Certified Snipers: Top 2021 Shooters
With the middle of the summer coming around, we’re starting to see more and more of the freshman class and seeing prospects to keep an eye on. We’ve seen some high level shooters early from all over the state, and here’s eight of them to keep an eye as they’ll score a lot of points with their ability to knock down shots from deep.
AJ Williams | 6’1” G | Varina
One of the more successful freshmen this season, Williams started almost every game for Varina on their way to winning the Class 5 State Championship. This spring he’s continued to shoot the basketball with confidence and has lit up almost everyone he’s played against. He’s consistent from deep, works well off the basketball and has a quick release, and his ability to shoot it throughout the game is impressive.
Elvin Edmonds | 6’2” G | Hopewell
Edmonds had an impressive freshman year, averaging 18 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists while playing both guard positions. A highly skilled guard with a good feel for the game, Edmonds is able to get by as a decent athlete because he is able to create and make shots from all over the floor. On the ball he can create space and make shots, but he’s also able to come off of screens and let it fly from deep. He has a bright future moving forward with his ability to shoot the basketball.
Trevor Keels | 6’4” G | Paul VI
Keels has looked like one of the most impressive young prospects in the DMV area this season, as he started on a state champion Paul VI team who was number one in the WCAC for much of the regular season. He has excellent mechanics on his shot, from his prep to his finish, and he isn’t afraid to let it fly at any moment in the game as he hit big shots all season. With a strong frame beyond his years and the ability to shoot it, expect Keels to be a big time name moving forward.
Christian Moore | 5’11” G | Cape Henry
Nicknamed “The Microwave” by his AAU coaches and teammates, Moore is instant offense when he checks into the game. His coach says he prefers to come off the bench because he knows this. At Cape Henry this year he was an impact player, and he continues that with his ability to knock down shots from deep and got hot early. Once he gets going, it isn’t uncommon for him to finish the game with 4-6 three-pointers, and he’ll attack closeouts and finish in the midrange as well.
Piercen Young | 6’2” G | Brookville
Young was the most impressive freshman in the Lynchburg area, and it runs in the family as his sister Hannah was State Player of the Year and is committed to Kent State. Young has a toughness and competitive edge you can’t teach, and add to that that he’s a big time shooter and you have a problem. He averaged around 15 points per game as a freshman and his work ethic means he’s only going to get better moving forward.
Angelo Brizzi | 6’2” PG | Fauqier
I haven’t got the opportunity to watch Brizzi in person yet, but tape tells me that this kid can flat out SHOOT THE BASKETBALL. A lefty that can play on and off the ball, Brizzi started all year for Fauqier and didn’t miss a beat as he was one of their top scorers throughout the season. He has excellent mechanics, especially off the bounce where he can stop on a dime and pull up like it’s nothing, and he isn’t afraid to do it at any time on the court. He has the confidence and skill set to shoot the ball in transition.
Tanner Selkirk | 6’2” G | Lord Botetourt
Selkirk started at Lord Botetourt for about half the season, and he’s one of the designated shooters for Boo Williams 15U this season. He has good footwork on the catch, a high release and effortless range, but his size and athleticism is something that’s very underrated. He has some improving to do across the board, but he’s one to keep an eye on moving forward.
Justin Taylor | 6’4”F | STAB
Taylor is not only a knock down shooter, but he has the added size to be a pick-and-pop kid and he’s still growing. The hybrid forward is a knock down shooter off the catch, and his ability to stretch the defense causes mismatches all over the floor. He’s a guy who can be used in the pick and roll, hit the trail three or just step out and knock it down, and he’ll rebound like a true forward for you as well.