VISAA Semifinal Standouts: UpperClassmen
One of the best days of the year for college coaches and media, the VISAA semifinals are always stacked with talent, and this year was no different. We saw two double overtime games, multiple high major prospects and high level basketball from across the state. Here’s some of the juniors and seniors that stood out on Friday.
Cle’Von Greene | Williamsburg Christian ’18
A playmaking combo guard, Greene used his athleticism and high motor to make plays throughout the game in their blowout win over North Cross in the Division 3 Semifinals. On both ends of the floor he played with aggression and passion, and showed why WCA was one of the best D3 teams all season. He finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds in their win.
Adnan Arslanagic | Virginia Episcopal ’17
The Bosnian native was phenomenal for the Bishops despite their unfortunate loss, and he showed that he’s a scholarship level point guard that can both score and distribute. He shot it extremely well early to keep them in the game, and late he made a number of plays that kept them in it. He was efficient creating for himself, and did so against one of the best defensive backcourts in the state. He finished with 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting from the field, many of his buckets coming off the bounce and contested.
Aamir Simms | Blue Ridge ’17
He’s been a dominant force all season, and he showed all of the versatility on a big stage to take the Barons to their third straight state championship game. Beating rival VES, who they played in the championship game the past two seasons, Simms was great on both ends, and his second half performance helped seal the deal. He finished with 20 points,
Josh Colon | Blue Ridge ‘17
The VIC Player of the Year showed why he won the award despite playing on a team with an ACC commit in their win over rival VES last night. The 5’8” PG was an absolute dog, hounding VES star Jaelin Llewellyn the entire game and held him to just 10 points. The lightning quick guard controlled the tempo, ran the offense and made big shots throughout the game. He was a leader both vocally and by his actions, and whatever coach is willing to look past his height will get an absolute gem at the next level.
DeShaun Wade | Miller School ’18
Wade has always been an intriguing prospect, but this season after transferring to Miller School he’s really shown his strength as a dual threat lead guard. He’s not the most explosive, but he’s very strong and takes care of the basketball, and his ability to finish in traffic gives him an advantage over smaller guards when attacking downhill. He scored from all three levels, and finished with 18 points, four rebounds and five assists in their win.
Ejike Obinna | Virginia Academy ’17
The Vanderbilt commit came out on a mission to make his presence felt inside, and did so to the tune of 16 points and six rebounds in a first quarter where VA Academy only scored 18 total points. He showed good work in the post both with his back to the basket and in face up situations, and he dominated on the glass on both ends. Miller made adjustments in the second half to slow him down, but his 26 point 10 rebound outing was as dominant a performance as any on the night.
Jahlil Jenkins | Virginia Academy ’17
Despite their game ending in a tough loss, the Farleigh-Dickinson commit showed his toughness and takeover ability down the stretch, and stepped up huge when Miller started to take away Obinna in the post. A smooth point guard with a good handle and deep range, Jenkins took over the second half scoring 19 of his 21 points after intermission. His ability to step up and knock down big shots in big situations is one his toughest attributes as a leader.
Aaron Thompson | Paul VI | ’17
Thompson didn’t play his best game in PVI’s double overtime win over Cape Henry, but without his poise and leadership down the stretch they likely would have lost the game. Thompson hit big shots late in both regulation and the first overtime, and when things were spiraling out of control he would settle the troops down. He finished with 15 points, seven assists and four rebounds on the night.
Zach Jacobs | Trinity Episcopal ’17
Jacobs came out on fire against Bishop O’Connell, setting the tone early with two threes in the first two possessions. In a surprising blowout, Jacobs was the high scorer for Trinity with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and he put on a show multiple times in transition. The 6’7” JMU commit was great in transition and on the glass, and if he shoots it that way in the championship they should have a chance for a ring.
Jason Wade | Trinity Episcopal ’18
Talk about a two way tone setter, Wade gave the Titans a huge lift throughout the game with his ability to stay in front and challenge Bishop O’Connell star point guard Xavier Johnson. The 6’4” combo guard was explosive in transition with multiple big throw downs, and he created well for himself and teammates on the offensive end as well. He finished with 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals in the win.
Leland Hampton | Amelia Academy ’17
Hampton was huge for Amelia Academy throughout the game, finishing with 30 points and four assists. He caught fire early, and rose to the occasion down the stretch for the Patriots in a game that they won in double overtime over Christ Chapel. What was impressive was that he not only scored it consistently, he picked his spots and played within the system, but also took over and created his own shot down the stretch when they needed a bucket.
Jordan White | Christ Chapel ’18
One of the biggest eye openers for scouts and coaches was in the very first game when Christ Chapel’s Jordan White caught fire. In the second quarter with CC trailing, White got it going and nailed four threes in a row, and he wasn’t finished. He continued his stellar play, and with his team trailing by three in the waining seconds, Chapel got an offensive rebound and found White alone in the corner who buried the triple as the buzzer sounded. They ended up losing in double OT, but no way you can blame him after posting 21 points, five rebounds and four assists.