2020 Breakout Candidates: Wings
The sophomore season for players is often a time where we can really evaluate kids. Typically, talented freshman are held back by new systems and the speed of the game, but after a year they’re typically ready to make more of a statement their sophomore year. With that being said, here’s a look at five wings across the state who could have a big sophomore season and make a name for themselves.
Ikechi Chantilou | 6’3” | George Wythe
An über talented wing that played a big role as a freshman, Chantilou is on the way to being one of the best Richmond area players in his class. A long and athletic off guard, he’s a scoring wing that can get it done in various ways but also has good feel and a high IQ. He’s a competitor that doesn’t back down on either end of the floor, and he’s a tough kid that is a leader and wants to be the best of the best.
Garrett Payne | 6’4” | Western Albemarle
One of the lesser known kids on this list, Payne came off the bench for Western last year and didn’t play big time AAU ball, but trust me when I say he has all the tools to be a division one player. He has a great frame, he’s a natural athlete that plays above the rim and he has a good looking jump shot as well. He can play all over the floor, but looks like he projects to be a wing that can rebound well and guard multiple positions. With Western Albemarle losing some of their best players, he’s going to be an important part if they’re going to be successful this year.
Jordan Battle | 6’2” | Norfolk Collegiate
Battle had a big freshman season, and he’s only going to get better and have a bigger year this year. He’s a utility guy that doesn’t really have a position, and he’s a stat sheet stuffer that does a little bit of everything. He’s a high motor and tough kid with some dog in him, he can score the ball from all three levels and he’s an unselfish guy with good feel. He rebounds on both ends, competes his tail off and is the perfect guy to rebuild a program around like Nor Co is trying to do.
Jaden House | 6’2” | Henrico
A lights out shooter from deep, House made somewhat of a name for himself over the summer with River City Reign and in the fall at the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo, and with Henrico’s need for a second option to Timon Jones it could be the perfect situation. He has deep range off the catch, a scorer’s mentality and the feel and ability to get to his spots and make contested shots. He’s a viable option and natural scorer, and with teams focused on Jones he should get opportunities to score it.
Blake Leake | 6’3” | Eastern View
Leake played sparingly as a freshman for Eastern View, but with the departure of Anias Saunders and Cameron Norman he’s going to have to play a much bigger role in his sophomore season. He was hurt this summer but he’s healthy now, and his high IQ and shot making ability is beyond his years. He has a strong frame for his age, he can make shots off the bounce and he’s a good finisher in the lane. He’ll have to get more game experience, but once that comes he should be the next in a long line of recent EV stars.