Grassroots Midseason Report: Virginia Elite
Editor’s note: From now through the end of June, we will be providing a mid-season update on Virginia’s grassroots programs, taking a close look at their 15U through 17U teams. We will first be looking at a club’s top teams in those…
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Continue ReadingEditor’s note: From now through the end of June, we will be providing a mid-season update on Virginia’s grassroots programs, taking a close look at their 15U through 17U teams. We will first be looking at a club’s top teams in those given age groups and will then circle back to their other teams. Today: Virginia Elite
Organized by Program Director Thomas Gadson, Virginia Elite have built an organization which boasts a strong pool of talent across all age groups in the organization. Below, we examine the program by providing a midseason report on their 15U-17U teams.
Virginia Elite 15U
Head Coach: Antonio Butler
Record This Summer: 7-4
Tournaments Won/Best Finishes:
Phenom Grassroots Tip-Off | Greensboro, NC
Standout Contributors:
2020 Jarrett Hunter | 5’7″ point guard | Louisa County
The point guard of the future for the program. Tough, hard-nosed, skilled, rebounds, coachable and just has a great feeling of the game. Many young players show a lot of flash but Jarret game presence is beyond his age, his ability to score in traffic and run the team and his skills set is only going gain the attention of college coaches.
2019 Chinguun Ganbold | 6’2″ guard | Fairfax HS
Has become a program favorite with his ability to shoot the basketball. During the DMVElite’s Super Showcase, the 6-Foot-2 Guard showcase his basketball abilities by leading the 15U Division in scoring at 17.5 points per game, displaying an impressive outside stroke while knocking down seven 3-pointers. The combination of having a GPA over 4.0 and that ability to become a threat from long range will catch college recruiters in the future.
2019 Ethan Snare | 6’3″ wing | South County
Might be the best young athlete the program as ever had. Coming into the season we heard a lot about Ethan’s physical stature and multiple sport success (Baseball and Football) but until he started showing it on the floor what was said is very true. Recently there have been several multiple sport athletes in the Washington, D.C. area but normally its football and baseball. Snare’s ability to play the wing and defend the wing position with his physical play reminds us of older players really excites the program. He can create his shot in traffic and isn’t afraid to give or accept contact.
Goals for July: Continue our trend of providing players an opportunity to gain the attention of college recruiters for quality players.
Additional Thoughts/Notes: Under the direction of former Virginia Elite Alumni Coach Antonio Butler the young players are getting the understanding of expectations of playing for Virginia Elite. Coach Butler a graduate of Slippery Rock University where he played recently signed his pro contract with Luxemboug. Coach Butler recently became the 15th Slippery Rock basketball player in the last eight seasons to sign a professional contract when he agreed to a deal with AS Soleuvre of the Total League in Luxembourg for the 2016-17 season.
Virginia Elite 16U
Head Coach: Thomas Gadson
Record This Summer: 9-4
Tournaments Won/Best Finishes:
Phenom Grassroots Tipoff | Greensboro, NC
Standout Contributors:
2019 Josh Oduro | 6’7″ forward | Battlefield
A player for the future, following in the footsteps of successfully versatile forwards that have been developed through the program such as Cameron Jackson (Wofford) and Grant Golden (Richmond) Josh has all the skills to be a very talented player at what level will all depend on who recruits him, but he has shown division 1 potential. Now working with Julian Vaughn (’11 Georgetown), Oduro’s development is based solely on being versatile and skilled as he continues to grow into his body.
William Mulquin | 6’6″ forward | Georgetown Prep
Last year, it was Navy commit James Butler (All-Met 1 st Team) that came to the program with a rich basketball family history. Nowow there is William Mulquin. A 6-Foot- 6 Wing with great shooting range and high academic history, William is following behind his two uncles Dave Mulquin (Holy Cross), Mike Mulquin (Villanova) and cousin Kevin Mulquin (Dartmouth). With room to grow physically and the 2 years remaining at Georgetown Prep, Will has the history and desire to become a big time scorer/shooter.
Elijah Bowens | 5’11” guard | Maret
Smooth skilled point guard that can run a team, but most importantly is his ability to be an extension of the coach. In a point guard, every coach is seeking a floor general that can contribute in more ways than one. Bowen is no stranger to high level basketball coming from a family of basketball junkies such as his uncle, former Ohio State Buckeye, Curtis Wilson. But that’s not what is attractive about Bowens, it’s his ability to take the coaching, his understanding of what it takes to be a quality point guard. Playing for Coach Chuck Driesell at Maret, Elijah is in a good position to absorb of years of basketball knowledge.
Goals for July: Continue our trend of providing players an opportunity to gain the attention of college recruiters for quality players.
Virginia Elite 17U
Head Coach: Thomas Gadson
Record This Summer: 9-7
Tournaments Won/Best Finishes: Hoop Group Southern Jam Fest
Key Wins: The District – @ Southern Jam Fest
Standout Contributors:
Liam Harrington | 6’3″ point guard | Herndon
Marcus Cherry | 6’3″ wing | South Lakes
Domas Sakickas | 6’6″ foward | Broadfording Christian Academy
Deontay Compton | 6’5″ forward | Rock Ridge
Goals for July: Continue our trend of providing players an opportunity to gain the attention of college recruiters for quality players.
Additional Thoughts/Notes: An accomplishment from the 2015-16 17U team is that thirteen players (13) will be playing college basketball during the 2016-17 season. The players that are now part of the program look to that as a goal to achieve. Knowing that it takes hard work in the classroom as well as on the court.