2019 Rankings Updates: Central/Western VA Wings (Part 2)
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 two the wings in the Central and Western VA areas that we ranked in the 2019 rankings.
*Editors Note: These breakdowns are based on where the players play high school basketball at.
Chris Shelton | 6’3” WG | Louisa County/Virginia Elite (#84 Overall)
He’s starting to come into his own as a shooter and is another kid that will likely continue to move up the rankings as he continues to improve and show what he has against high level competition. He’s knock down from deep with good size and impressive form, he’s always shot ready and isn’t afraid to take and make big shots when his team needs it. He shows up for big games, and he’s able to get hot quickly whether he starts or comes off the bench. He recently picked up an offer from NC A&T, and if he has a chance to pick up more offers if he has a good July.
Kasey Draper | 6’3” WF | Northside/VA Blaze (#89 Overall)
Draper stepped up this past season after one of Northside’s senior leaders went down, and he has continued that confidence moving forward in the spring. He’s a guy who’s a very crafty finisher around the basket, as he uses his body to shield bigger defenders and can score with both hands. He’s also a good shooter from deep, and with his confidence level high he’s been putting up big numbers across the board all summer. He may be stuck between positions a little bit, but he’s able to play much bigger when he’s in the post and he’s also able to step out and put it on the deck or shoot from the perimeter.
Jordan Richeson | 6’3” WF | Jefferson Forest/Team Loaded CVA (#95 Overall)
Richeson moved to Lynchburg this past year and made an immediate impact as he was named Conference Player of the Year. At 6’4″, he’s a knock down shooter with a killer pump fake, he’s always shot ready and he can play above the rim in transition. He isn’t afraid to attack the basket hard and will try to finish everything above the rim, but he’s also crafty and will finish with both hands around the basket. He can shoot the midrange off the bounce, and he can hurt you from all over the court with the ball in his hands and off the ball. His size and ability to score on the perimeter is very intriguing for small size schools.
D’Andre James | 6’3” F | Handley/EG Premier (#104 Overall)
James is more of a hybrid forward if anything, but I put him on this list because he’s able to move his feet and guard the perimeter. He has great size and a great upper body frame, and from what it looks like he could also be a very good football player. He’s physical, he attacks the paint hard and he eats the glass on both ends of the floor. He’ll be a guy that needs to play at a high level if Handley is going to continue their success dominating the Winchester area the way they have the past few seasons.
Zach Hatter | 6’0” WG | Eastern Mennonite/VA Blaze (#141 Overall)
When you talk about a special kind of shooter, Hatter is that type of shot maker. He has a high IQ and great skill set, as he’s able to handle and pass in transition, plays with good pace and he understands the game at a high level. What makes him really special however, is his ability to shoot the basketball from deep. He has effortless range, he loves to take and make big shots and he shoots at a very high percentage from deep. He’s a high volume shooter from deep, but you don’t mind it because he’s going to torch guys from there.
Chris Shepherd | 6’4” WG | William Fleming/Coopz Hoops (#143 Overall)
Shepherd is very intriguing as a sleeper in the Roanoke area because he’s sprouted up five or six inches since entering high school, and that makes him dangerous on the perimeter because he’s played point guard for most of his life. He’s long and athletic and just learning how to play on the wing, so being a late bloomer is a real possibility for him. He can put it on the deck in transition, create in isolation situations and finish in the paint well. He’s a guy coaches should definitely get to know out that way.
John Stockstill | 6’0” WG | Patrick Henry-Roanoke (#149 Overall)
Another guy in the Roanoke area, Stockstill can shoot the lights out and will fill it up from deep. When I watched him in the Chance Harmon Classic in Floyd County in January, Stockstill hit eight threes in a high scoring matchup. He can and will let it fly, he’s consistent with his form and has great range and can take over the game from deep. Another kid that small colleges should be all over from the Roanoke area.