May Recap: Top-10 Local 2023 Stock Risers
The spring grassroots season has come and gone, but we learned something new during each passing week. Here is a closer look at the top-10 local stock risers we saw throughout May. #10 | Dallas Kendall Dallas Kendall 6'7" |…
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Continue ReadingThe spring grassroots season has come and gone, but we learned something new during each passing week. Here is a closer look at the top-10 local stock risers we saw throughout May.
#10 | Dallas Kendall Dallas Kendall 6'7" | PF Menchville | 2022 State VA | 17U Big Shots Elite/Menchville (VA)
Dallas Kendall Dallas Kendall 6'7" | PF Menchville | 2022 State VA showed that he can hang with elite bigs when he matched up with New World’s Favour Aire Favour Aire 6'10" | C Bishop McNamara | 2022 State #86 Nation MD in the first round at Southern Jam Fest. He is an interesting long-term prospect at 6-foot-9 with long arms and broad shoulders. Offensively, Kendall displayed good touch out to the foul line. He’s a smart screener and roller who knows how to wall up without fouling on defense. It’s probably a safe bet to assume that Kendall is still growing. He should only continue to improve as his frame fills out over time and his skills sharpen.
#9 | John Awoke John Awoke 6'2" | PG Hayfield | 2023 State VA | New World/Annandale (VA)
At various tournaments this spring, John Awoke John Awoke 6'2" | PG Hayfield | 2023 State VA has solidified his credentials as one of the better perimeter defenders from Northern Virginia. He is a bigger guard who rebounds, demonstrates ideal defensive posture and lateral quickness at the point of attack. his Awoke brings a competitive edge that shines on the defensive side of the floor, both on and off the ball, and is standing out as a result.
#8 | Blake Neal | 17U Team Takeover Orange/Paul VI (VA)
Blake Neal is one of the more athletic prospects you’ll find in the local 2023 class. He plays with a unique combination of power and finesse that not many opponents can match. Neal is a productive player now because of his ability to rebound out of his area, be aggressive in transition, and finish at the hole. His upside is certainly significant, but he is already standing out right now.
#7 | Jadon Burgess Jadon Burgess 6'3" | SF Harrisonburg | 2023 State VA | Virginia Premier/Harrisonburg (VA)
There is nothing flashy about Jadon Burgess Jadon Burgess 6'3" | SF Harrisonburg | 2023 State VA , but flashy doesn’t necessarily win games. If you need a player who isn’t worried about anything but doing what it takes to win, Burgess is your guy. He is skilled and resilient enough to provide offensive firepower when need be, but he does all the little things throughout the game as well. Burgess attacks the offensive glass relentlessly and gets multiple bunnies per game as a result. He moves the ball quickly and accurately, and he does his due diligence defensively.
#6 | Alex Chaikin | Team Loaded 804/Jamestown (VA)
It’s been fun tracking the progress of Alex Chaikin since he emerged on our radar last year. He’s gained a couple of inches and added some weight since we first saw him, but he doesn’t appear to be done growing anytime soon. Chaikin is a deadeye shooter who knows how to play off of his shot. He is always moving off the ball, communicating, and playing unselfishly. Chaikin has already had some big games this spring, which should give him ample confidence moving forward.
#5 | Samuel Brannen Samuel Brannen 6'0" | CG King’s Fork | 2023 State VA | Boo Williams/Norfolk Collegiate (VA)
Samuel Brannen Samuel Brannen 6'0" | CG King’s Fork | 2023 State VA has impressed for Boo this spring. He can shoot the trey ball, but also attacks closeouts well and mixes it up inside the arc. Brannen’s court awareness is outstanding. He is a good passer who doesn’t hesitate to kick the ball out to an open teammate.
#4 | Robby Matos Robby Matos 5'9" | PG Blue Ridge | 2023 VA | Boo Williams/Virginia Episcopal (VA)
Robby Matos Robby Matos 5'9" | PG Blue Ridge | 2023 VA is an absolute menace, particularly defensively. He is very active and alert, especially off the ball. Matos takes charges and intercepts passes routinely. Offensively, his lightning-quick first step makes him very difficult to contain off the dribble. Matos gets regular paint touches. He can pull up from the mid-range, or get all the way to the hole and finish or find the open man. Matos has incredible hangtime and body control. He seeks contact and earns a few free throw attempts per game as a result.
#3 | Logan Rhoades Logan Rhoades 6'2" | CG Mills Godwin | 2023 State VA | Team Loaded VA/Blue Ridge (VA)
Logan Rhoades Logan Rhoades 6'2" | CG Mills Godwin | 2023 State VA is a two-sport standout who also plays quarterback, but he is showing that he can get it done on the hardwood as well. He impacts the game in many ways on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Rhoades is a good shooter who is an exceptional mover without the ball. He fills the lanes quickly and correctly. Rhoades is in constant motion off the ball and comes off screens hard. He attacks closeouts well and plays off 2 feet. Rhoades demonstrates good footwork and variety in his passing. He has a runner that he uses to shoot over the top of bigs in the lane. He gets in the gaps defensively and showcases textbook court awareness. Rhoades also doesn’t mind taking one in the chops while boxing out or going up for a rebound.
#2 | Rieco Hellams Rieco Hellams 5'7" | PG Good Counsel | 2023 State MD | Team Melo/Good Counsel (MD)
Easily one of the top stock risers from the area regardless of class, Rieco Hellams Rieco Hellams 5'7" | PG Good Counsel | 2023 State MD has been steady at the point for Team Melo. He is a two-way lead guard who uses his low center of gravity to get under opposing ball-handlers defensively, shadow them, and give them fits. Hellams keeps the ball on a string and can initiate offense just as easily in the half-court as he does in transition.
#1 | Carlton Carrington Carlton Carrington 6'4" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #84 Nation MD | Team Melo/St. Frances (MD)
Carlton Carrington Carlton Carrington 6'4" | CG St. Frances | 2023 State #84 Nation MD closed out his spring with a strong run of play down at Southern Jam Fest. His confidence is sky-high as we saw during the championship game where it felt like he couldn’t miss. Carrington’s added size helps him score from multiple areas on the floor and gives him added range defensively. There may not be a more intriguing prospect to track from this area right now heading into the summer.