2017 Stock Boosters: VISAA Championships
PETERSBURG, VA — The VISAA State Championships at Virginia State University featured the top 12 teams from its 3 respective private school divisions. The event featured plenty of high level talent, and a few competitive, hard fought contests. Below is…
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Continue ReadingPETERSBURG, VA — The VISAA State Championships at Virginia State University featured the top 12 teams from its 3 respective private school divisions. The event featured plenty of high level talent, and a few competitive, hard fought contests. Below is a list of 8 juniors who raised their stock, and are names to know as the AAU season approaches.
Cle’Von Greene – 6’2″ guard – WCA
Despite Williamsburg Christian’s defeat to eventual state champ VA Academy in the final four, Cle’Von Greene was a stand out in many areas. The junior scored 13 first quarter points. He hit a 3, and displayed a lot of explosiveness and balance on his strong drives to the basket where he finished efficiently. Greene is a high level athlete who is very difficult to stop when he’s hitting from beyond the arc.
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Jahlil Jenkins – 5’10” guard – VA Academy
Jahlil Jenkins has been excellent for his team in big games all season. The junior is a skilled, crafty lead guard who thrives against top competition. In the state final four, when the lights were brightest, Jenkins got stronger. With under 3 minutes to go in the state championship game and his team down by two, he hit a go ahead 3 pointer to give his team a late advantage, which they never relinquished. He scored 13 points in the third quarter of that game vs. Amelia Academy, exhibiting a cold-blooded competitive spirit that coaches look for out of their floor general. Look for his recruitment to take shape this spring with Uncommon Bulls 17U.
Tadas Nausedas – 6’5″ wing – VA Academy
Tadas Nausedas was the “X-Factor” in VA Academy‘s state semifinal win vs. Williamsburg Christian. The 6’5″ junior established himself as a dead-eye shooter from three, hitting 5 from beyond the arc on his way to 19 points. Equally impressive, perhaps, was his savvy and alert play defensively. He did a great job harassing Old Dominion bound Xavier Green, holding him to just one point. Look out for Tadas alongside Jahlil Jenkins on the AAU circuit with Uncommon Bulls 17U
Jayden Nixon – 6’4″ wing – St. Anne’s Belfield
STAB got as hot as any team down the stretch this year, capturing the Prep League Championship and carving a path to Petersburg for the state final four. Jayden Nixon was an integral piece to their run this season. The junior excelled on the wing, where his improved skill set was on display. Nixon hit mid ranges and three’s with regularity, while also slashed and finishing strong at the basket. He defended with consistent energy and tenacity. With high academics in mind, the Ivy League seems like the ideal destination for Nixon.
George Mawanda-Kalema – 6’2″ guard – EHS
He was featured in a recent recruiting report, but he played so well he deserves another mention. George Mawanda-Kalema was simply exceptional over the course of this season. His best games came when his team needed him most. The junior is a highly skilled scorer who can really shoot it — either coming off a screen from the catch, or off the dribble. Check him out with DC Premier 17U on the Under Armour Circuit.
Denmark Slay – 5’11” guard – SSSAS
Dynamic is a great word to describe Denmark Slay‘s game. His desire to be continuously engaged often results in impactful plays for his team. He’s a skilled scorer, and a talented shot creator. He’s very quick in the open floor, and moves his feet very well defensively. With an offer from St. Francis and high academic marks on his record, his recruitment could trend upward this summer with District Basketball Club.
Nate Watson – 6’8″ PF – Bishop O’Connell
Nate Watson was the leading rebounder in the WCAC this season. His dominance certainly translated to the VISAA Championships. The traditional, bruising big man threw down thunderous put-back dunks while he relentlessly attacked the offensive boards. He showed a very soft touch 15 feet and in, and thwarted plenty of shots while altering others as he served admirably as the Knights rim protector. His confidence has very evidently improved over the course of the season, and he could emerge nationally as a top big man with Team Melo 17U.
Matt Lewis – 6’4″ guard – Bishop O’Connell
Matt Lewis is another player who was featured in a recent recruiting report. The multi-dimensional guard has gone under the radar up until this point, with Davidson being the only school to express serious interest. At 6’4″, Lewis has great length and size to play off the ball, where he often defends the opposing team’s best player. He’s a strong athlete who enjoys slashing into the paint where he can finish effectively through contact. Offensively, his best attribute has to be his three point shot. He can create space with a step-back, but prefers to shoot from the catch where he hardly misses when set. Look for his recruitment to be on the major upward trend this spring with DC Blue Devils.