his advantage to get deflections and also to get offensive and defensive rebounds. RJ has a high motor for a guard and will 100% be a player college coaches will want to take a look at moving forward.

The sophomore brings a strong combination of size, strength, and length that translates well on both ends of the floor. He is a solid shot maker who can stretch the defense and contribute as a secondary ball handler, making plays within the flow of the offense. An above average athlete, he moves well for his size and has the tools to impact the game in multiple ways, with continued upside as his skill set expands.

At 6’4 with length and athleticism, RJ Mickleberry RJ Mickleberry 6'3" | SG Shining Star Sports Academy | 2028 State VA looks the part of a next-level prospect. The Glen Allen product has a college-ready frame and uses it effectively on both ends of the floor.

Mickleberry’s versatility is what makes him intriguing. He can defend multiple positions thanks to his length. Offensively, he’s comfortable getting to his spots and shooting over smaller defenders. He’s a capable perimeter shooter, but also a strong ball handler who can create his own offense. His combination of size and skill gives him one of the higher ceilings in this group.

RJ Mickleberry RJ Mickleberry 6'3" | SG Shining Star Sports Academy | 2028 State VA wasted no time making an impact, dropping 18 points in his first matchup against Higher Level. He’s a natural scorer who understands how to get to his spots and produce efficiently.

Mickleberry is a strong ball handler who can create his own shot and score at all three levels. He knocks down shots from beyond the arc. He also attacks the rim. In doing so, he finds ways to put pressure on defenses. He also competes on the defensive end, using his length to disrupt passing lanes and guard opposing scorers.

He’s one of those players who quietly produces but consistently affects the game. Expect his stock to continue rising this spring and summer.

Mickleberry is a crafty scorer who knows how to create space and get to his spots. He’s comfortable operating with the ball in his hands. He has a polished pull-up game that makes him tough to guard in the mid-range.

He proved to be a key piece for Glen Allen this past season. He showed consistency as a shooter and confidence as a scorer. Defensively, his quickness and length allow him to be disruptive, adding value on both ends of the floor. As he continues to develop physically and refine his game, Mickleberry is a name that should steadily gain attention.