Hoop Group NoVA Top-100 Superlatives
ARLINGTON, VA — Hoop Group’s Top-100 Camp returned to Marymount University on Sunday, and several players stood out among a solid pool of talent. Here we recap this event with ten superlatives.
BEST POINT GUARD | DARIUS HINES | BISHOP IRETON ’18
Even in a camp setting, Darius Hines played like the true point guard he is. The unsigned senior controlled the pace, defended well, and consistently got others involved.
BEST COMBO GUARD | DARYL MACKEY JR. | WEST POTOMAC ’18
Daryl Mackey was one of the top breakout performers at this event. The 2019 guard, who says he’ll run with Team Takeover Grey this spring, got to the basket at will and scored in a variety of ways.
BEST BIG MAN | QUDUS WAHAB | FLINT HILL ’19
Considered top 60 player nationally in the 2019 class, Qudus Wahab was head and shoulders the best big in attendance. The 7-footer showcased improved touch on his mid range jumper.
BEST SLEEPER | JOSAPHAT BILAU | RIVERDALE BAPTIST ’19
Josaphat Bilau didn’t play much during the high school season due to injury, but the French import showed that he can be an impact player for the Crusaders next season. The 6-foot-10 center, who will play with Team Thrill, is quite skilled and displays impressive vision.
BEST SHOOTER | STEPHEN BILLING | SHERWOOD ’21
It seemed like every time we looked over at his court, we’d see Stephen Billing drain a triple. The freshman has a quick release, and doesn’t need much room to operate.
BEST DEFENDER | KINARD MACK | HENRY E LACKEY ’19
Kinard Mack isn’t the most imposing figure physically, but he can definitely lock up on the ball. We saw him use his long arms and instinctive timing to strip opposing ball-handlers on a number of occasions.
BEST ATHLETE | BOBBY MILLER | PAINT BRANCH ’18
There were a lot of tremendous athletes on display, but none more mesmerizing than Bobby Miller. The unsigned senior from Maryland threw down a windmill off two feet to go along with a series of other highlight worthy aerobatics.
BEST MOTOR | JAMES BERRY | BISHOP IRETON ’20
There were several players that showcased consistently high motors, but James Berry stood out from the rest. The 6-foot-3 wing relentlessly attacked the offensive glass, and fought hard for each and every 50/50 ball in his area.
BEST PASSER | XA’VIAN MYLES | SOUTH COUNTY ’20
Xa’Vian Myles is the type of guard that has the ability to make the simple pass, but every now and then he completes one that makes you go “wow”. The young state champ will only improve as he continues to grow into his body.
BEST UNDERCLASSMEN | MARINO DIAS | BISHOP O’CONNELL ’20
We’ve seen Marino Dias a few times with O’Connell’s JV team, and we must say he played better on Sunday than we’d seen in the past. The skilled, quick and crafty guard constantly gets downhill, and can score from all three levels.