Player Power Rankings: Richmond Area (25-16)
With the high school season just a couple months away from getting started, we decided to do some player rankings based on area. These rankings will take into consideration both the players next level abilities, but will also rank guys…
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Continue ReadingWith the high school season just a couple months away from getting started, we decided to do some player rankings based on area. These rankings will take into consideration both the players next level abilities, but will also rank guys based on who we believe will have the top seasons in 2018-2019. They encompass all classes outside of rising freshmen, and while it’s impossible to include every kid we did the best we could.
Here’s a look at the players ranked 25-16 in the Richmond area, and stay tuned for more content of the same coming up soon.
- Editors Note: These rankings are based on where the kids are slated to play high school basketball this season.
25) Kenari Jones | 5’10” PG | Carmel School 2020
This final spot was debated among about five players, but Jones got the nod because of his high level of production when he was healthy last year. A lightning quick lead guard, Jones plays at a pace that will make you tired just watching him. He controls the tempo on both ends of the floor, has a blow by first step that’s a nightmare and he can read and run the pick-and-roll with the best of them.
24) Izeah Parker | 6’7” PF | Hopewell 2019
The Coppin State commit split time on the block last year with the Jefferson twins who are now at Mount St. Mary’s, and this year he’ll have to play a lot more and be much more consistent. Parker brings some things you can’t teach, with a long frame and good athleticism that allows him to run the floor and protect the rim. He has a good skill set that includes the ability to score out to 15 feet, and he’s a gym rat who should get better throughout the season.
23) Kenard Richardson | 6’3” WG | Varina 2020
Don’t get this twisted as disrespect, because Richardson played a huge role in Varina’s state championship run last seasons. The team’s best perimeter defender, Richardson has been picking up the best player on the other team the last two seasons. Offensively, he knows his strengths and has worked on his weaknesses, as he’s able to use his strength and size to get in the lane and finish in traffic, but has also shown an improved pull up and midrange game as well.
22) Burke Smith | 6’10” PF | Trinity Episcopal 2020
It’s a big season for Smith, who will be asked to step up his production level big time with the departure of UNC commit Armando Bacot who was the best player in Richmond the past two seasons. Well, Smith looks ready as he’s shown steady improvement, culminating this summer where he looked like a totally different guy. He’s super skilled, as he was one of Trinity’s best shooters last season, but he’s also become more mobile and stronger in the post, where he’s shown the ability to score on the block and on the offensive glass.
21) Jairus Ashlock | 6’2” WG | John Marshall 2019
A guy who could make me look foolish for putting him so low, Ashlock is instant offense in a strong 6’2” package. His stocky frame allows him to attack downhill on smaller guards and finish through traffic, but he has a lot of things that he can do both on and off the basketball as well. He has a decent handle that allows him to take care of the basketball, he moves well off the ball and he’s able to make tough shots from all over the floor. He could have a big season for the Justices.
20) Tyrese Tingle | 6’7” PF | Matoaca 2019
When it comes to production level for big men, Tingle is among the best in the Richmond area. At 6’7”, he’s a stocky and strong big man who can carve out space and run the floor, but he’s also extremely skilled as he can score on the block with both hands and step out to the three-point line where he’s a decent shooter. He has a complete offensive package and he should be a go-to guy they throw the ballot on the block regularly.
19) Lance Monteiro | 6’4”WG | LC Bird 2019
Monteiro, who was at Huguenot for their run to the regional finals last year, has transferred into LC Bird and his addition should have much of the same success that Jaylen Dillard had when he transferred in and they won the state championship. At 6’4”, Monteiro gives them good size on the wing, but most importantly he’s a pure shooter from deep who understands the game and can spread the floor. His addition not only will give the Skyhawks three or four three-pointers per game, but it will also make it easier for their downhill, attacking style with an open lane.
18) Jason Nelson | 5’8” PG | Varina 2021
It’s almost unfair to put Nelson this far down, because he makes life so easy for the guys on the list above him for Varina. The pint size point guard may not look the part, but he does everything you can ask for at the lead guard position. He has great feel and instincts on both ends of the floor, he controls the tempo throughout the game, makes open shots and creates opportunities for others easily.
17) Jordan Parham | 5’11” PG | Huguenot 2020
A shot making specialist, Parham is set to explode on the scene as one of the top point guards in the Richmond area this year. At 5’11”, he isn’t the tallest guy but he’s compact, shifty and strong with the ball in his hands which allows him to get to his spots. With the ball in his hands, he can make shots from all three levels, and he has a good feel for the game that allows him to make others around him better even while taking over a game.
16) Jordan Hernandez | 6’6” PF | Varina 2019
Hernandez played a solid role on Varina’s state title team last season as he started about half the games and brought athleticism and energy in the front court. This season, he’ll be the only big man on the team and will be able to show off his athleticism in transition and while protecting the paint. He can fly with guards in transition and play way above the rim on both ends.