Top 5 Returning Scorers Class AAA
West Virginia high school basketball fans remain optimistic after slow but steady progress has been made in laying out a plan for fall sports to continue this year. Select counties were able to begin fall practices in mid-August while many…
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Continue ReadingWest Virginia high school basketball fans remain optimistic after slow but steady progress has been made in laying out a plan for fall sports to continue this year. Select counties were able to begin fall practices in mid-August while many others have to wait as COVID data continues to trickle in week by week. With a season still not ensured, we look back again at some of the top scorers from last season who will be returning this year, this time in the AAA division.
Will Shively Will Shively 6'3" | SG Jefferson | 2023 State WV – 6’2 SG/SF – Jefferson High School ’23
Every player on this list has incredible skill and looks geared for next-level competition, but this kid truly highlights the invaluable concept of potential. As a freshman, the intangibles are already there; 6’1 by the beginning of his first season of high school basketball with a listed 75″ wingspan, Shively has the size to go along with an already years ahead of schedule offensive game. His first season brought with it 3rd team all-state honors with averages of 15.3 PPG and 7.9 RPG. He already displays an all-around game with great floor awareness. Leading up to high school Shively was used to being the ball-dominant main offensive cog, but being the new guy on the team he adjusted with little trouble to progressing his game without the ball, and that was most apparent from his work on the arc. He sunk 55 three-pointers on the season at a 35% clip and finished 55% on his two-point attempts, leading the team in scoring and efficiency in year one. His quick hands and long reach left defenders helpless. With a smooth, flick of the wrist jumper, his shot release is fluid and impossible to close out on. His catch and shoot game is on display all over the court as he routinely finds open spots off of screens or slipping away from his defender. However, he doesn’t allow his defenders to guard the three-line as he often utilizes jab steps or pump fakes to open lanes to the basket. He’s quickly learned how to use his size and isn’t scared to knock around in the paint and crash for offensive boards. Look out for the youngster at Jefferson High to make big waves as a top scorer in the state for the next three years.
Eli Archer Eli Archer 6'5" | C Huntington | 2021 State WV – 6’5 F/C – Huntington High School ’21
Archer is the solid anchor every team needs to dominate in the paint. A big-bodied power forward/center, Archer provides a large target down low, with a strong, wide base to bump around in the paint all game. He finished last season with 15.5 PPG and 7.4 RPG on 59% shooting. He runs the court well in transition. Archer is adept at finding gaps in the back of the defense and mirrors the ball handler well as they move toward the baseline. He’s constantly active in the paint and wears down defenders, knocking them around on the glass and in the post. Archer displays solid strength finishing through the defense but also with a soft, consistent touch. He gets his layups off with good speed and precision. His footwork is the most impressive part of his game. He makes use of smooth hip movement and utilizing elbow movement around the defender’s hip to create space and drive to the basket. Archer isn’t known for his shooting but he has shown off a solid shot motion and the ability to be used in pick and pop setups on the arc. Archer’s senior year will have him looking to bring Huntington back to dominance after an off year. With a good amount of the roster returning expect Eli Archer Eli Archer 6'5" | C Huntington | 2021 State WV and Co. to be back in the championship conversation this season.
Chandler Schmidt Chandler Schmidt 6'1" | CG Cabell Midland | 2022 State WV – 6’1 PG – Cabell Midland ’22
Schmidt is oozing with confidence and has a game to show why. He can score at every level and is relentless in his offense, taking the shot or attacking the basket in the blink of an eye. He earned 1st team all-state honors as a sophomore and finished the year with a team-high 17.8 PPG. His overall offensive abilities are advanced. He has great speed in transition and takes every chance he can to slip away right as the transition is about to begin, leading to several easy baskets. Schmidt has tight handles and often employs a seamless crossover to step back move that is near unguardable. His motor is non-stop, constantly moving with and without the ball, and crashing hard for rebounds on a regular basis and battling in the paint in box-out situations. He has great body control when attacking the basket, and strikes through the defense with quickness and decisiveness, easily finishing with either hand. He can get creative in his scoring in an instant and finish from anywhere on the court, with a solid shot motion and great pull-up jumper in the mid-range. His IQ is evident in his ability to find the open spot without the ball through cutting lanes, transition offense, and overall skill to get past the defender. Don’t let his abundant confidence fool you, Schmidt has the game to ball with the best in the state and looks to keep the dominance going this year.
Amare Smith Amare Smith 6'5" | SF Huntington | 2021 State WV – 6’5 SF – Huntington High School ’21
The other piece to the big duo leading this Huntington squad, Smith brings a more well-rounded and diverse game to the team. A long-bodied, do it all player, Smith plays more with a point-forward style. He finished last season with all-state 2nd team honors and 16.7 PPG, 7.8 RPG and 2.3 APG. He has crisp handles and incredible vision, getting passes through the smallest of gaps often. His height allows him to tower over the defense and find the open man with ease. He has great technique on his shot. He is a solid outside shooter and dominates in the mid-range. Smith uses his height and massive reach to dominate on the glass and create put back opportunities. He attacks the basket with strength but always has his eyes open for the dish to the open teammate. His reach and release make his shot near impossible to affect. He is a disciplined shooter who doesn’t waver from closing out defenders. His intangibles are above and beyond most players in the state and will be a huge help in his transition to the next level. Smith’s game is one of the most well-rounded in the state. The senior duo of Smith and Archer will be a tough task for any defense to prepare for.
Mason Pinkett Mason Pinkett 6'2" | SG George Washington | 2021 State WV – 6’1 SG – George Washington High School ’21
Pinkett is one of the best, if not the best shooter in the state. Coming off of a major knee injury during his sophomore season, Pinkett bounced back in a big way to lead George Washington to what was a strong playoff march prior to the cancellation of the season. He is a selfless player who does anything needed to help the team succeed. Even with his focus not entirely on scoring, Pinkett finished with 17.3 PPG, as well as 3 APG and 1st team all-state honors. His movement is constant and all over the court. He maintains great off-ball activity, finding open spots all along the three-point line and giving his teammates great looks. His shot motion is consistent and smooth and he gets his shots off with solid speed. He is extremely quick when getting around screens and loses his defender with his high pace movement, creating catch and shoot opportunities often. Pinkett is a fearless shooter, often shooting and making shots 3-5 feet beyond the three-point line. He is also efficient in the mid-range, finishing with a smooth pull-up jumper consistently even with the defense in his face. He is incredibly quick on his toes, making smart decisions at a moment’s notice and at high speed. He has great vision when attacking the basket, always aware of drive and dish opportunities when he heads toward the paint. He has great change of direction speed and body control when driving to the hoop and uses quick handles and solid ball control to fly by defenders. Pinkett and George Washington had a great season cut short and are looking to finish what they started, and with Mason Pinkett Mason Pinkett 6'2" | SG George Washington | 2021 State WV leading the way they very well might.