Athletic Forwards/Bigs: Central/Western VA
We continue to look at our lists across VA as we take a look at some of the best athletic forwards and bigs in the Central and Western parts of VA. Jamari Sibley | 6’8” | Oak Hill Academy 2020…
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Continue ReadingWe continue to look at our lists across VA as we take a look at some of the best athletic forwards and bigs in the Central and Western parts of VA.
Jamari Sibley | 6’8” | Oak Hill Academy 2020
Sibley is one of a number of big names coming into Oak Hill this year, and his mix of length and athleticism is something that should make him a possible NBA player in the future. At 6’8” he’s able to play all over the court and guard almost every position, he’s a big time athlete that can finish above the rim and protect the rim as well and he possesses a solid skill set to go along with it. He’s ranked nationally by every recruiting service and should be able to pick from almost any school he wants to when it’s time for him to make his decision.
Ismael Plet | 6’7” | Virginia Episcopal 2020
Plet was quietly one of the best players in the VISAA D2 classification last year, and I believe is one of the best long term gems in the state of Virginia. At 6’7” he’s built like a heavyweight fighter as he’s ripped from head to toe, he’s physical and quick off his feet, he’s a dynamic finisher in the paint and he’s pretty good laterally which allows him to switch onto guards and keep them in front as well. He’s a good rebounder and a guy who can put it on the deck in straight lines and use his athleticism and strength to finish through contact.
Darrick Jones | 6’5” | Oak Hill 2020
Anyone who has been following Virginia High School basketball has known that Jones is one of the most athletic guys in the state over the past four years, he’s just been hidden at Oak Hill behind high level talent and has dealt with some injuries as well. However, the Towson commit is healthy now and ready to put on a show. He’s one of the most bouncy kids I’ve ever watched as he’s able to play way above the rim as a walking highlight on put-backs and alley-oops, he’s able to protect the rim come help side and he’s a solid on ball defender as well. He’ll be one of the most athletic guys in the CAA the first day he steps on campus.
Derrick Jones | 6’4” | Blue Ridge 2021
It must be something about the name, because this Derrick Jones is also an absurd athlete who is a walking highlight in transition as well. He was an All-State selection at Albermarle County last year before deciding to transfer and reclassify at Blue Ridge, and that has already paid dividends as he’s picked up offers from ODU, Stetson and Mount St. Mary’s. At 6’4” he has great length to go along with his athleticism, he can make shots but he’s best when he can get downhill where he can either finish above the rim or hang in the air and finish through contact. He has all of the tools to be a two way impact guy at the next level and I can easily see his recruitment continuing to pick up moving forward.
Jayson Fain | 6’5” | Carlisle 2021
Fain is a guy who has really impressed me over the past few months with his versatility and athleticism, and he should have a big time breakout year at Carlisle as a junior. He isn’t as bouncy as some of the other guys I mentioned but he’s athletic enough to run the floor and finish above the rim, he’s skilled enough to make shots and put it on the deck and he has the frame to play both in the post and on the perimeter as well.
Jaheim Niblett | 6’6” | Martinsville 2021
A hidden gem in the 434, Niblett is one of the best posts in the state and he’s able to dominate in his area with size and athleticism. He’s a bullish post that can body smaller guys but he’s also athletic enough to run the floor in transition, he can rebound on both ends in and out of his area and he’s able to face up and take guys off the bounce as well. He’s a guy who should make some noise this year moving forward.
Demetri Gardner | 6’5” | John Handley 2021
Another hidden gem, this one in Winchester, Gardner is a guy who isn’t super explosive but he has a mix of athleticism and skill set that makes him very effective and hard to guard. He’s a strong kid with a solid motor who can make shots, finish at and above the rim and guard multiple positions. He’ll be a standout for Handley this year who has been one of the top programs in the state over the past few years.
Tyler Nickel | 6’6” | East Rockingham 2022
One of the best freshmen in the state last year, Nickel has a blend of size and skill set that makes him a very intriguing prospect moving forward, and it’s his overall athleticism that sometimes gets overlooked. He isn’t the fastest guy end to end but he has a quick first step that allows him to get in the lane, he has good ups and isn’t afraid to put it down over a defender in traffic and he has a strong build that should continue to fill out nicely. He’s only going to get more athletic moving forward and will be fun to watch as time goes on.