July Sleepers Watch: 2018 Smaller Market Guys (Part 2)
With the live periods right around the corner, we at Vantage Hoops will be previewing under the radar guys to keep a watch on across the state. Today, we will look at some of the smaller market guys in the state who should see their recruitment pick up with a good July.
- Cartier Key | 6’0” G | SQBA
Another kid that may not be that well known cause he plays in a football dominant area of Charlottesville, Key is a combo guard with good strength and a high IQ. He can play on and off the basketball, takes and makes good shots and is able to stay in front of ball handlers or jump passing lanes. What’s best about Key is that he plays to his strengths, and doesn’t try to do too much and instead makes plays that help his team win.
- Kalip Jones | 5’10” PG | Virginia Bullets
He isn’t the biggest or most athletic guard out there, but Jones can flat out play. He’s a crafty point guard that plays with pace, has good vision and feel and has an array of floaters and pull-ups in the midrange to score over rim protectors. He controls the tempo of the game, gets his team into sets and does a nice mix of distributing and scoring to help his team win games.
- Jarvis Vaughan | 6’8” PF | VA Blaze
Vaughan had a huge junior season for Robert E. Lee on the way to the 2A State Championship, capping the campaign with a 34 point outing in the championship game. The 6’8” big has a perimeter oriented game offensively, where he can shoot the jump shot out to 20 feet, and works well in face up scenarios where he can put it on the floor in one or two dribbles and blow by slower big men. He can finish with both hands around the basket, run the floor and has takeover ability on the offensive end.
- Tyler Trimble | 6’8” PF | EG Premiere
Trimble quietly had a big season for Kettle Run, averaging 14 points, 8 rebounds and two blocks per game on the way to earning First Team All Conference honors. This summer for EG Premiere, he has found a solid niche as the physical, inside presence off the bench for a team with mostly stretch big men. He’s a good rim protector and outlet passer, has good footwork on the block and can finish with both hands in a number of ways, including a nice jump hook. If he can continue to improve on his midrange game, it should open his game up nicely and he’d be a solid steal for a smaller college at the next level.
- David Ware | 6’3” WF | LBA Attack
Another All Conference Selection that many haven’t heard of, Ware has shown a ton of production and potential for LBA Attack as a positionless guy that stuffs the stat sheet. He can play and guard the 2-4, is a high volume and high motor rebounder and he’s a walking mismatch on the offensive end that can score from all over the floor. His versatility and willingness to take on different roles should be looked upon favorably by college coaches who take the time to find this hidden gem in Caroline County.
- Jake Martin | 6’2” WG | Roanoke Pacers
While senior point guard Malik Johnson deservedly got a lot of the credit for Wythe in their run to the state championship, Martin emerged as the guy who should take over the storied program next season. He’s a sniper from deep, who sets his feet quickly and isn’t afraid to let it fly at any moment. He’s surprisingly tough, as he isn’t afraid to get in the lane and finish in traffic, and despite not being the quickest guy out there he uses savvy and a high IQ to get things done.