Big Shots Horizon Tip-Off Standouts: 2023 (Part 1)
The AAU season is in full swing in VA a little earlier than usual this year, as there were multiple tournaments throughout the state. I decided to head to Harrisonburg to the Big Shots VA Horizon Tip-Off, where I broadcasted…
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Continue ReadingThe AAU season is in full swing in VA a little earlier than usual this year, as there were multiple tournaments throughout the state. I decided to head to Harrisonburg to the Big Shots VA Horizon Tip-Off, where I broadcasted and live streamed court one on the CBG Live Network.
It was a great event to see some under the radar talent, and we’ll take a look at the many standouts, continuing with part one of the 2023 prospects that stood out throughout the day.
You can watch all of the games from court one of the event on the CBG Live Network here.
Evan Ramsey Evan Ramsey 7'0" | C Abingdon | 2023 State VA | 6’11” C | Big Shots Tri-Cities 17U/Abingdon ’23
Ramsey won MVP of the 17U division after helping Big Shots Tri-Cities to the championship, and he’s one of the top 2023 prospects that is set to blow up moving this forward. He was virtually unknown before helping Abingdon to the state championship this season, but now he’s looking like possibly the best prospect in the SWVA area. At 6’11” he has terrific size and is a natural rim protector, he has good touch over both shoulders and can step out and shoot the three-pointer and he has a toughness to him as he wants to be the guy and wants to continue to improve moving forward.
Dylan Saunders Dylan Saunders 6'8" | C Cave Spring | 2023 State VA | 6’7” PF | VA Premier /Cave Spring ’23
Saunders waited his turn his freshman year as he watched Cave Spring win the state championship with a few big men who went on to play in college, and now it’s looking like Saunders is ready to be one of the top players in the Roanoke area moving forward. He’s 6’7” with good toughness and good mobility, he thrives as a big who can play inside-out and has good touch out to 18 feet and he’s all over the glass on both ends. As he continues to get stronger and develop he could turn himself into a division one prospect moving forward.
Wes Williams | 6’0” PG | VA Premier /Independence ’23
Williams already holds a couple of division one offers and was named All State this year in Class 3, and it’s easy to see why as he’s advanced well beyond his years as far as his skill set and feel for the game. At 6’0” he isn’t the biggest or most athletic guard, but he’s super shifty and stays under control against pressure, and he’s a dual threat that can both score it and make plays for others. He’s a knock down shooter from deep, he’s slippery and can get in the paint at will and he runs the team extremely efficiently.
Alex Bates | 6’4” WG | VA Premier /Weddington (NC) ’23
Bates was a surprise as he was named MVP of the 16U division after helping Premier to the championship, and he showed a lot of potential as a big time prospect with his blend of size, athleticism and shooting ability on the wing. He can play above the rim and had multiple very impressive finishes, he can shoot it from deep at a high clip and he can put it on the deck and create off the bounce as well. He’s an all-around wing that brings it on both ends and is a name you’ll be hearing more about moving forward.
Greg Jones Greg Jones 6'5" | SF Hayfield | 2023 State #258 Nation VA Jr. | 6’5” WF | VA Premier /Hayfield ’23
Jones was part of a very impressive Premier team with multiple division one prospects, but he’s the one who stands out as far his long term potential to play at the highest level. At 6’5” he’s a true wing that can guard multiple positions, he’s athletic and plays above the rim and he has good feel for his size with the ball in his hands. He still has some polishing to do but he has a good base skill set and great size and athleticism, so if he can continue to develop he has a chance to be special moving forward.
Jadon Burgess Jadon Burgess 6'3" | SF Harrisonburg | 2023 State VA | 6’3” CG | VA Premier /Harrisonburg ’23
Burgess is a three sport star that also shines on the football and baseball field at Harrisonburg, and the lefty guard has a lot of potential moving forward to play at the next level. He’s a smart kid who can play on or off the ball and makes good decisions, he’s long and athletic and plays with a good motor and he can make shots from multiple levels as well. He produces across the board and attacks the glass extremely hard, and he finds ways to impact the game positively in so many different ways.
Jacob Estrada | 6’4” PF | VA Havoc/Roanoke Catholic ’23
Estrada is an intriguing prospect out of the Roanoke area, as he has a body like a power forward but also has some skills that you’d find in guards and wings. He’s very strong in the post and is a good athlete allowing him to guard guys taller than him, but he also showed the ability to make shots from deep and put it on the deck and attack downhill as well. He had multiple impressive dunks and plays around the rim, and with his base skill set he could continue to develop into a nice prospect moving forward.
Ryan Steger Ryan Steger 6'2" | SG James River (Buchanan) | 2023 State VA | 6’2” WG | VA Havoc/James River (Buchanan) ’23
Steger was consistently one of the best scorers in the event, all while playing up on 17U as well. A long shooter who makes shots consistently and gets hot quickly, Steger has deep range and a quick release off the catch from deep, and once he starts to make a few shots he can attack closeouts and finish in the lane as well. He’s a guy who simply finds ways to score it and can take over games as well.