2019 Rankings Updates: NOVA Guards (Part 3)
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 three 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.
Xavier Joyner | 6’0” PG | Paul VI/Team Takeover Orange (#96 Overall)
One of the most improved guys in the state, Joyner plays against a backcourt full of high major prospects everyday in practice and it’s showing in his game. He’s a tough finisher in traffic, his shot making and decision making abilities have improved and he locks up both on and off the ball defensively. Joyner’s easily a college prospect that simply is playing behind some of the best guards in the country, but he should be a solid contributor off the bench for PVI this season and will have options for college when the time comes.
Ephraim Reed | 6’0” PG | St. Stephen’s St. Agnes (#105 Overall)
Reid may be on the smaller side but he’ll do everything you ask for out of a point guard. He sits down on the basketball, he’s shifty and lives in the lane, he has a good midrange and he makes others better. He’ll also sacrifice his body and do whatever it takes to make a play to help his team win, which is key to him getting more minutes on a talented SSSAS team. He’s had a terrific summer league with them, and he’ll be an x-factor of sorts for them throughout the season.
Kendall McHugh | 6’0” PG | Chantilly/Higher Level (#107 Overall)
A heady PG with good vision and plays with pace, McHugh is a natural born lead guard who makes everyone better. He does a nice mix of scoring and distributing, and he’s a good leader who understands the game and picks everyone up when they need him to. The best part about McHugh is how under control he always is. When the pressure picks up from the other team, he stays level headed, he continues to play at his pace and he’s able to get his team into sets and take advantage of defensive breakdowns.
Jalon Lipford | 6’0” G | Wakefield (#112 Overall)
An athletic and tough lead guard, Lipford will set the tone on both ends of the floor. He’ll get in you defensively, he doesn’t mind helping out on the glass and he’s a good finisher in the midrange and in traffic. His shooting stroke isn’t bad, and when he’s on the ball he can make plays for others. He thrives in transition, where he can use his end-to-end speed and show off his explosive athleticism around the rim. He needs to work on being more steady, but in spurts Lipford shows that he can make plays on both ends for his team.
Jakhari Taylor | 5’11” PG | Potomac (#113 Overall)
Taylor isn’t the biggest guard, but he’s a talented shot maker and good athlete that makes an impact on both ends of the floor. He can strap up and stay in front of ball handlers, he gets in the lane and make plays and he’s a jumping bean that helps his bigs on the glass. He has a good midrange game and is able to stop on a dime and rise up to make shots off the bounce, and despite being on the frail side he’s wiry strong and isn’t afraid to battle on the glass or stick his nose in defensively.
Joey Lee | 6’0” PG | WT Woodson/6th Man Warriors (#120 Overall)
Lee is a classic floor general who can control the tempo and pace of the game with the ball in his hands. He’s a great leader and communicator who gets the best out of his teammates, and he’s a gamer who steps up when his team needs it and makes plays for others when the time is right. He’s a gritty guy that doesn’t back down from anyone, and while he may not look super tough he’s able to withstand a lot of physicality and will always get back up after he’s knocked down. He’ll never stop coming at you, and that’s a trait you have to love out of your lead guard.
Micah Johnson-Parotte | 5’10” PG | Oakton (#148 Overall)
Also a track star, Johnson-Parrotte is an athletic, pass first point guard who was an All Conference selection this past year. The 5’10” guard is a dual threat guy who can score and distribute, and is also a lock down defender who is a born leader and great communicator on both ends. He’s a guy who knows how to use his athleticism on both ends of the floor, he can blow by defenders off the bounce and thrives in transition with it, and his solid skill set that accompanies it makes him very tough to guard in a conference that filled with skill guys but not so many athletes.