Grassroots Preview: Team Loaded VA 17U
With the high school season coming to a close, we now move our focus towards the AAU season, which started last weekend. We will be doing individual previews for teams across the state ranging in age from 15-17U. We start…
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Continue ReadingWith the high school season coming to a close, we now move our focus towards the AAU season, which started last weekend. We will be doing individual previews for teams across the state ranging in age from 15-17U. We start today with the preview for Team Loaded VA 17U. Check it out below, and be sure to stay tuned to Vantage Hoops for more AAU previews and news moving forward.
Program Director: Ty White
Head Coach: Michael Blackwell
Affiliation: Adidas
Roster
#1 Cameron Bacote; 6’3″ SG (Bethel)
#2 Mastadi Pitt; 6’1″ PG (Atlantic Shores)
#5 Mario Haskett; 6’4″ SG (LC Bird)
#11 Rasir Bolton; 6’2″ PG (Carlisle, 2018)
#12 David McCormack; 6’10” C (Norfolk Academy, 2018)
#15 Aamir Simms; 6’9″ PF (Blue Ridge)
#20 Greg Jones; 6’6″ F (John Marshall)
#21 Antwan Walker; 6’7″ PF (HD Woodson, 2016)
#23 Kiyon Boyd; 6’5″ SG (HD Woodson, 2018)
#33 Joshua Carlton; 6’10” C (DeMatha)
#55 Blake Harris; 6’6″ PG (Word of God)
Schedule
April 2-3: Zero Gravity Southern Classic; Richmond, VA (1st Place Finish)
April 15-17: Adidas Gauntlet Series (Live Period); Dallas, TX
April 22-24: Adidas Gauntlet Series (Live Period); Atlanta, GA
May 7-8: Big Shots Loaded; Richmond, VA
May 20-22: Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest; Hampton, VA
May 27-29: Big Shots Memorial Day Classic; Richmond, VA
June 25-26: Team Loaded/River City Reign Summer Slamfest II; Richmond, VA
July 6-9: Adidas Finale (Live Period); Spartanburg, SC
July 15-17: Zero Gravity The Show (Live Period); Richmond, VA
July 20-24: Adidas Summer Championship (Live Period); Las Vegas, NV
Notes
Team Loaded VA, which started over a decade ago as Petersburg Elite, has evolved into one of the elite AAU programs in not just Virginia, but the entire country. Last season, Loaded was the most successful program in the state, winning a multitude of tournaments, including the Adidas Summer Championship, beating MASS Rivals for the last Adidas crown of the summer. The Team Loaded brand has placed over 100 players at division one schools in the last 10 years, including eight players from last year’s Team Loaded VA teams who have signed to division one schools.
Players to Watch
Aamir Simms: He was the biggest name on their 16U team last year, and the 6’9″ skilled big from Blue Ridge currently holds over 15 offers. A long and athletic forward that can put it on the floor and shoot it, Simm’s best attribute is his understanding of the game. He passes well out of double teams, understands defensive rotations and is a walking mismatch that can hurt teams in a number of ways.
Kiyon Boyd: Boyd was one of their go-to guys in their first tournament, and you can see why. At 6’5″ he has great size for a two-guard, and he is a three level scorer with natural ability and he does it efficiently. He already has eight offers heading into his junior season, including Georgetown, Louisville and Cincinnati, but he’ll be sure to see a recruitment boost this summer on the Adidas Gauntlet.
Rasir Bolton: Despite being just a sophomore, he was good enough to earn the starting point guard position in their first tournament. A dual-threat lead guard that can create for himself and others, Bolton plays with a maturity well beyond his years, and his ability to process the game and stay one step ahead of defenders allows him to be a dominant guard. He already holds five offers, including Richmond and Virginia Tech, and he’s another one that should see a recruitment increase.
Mario Haskett: Haskett had a huge summer last season, and continued it with an All State season for LC Bird during the high school season. A high academic kid that’s bouncy and can shoot it from deep, Haskett holds over 15 scholarship offers, including the likes of Providence, Virginia Tech, Harvard, Yale, VCU, Richmond and Rice. He’ll have a great chance to prove that he can be a go-to guy at both guard positions against the highest level of competition.
David McCormack: The 6’10” behemoth paint presence was a force on 15U last summer, and after giving up football he is slated to play for the 17U team despite being just a sophomore. At 290 lbs., McCormack is a paint clogger that protects the rim and rebounds well, but he’s also surprisingly mobile and quick off his feet for his size. He has offers from a handful of mid major and high major programs, including Xavier, Virginia Tech, Penn State, VCU, ODU, NC State and Georgetown.