2019 Rankings Updates: Richmond Area Wings (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 the wings in the Richmond Area of VA that we ranked in the 2019 rankings.
*Editors Note: These breakdowns are based on where the players play high school basketball at.
Robbie Beran | 6’8” WF | Collegiate/TRGR (#5 Overall)
Beran has shot up recruiting boards this Spring, now sitting with over 20 scholarship offers, with his latest one being from Boston College. That isn’t the only reason he’s shot up our rankings as well from being in the late teens to number five, but let’s start with this one: There may not be a more recruitable kid in the state. Beran sports a 4.4 GPA, he takes all AP classes and every time you see the kid he looks like he’s grown another inch. At 6’8”, he has tremendous length, he’s improve his guard skills and he can absolutely light you up from deep. You can put him in the press, you can switch him onto guards, he’ll rebound for you, he’ll run the floor, he’ll trail for threes and he’s extremely coachable. It’s no wonder he’s become one of the hottest names on the east coast, and if he has a good July it will only continue.
Jamon Battle | 6’5” WG | LC Bird/Team Loaded 804 (#6 Overall)
Beran may have gotten the head start on Battle, but he isn’t far behind as he also blew up this spring and is sitting with double digit offers and shot up from the late 20s to #6 in our rankings. A two sport star, Battle is an absolute physical specimen. He has a great frame, he’s an unbelievable athlete and he has made huge strides this past season with both understanding the game as a whole and understanding different ways he can dominate the game. When you start nitpicking at his game you can say his jump shot doesn’t look great, but it’s effective and he knocked down shots from deep all year last year and all spring. He can put it on the deck in transition and in the half court, he plays way above the rim in transition, he can guard and play multiple positions, he rebounds on both ends and he still has so much room to get better. He could end up even better in college than he is in high school right now, and that’s a scary thought.
Tyrese Jenkins | 6’6” WF | Varina/Team Loaded VA (#19 Overall)
The Class 5 state player of the year may be on the move, as the rumors around the 804 are that he’s looking to transfer to a private school to reclassify. Whether he’s a 2019 or a 2020 however, Jenkins took a big leap last year and solidified that he’s an inside-out forward with a soft touch, versatility and a great skill set offensively. A lot of teams tried to zone Varina last year, and Jenkins killed them from the high post when they did. He can hit the 15 footer like a layup, he made good passes whether high-low or kick-outs and he attacked the glass from the elbow as well. He also showed improved low post game, where he was able to post smaller wings and score in the paint. He showed leadership, toughness and was a mismatch problem all season. His ability to shoot the basketball and play and guard multiple positions will make him a valuable asset at the next level.
Mack Burgett | 6’7” WF | LC Bird/Team Loaded 804 (#27 Overall)
One of the most improved players in the state, Burgett came to Bird as an awkward, lanky 6’4” forward and has blossomed into a long, 6’7” wing with a budding skill set and great intangibles. A high academic student, he would be perfect for a Patriot or Ivy League school that’s known to develop kids. He can shoot the basketball from deep, he can guard multiple positions, he uses his length on the defensive end and on the glass and he put it on the deck in transition. He’s a guy you can use in the post if you want to go small or on the perimeter if you want to go big. He’s a better athlete than he’s given credit for, and it looks like he’s still growing which is scary to think of. He’s definitely improved to the point where he should be considered by low major programs as a guy to work with and help improve.
DeMarr McRae | 6’2” WG | John Marshall/Team Loaded VA (#36 Overall)
A tough two way player, McRae will do everything in his power to shut down the best player on the other team while being a viable option offensively as a shooter and athletic slasher. The classic “3 and d” kind of kid, McRae plays in transition and finishes above the rim, and he’s a guy who can hit the set shot from deep. He’s a little undersized at the two guard spot, but what he lacks in height he makes up for in athleticism and toughness. He’s a high energy guard who will give you everything on both ends even if you aren’t running a play for him. He’s the type of kid that will also elevate the play of others, because no matter what the setting is he’s going to compete like it’s game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Jairus Ashlock | 6’2” WG | John Marshall/Team Loaded VA 16U (#48 Overall)
One of the surprises of the summer so far, Ashlock has become one of the go-to options for Loaded 16s and continues to impress with his all around scoring ability. A big and strong wing that can play on and off the ball, he’s shown shot making ability and surprising athleticism when finishing around the basket. He has a high IQ as a scorer and he can rebound the ball from the guard position as well. He may be a late bloomer, but as he continues to improve his body and show that he can score it in a number of different ways, there’s going to be college coaches all over this kid.
Jahdon Robinson | 6’4” WG | Benedictine/TRGR (#53 Overall)
Robinson has come a long way from a raw athlete to a versatile guard, and he still has a lot of room to grow. He can really defend on the perimeter, guarding the 1-3, and his athleticism allows him to hit the glass and give you an extra rebounder. He has a great frame that should fill out well once he hits a college weight room, and considering he’s already stronger and more athletic than most kids in high school he’s already got a head start. He’s become an improved ball handler, shooter and all around scorer, but he still has room to grown in that department. He verbally committed to Hampton University this spring.