2019 Rankings Update: NOVA Guards (Part 1)
We’re heading into the senior season of the 2019 class, one that we at Prep Hoops VA have had the pleasure of watching grow from when they were just freshmen. This class has seen new players come in, some players leave for programs outside of the state, and have seen some massive changes over the years. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in July and August, and come time for the new season to start we’re sure there will be even more changes coming.
Over the next few weeks we will be breaking down the rankings by positions and locations. With that being said, here’s a look at part one of the Northern Virginia area ball handlers we ranked in the 2019 rankings.
*Editors Note: These breakdowns are based on where the players play high school basketball at.
Anthony Harris | 6’3” PG | Paul VI/Team Takeover (#2 Overall)
Harris has steadily improved in a number of ways over his three years at PVI, and is pretty much unanimously considered to be a top 100 guard in the country. He’s strong, smart and savvy, and he’s a guy who takes no plays off and impacts the game on both ends of the floor. He’s a terrific on ball defender that moves his feet well and uses his size to keep defenders in front of him, and he’s always in help side to take a charge or stop penetration. He’s become a much improved shooter off the catch, shooting over 40% from deep in EYBL play, and that has made him very hard to guard on the offensive end. He’s able to attack off the bounce and use his size to finish through traffic as well, and his complete game means he’ll likely translate seamlessly to the highest of levels in college.
Xavier Johnson | 6’0” PG | Episcopal/CP25 (#13 Overall)
Johnson chose to be different this summer, playing for Chandler Parsons of the Adidas Gauntlet out of Florida where his Father lives. Regardless of who he plays for, Johnson will always be a steady option as a lead guard that can get you into sets, break down defenses and shoot the rock from deep. He has a mix of a high IQ and great toughness that you love to see out of a point guard, and he’s super skilled with the ball in his hands. He makes good decisions, he locks up defensively, he sets the tone and he leads by example. He’d be a great addition to a college program with his high character, good work ethic and good academics.
Evan Buckley | 6’0” PG | Stone Bridge/DC Premier (#14 Overall)
One of the hardest decisions in our rankings were deciding between Buckley and Johnson, because they both bring a lot of the same intangibles and things on and off the court. The truth is, you can’t go wrong with either of these guards. Buckley is the perfect guy for a talented Premier team, as he does exactly what you need him to do. He gets you into your sets, he takes care of the basketball, he sets the tone with his toughness and he makes open shots from all over the floor. He sees the floor very well, and he has a never die kid of attitude that you have to admire from a kid who isn’t the biggest, strongest or most athletic, but is always one of the best players on the floor.
Jordan Hairston | 5’11” PG | Westfield/New World (#23 Overall)
Perhaps the most under recruited guy in the entire rankings, Hairston has shown over the past two years that he can play with the best of them and be productive while doing so. He isn’t the biggest or most athletic guard, but he has great feel and he can really shoot it from deep and from the midrange off the pull up. He has great fundamentals and is a guy who understands situations, concepts and just the overall game beyond what most of his peers do. He picked up his first offer from Boston University, and he should get more if coaches are looking for a sound guard who doesn’t make mistakes and always has a positive impact on the game.
Ayan Teel | 5’8” PG | Bishop O’Connell/New World (#28 Overall)
Teel is one of the smallest guards that we have ranked in the top 50, but he’s shown time and time again that he’s capable of competing and producing against some of the best players in the area. After transferring to Bishop O’Connell from Riverdale Baptist, he earned a starting spot in a two point guard backcourt and made a big impact in the WCAC. He can shoot off the catch from deep, is quick and stays low off the bounce which allows him to beat defenders in isolation situations and he can shoot the pull-up and floaters. He’s a score first guy but he’s also a capable distributor and a good on ball defender. Despite his size, he can really go.
Cameron Savage | 5’10” PG | South Lakes/District Basketball Club (#44 Overall)
Another smaller guard who plays much bigger than his size, Savage has been one of the most consistent northern VA public school players in the past few seasons. He has a toughness about him and a never say die attitude that you love, and he makes big plays when his team needs him to. He can score from all three levels, he’s fast and plays under control in the open court and he’s a natural born leader that will do whatever it takes to help his team win. Whatever level he goes to, he’ll be a big time asset to his team with his versatility and leadership.