2018-19 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 10 freshmen and sophomores who emerged as names to know heading into AAU season.
2018
- Brandon Slater – 6’6″ wing – Paul VI
In the unexpected absence of their floor general Aaron Thompson, Paul VI Head Coach Glenn Farello looked to Brandon Slater as a reliable play-making option. Slater worked out of high ball screens, and hit shots from beyond the arc. He showed great instincts and potential on the defensive end as well, using his length and athleticism to intercept passes and turn them into quick scoring opportunities on the other end. With 5 offers already from high major schools such as Louisville and Maryland, look for the blue bloods to be watching him closely on the EYBL with Team Takeover 16U.
'18 Brandon Slater gets a steal and cruises for the dunk. @PVIHoops up by 4 midway through Q3. #VaHoops pic.twitter.com/c3Krq639O4
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 5, 2016
- Kam Harris – 6’1″ guard – Amelia Academy
Kam Harris was a nice surprise at the state tournament. He’s a stocky, well built guard who owns a high IQ to go along with a nice skill set. Harris is a good athlete who thrives in downhill situations where he can finish at the rim efficiently with either hand. He makes great passes in the open court or half court, and can shoot comfortably from the catch. He’ll need a bit more experience on the ball, but he should get that in the coming year and emerge among the most reliable lead guards in his class.
'18 Kam Harris comes up with a huge rejection. Amelia Academy down by 2 late in Q2. #VaHoops pic.twitter.com/X8liulTMxQ
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 5, 2016
- Shakur Daniel – 6’5″ guard – Carlisle
At first glance, Shakur Daniel meets the criteria for a prototypical two guard. His considerable length and instincts make him an immediate impact player defensively, but he’s a competent playmaker and underrated passer as well. The sophomore exhibits a smooth skill-set featuring his favorite mid-range pull up and a confident handle.
'18 Shakur Daniel pulls up and hits from mid range. @carlislechiefs trail by 6 w/6 minutes left in Q3. #VaHoops pic.twitter.com/hqmO8gs15i
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 4, 2016
- Donovann Toatley – 5’8″ guard – SSSAS
From baseline to baseline, there aren’t many who can match the pace of Donovann Toatley. The speedster is learning to change speeds and work ball-screens — where he either pulls up on a dime and scores, or assists an open teammate. Perhaps his most undeniable and admirable feature is his willingness to play with reckless abandon and compete relentlessly. Look for Toatley to be pulling the strings this spring and summer with DC Premier 16U.
'18 PG Donovann Toatley cashes in from mid range for @SSSAS_MBB who now lead 8-7 midway through Q1. #VaHoops pic.twitter.com/TZefhRrqRb
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 5, 2016
- Xavier Johnson – 6’3″ guard – Bishop O’Connell
In the absence of Rice-bound Ako Adams, Bishop O’Connell Head Coach Joe Wootten turned to his sophomore floor general Xavier Johnson. Johnson performed more than admirably in two spot starts vs. Trinity Episcopal and Paul VI. The long-limbed guard displays a ton of energy and strength when finishing around the basket to go along with a nice middle game. He snagged 14 rebounds in the state semifinals, and did a great job pushing the ball and finding open teammates. Johnson is highly skilled, confident, and already has some great postseason experience under his belt. He’s in good shape to succeed on the EYBL with Team Takeover 16U.
'18 PG Xavier Johnson receives the hand off and scores for @OConnellBBall – they're leading by 12 w/5min left in Q3. pic.twitter.com/rHPGlQX763
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 5, 2016
- Shyheim Gilkerson – 6’2″ guard – VA Academy
Shyheim Gilkerson thrived for VA Academy as a lockdown perimeter defender. He also added value offensively as a slasher, where he got into the paint and finished strong at the rim on several occasions. Displaying great lateral quickness and strength, Shyheim did well to consistently keep opponents in front. He used his quick hands to swipe at the ball and either record a deflection or a steal. The sophomore’s steals often resulted in quick scoring opportunities for his team.
Tough finish by Soph Shyheim Gilkerson. Va Academy leading by 4 to start the fourth. #VaHoops pic.twitter.com/SeCYaMzP3b
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 5, 2016
2019
- Christian Depollar – 6’4″ wing – SSSAS
It’s hard to believe Christian Depollar is just a freshman. He’s 6’4″ already, which is one thing. But more importantly, he has a very mature understanding of the game. Depollar is a high IQ player who can really stretch the floor. The lefty knows when to pick and choose his spots, and displayed confidence whenever he was called upon. He should get some great experience with DC Premier 15U this year.
Freshman Christian Depollar records his third steal of the half and scores. @SSSAS_MBB up 13 late in Q4. #VaHoops pic.twitter.com/M4t5rBnNXF
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 2, 2016
- Jay Heath Jr. – 6’1″ guard – Bishop O’Connell
There aren’t enough superlatives to describe the amount of flair Jay Heath plays with. The freshman is super skilled, crafty, and supremely confident. He’s an exciting play-maker who enjoys having the ball in his hands in big situations. Bishop O’Connell has been a breeding ground of sorts to great guards over the past few years. It appears early on that Heath is next up in the totem pole.
Freshman Jay Heath Jr. scores a tough floater – @OConnellBBall up 9 w/3 min left in Q3. #VaHoops pic.twitter.com/qoBCGzPIEi
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 5, 2016
- Xavier Johnson – 5’8″ guard – Episcopal
Xavier Johnson made great strides over the course of his freshman season. He worked his way into the starting lineup — more importantly, he earned minutes during the most crucial moments of their state championship run. Johnson made critical contributions as a result of his headiness, skill, and confidence. His impact was felt on both ends for the Maroon. Look for more of the same from Xavier on the EYBL with Team Takeover 15U.
Freshman Xavier Johnson with the drop step and strong finish. @EHSMAROON up 13 after the made FT. 6:45 left in Q4. pic.twitter.com/eGiog4tP9f
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 5, 2016
- Anthony Harris Jr. – 6’2″ guard – Paul VI
With his team trailing in the state semifinals to their rivals at half, and in the absence of their junior floor general Aaron Thompson, Anthony Harris Jr. put on a memorable performance to help his team earn victory. Finshing with 19 points and 9 assists, Harris helped Paul VI erase a late deficit to defeat Bishop O’Connell. He defended at a high level on the perimeter, and did a great job getting his teammates involved. Understanding when he needed to score and when to give it up is not easy as a freshman, but Harris displayed maturity and poise as he made decisions with the ball. Look for him to do more of the same on the EYBL with Team Takeover 16U.
Manigault hits Ant Harris for 2 – @PVIHoops down 55-52 after an and-1 finish by VJ King. 4:52 left in Q4. #VaHoops pic.twitter.com/usoie2azH2
— Adam Ayalew (@AyalewAdam) March 5, 2016