Virginia’s Five Best High-Low Tandems
Editor’s Note: In anticipation of the upcoming high school season, Vantage Hoops will be taking a closer look at various teams and players throughout Virginia. Below, we take a look at five of the most cohesive frontcourts in the state in no…
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Continue ReadingEditor’s Note: In anticipation of the upcoming high school season, Vantage Hoops will be taking a closer look at various teams and players throughout Virginia. Below, we take a look at five of the most cohesive frontcourts in the state in no particular order.
Jake Hahn and Austin Katstra | Albemarle ’17
The force behind Albemarle’s run to VCU last year centered around their frontcourt partnership of Jake Hahn and Austin Katstra. The highly productive duo each did their due-diligence on the glass while complimenting each other nicely on the offensive end. Katstra is very good at using his 6-foot-6 frame to carve out space on the low block and make himself available for dump offs. Hahn on the other hand, likes to face up on the perimeter and set screens where he can fade out into open pockets on the perimeter and connect. If the Patriots hope to make another run deep into the 5A state playoffs, these two talented bigs will likely be the engine behind it.
’18 Quentin Millora-Brown and ’17 Nate Watson | Bishop O’Connell
In their first year pairing up, Nate Watson and Quentin Millora-Brown more than held their own in the rigorous WCAC. Watson, who finished as the league’s leading rebounder last season, is the favorite to do so again given his physical dominance and awesome work ethic. Watson’s versatility and unselfishness make him a tough matchup both on the low block as well as in the high post. At 6-foot-9, Rising junior Quentin Millora-Brown will return as one of the most improved players on the Knights roster this season. Millora-Brown found Watson several times from the high post last season, and the two have developed a nice rapport. If the Knights hope to contend in what some would say is the toughest high school basketball conference in America this year, these two will likely have to collectively raise their play to the next level.
’17 Jyles Webster and ’18 Tyrek Williams | L.C. Bird
Despite missing most of last season due to injury, Tyrek Williams made a very strong comeback with River City Reign this summer and appears to be in great form heading into the high school season. Like his older brother, Tahkey, Tyrek is a sharpshooting big man who has the ability to consistently hit jumpers from the pick and pop. Rising senior Jyles Webster, who will be the defensive anchor for the Skyhawks this season, will look to form a productive partnership with Williams during his final high school campaign. If these two can get on the same page early and create some momentum, Bird will be an extremely tough matchup for nearly any team they face.
’19 Armando Bacot and ’17 Zach Jacobs | Trinity Episcopal
Two of the most highly recruited big men in the Richmond area, Zach Jacobs and Armando Bacot, will form what could be one of the most dynamic frontcourt partnerships in Virginia this upcoming season. Bacot, who stands 6-foot-9, is a fast rising name among recruiting circles nationally. He holds nearly double-digit scholarship offers from a variety of mid-to-high major programs, and is the top ranked prospect in our most recent 2019 rankings. His ability to use his frame to fortify the interior, along with his ability to connect with fellow big man Zach Jacobs, will be instrumental for the Titans’ success this season. Jacobs, one of the hottest names in Virginia at the forward position, has worked hard to develop his skill set and become a more consistent threat on the perimeter. Along with his touch from the perimeter, Jacobs possesses solid vision and passing skills which should enable him to connect with Bacot early and often.
’19 Qudus Abolaji and ’17 Ejike Obinna | Virginia Academy
Although most wouldn’t consider two near seven footers to be in the “high-low” category, the inclusion of Qudus Abolaji and Ejike Obinna in this list is almost mandatory given their unselfishness, respective work ethics, and consistently rapid improvement. Abolaji and Obinna are both aggressive finishers in the paint who won’t hesitate to damage a rim whenever they get the opportunity. When operating on the floor at simultaneously, Abolaji and Obinna have learned each other’s sweet spots and do well not to interfere with each other. On the contrary, whenever the two hit the floor together, they seem to give each other more energy.