Observations from Big Shots VA on Championship Sunday
The Big Shots VA Live event didn’t disappoint on Championship Sunday. Here’s a look at some observations. One game didn’t disappoint the fans at Big Shots VA The Runnin Rebels 15U (VA) squad was in a back and forth…
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Continue ReadingThe Big Shots VA Live event didn’t disappoint on Championship Sunday. Here’s a look at some observations.
One game didn’t disappoint the fans at Big Shots VA
The Runnin Rebels 15U (VA) squad was in a back and forth battle with the Hill City Crash 15U team that came down to the wire. In the end, the Runnin Rebels won 37-36 thanks to a big 3-pointer from 2022 shooting guard Lance Bender. Bender finished with nine points but 2022 guard Dominique Washington was the star of the show, though much of his contributions didn’t show up in the scorebook.
Washington is a 6-foot-2 guard who is a pest on both ends. As the summer moves forward, his progression will be interesting to watch. 6-foot-1 wing Christian Hamm is another one to keep an eye on. He was active on the glass and came up with some big rebounds down the stretch.
For Hill City, 2022 5-foot-7 guard Tion Steeples hit three 3-pointers, including a big 3-pointer with less than two minutes remaining to give his team a lead, though they couldn’t hold onto it in the end. 5-foot-6 guard Kaden Dupree was another standout, finishing with eight points. He’s got a nice stroke from behind the arc and isn’t afraid to step in and take charges.
PG Bulls Blue Glen has a few potential studs
The PG Bulls Blue Glen (MD) is a squad out of Forestville and with 2020 guard Anthony Simmons, 2021 guard Cameron Howell, 2021 forward Xzavaier Hawkins leading the way, they had a good showing. Simmons likes to play above the rim and did so throughout, finishing with nine points in the Gold title game.
Howell can fill it up from the behind the arc as well as make plays for his teammates. On defense, his awareness should carry him far. Hawkins is a 6-foot-7 forward that plays smart on both ends. He showed off the ability to defend every position on the floor and didn’t shy away from pressuring the ball. As his teammates learn to feed him the rock on offense, he should have a big summer.
Squires Richmond still brimming with talent
Squires Richmond Green (VA) is another team that had a few prospects. They went 3-0 through pool play though they fell in the championship game for the only loss of the weekend.
2021 point guard Jamareon Brown is a prospect that is looking to make the right play at the right time. As a floor general, he should grow into a solid talent.
6-foot-8 forward Carl Highsmith is a raw talent that’s learning to play around the basket. He’s got length and quickness for a player of his size. As he learns to be active with his hands on both ends, look for him to get some looks.
2021 forward Maleek Richardson is a versatile forward that has “Takeover” ability written all over him, he just has to realize it. Richardson showed flashes of his athleticism and ability to play tough in the paint. He has a chance to grow into a solid prospect on the recruiting trail.
Khai Seargeant is a pure scorer that needs attention
The Runnin Rebels 15u squad wasn’t the only one to turn heads. Their 17U won the Orange Gold Championship over the Fairfax Stars thanks to a big performance from 2020 Khai Seargeant. Seargeant is a 6-foot point guard with a killer instinct and high motor on both ends.
The good thing about his killer instinct is he knows when to turn it on and does it while involving his teammates. He poured in 32 points for his Runnin Rebels squad and did a lot that didn’t show up on the stat sheet.
At one point, he played defense with his hands behind his back, then made a perfectly timed steal and scored a layup on the other end. He does a lot on the floor all while showing little to no emotion. He told me he’ll be at Courtland High next season.