VHSL Preview: 5A
Arguably the strongest classification in the VHSL, the 5A is up for grabs with a number of teams that have been fixtures in the Top 30 Power Poll all season who could take the crown. The 5A South is particularly…
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Continue ReadingArguably the strongest classification in the VHSL, the 5A is up for grabs with a number of teams that have been fixtures in the Top 30 Power Poll all season who could take the crown. The 5A South is particularly loaded, with six teams that could compete for a state championship in any classification. Here’s a quick look at the 5A tournament as games start tonight.
5A South
Favorites
Henrico: The reigning 5A champions and winners of two of the last three state championships have looked as good as any team in the state this season. Despite losing two games this season to Deep Run and Hermitage, the Warriors have big time firepower and play a grueling defensive style that pressures teams into turnovers. Their big three of Richmond commit De’Monte Buckingham, point guard Gus Rowland and 6’8” wing Richard Sanders are as talented as any in the state.
LC Bird: The Skyhawks stumbled in the Conference 12 Championship game losing to a sleeper in Varina, which is trouble for them because they are forced to play Henrico in an elimination game tonight. However, Bird has played a daunting schedule and have been preparing for this matchup all season. They have arguably the best backcourt in the state, featuring senior Charles Falden, junior Mario Haskett and junior Johquin “Pinky” Wiley. It will be a slugfest tonight for sure.
Green Run: The Stallions have quietly been one of the most consistent teams in the state, with a record of 24-1. They are deep, talented and have interchangeable parts. While they have a number of players that can turn it on at any time, they are led by senior wing Sterling Carrington, junior big Emonni Wood and junior point guard DeShaun Wade. They have a chance to bring the top classification’s state championship back to the 757.
Bethel: Another 757 team that is playing their best basketball at the right time, Bethel had won 18 straight games before losing to rival Hampton in the Pensouth Conference championship. Bethel is an athletic uptempo team that is hard to match up with because they have size, shooters and athletes. Led by junior sharp shooter Kyle Foster, junior big man 6’11” Dajour Dickens and sophomore wing Jeremiah Owusu, look for them to try to spoil the party.
Deep Run: Deep Run was stellar all season in Richmond, but they played possibly their worst game of the season in their loss to Henrico in the Conference 11 Championship. Still, they are a disciplined and well coached team with enough talent and scorers that should allow them to compete with anyone, and they play well in close games.
Players to Watch
De’Monte Buckingham – Henrico
Buckingham is the all time leading scorer in Henrico County history, and is a man among boys. At just 6’3″, he’s capable of playing any position on the floor, and is a terrific offensive rebounder and passer. He’s the most complete player in the classification, and he’s had a knack for stepping up in big time games.
Charles Falden – LC Bird
The Conference 12 Player of the Year isn’t just one of the best available seniors in VA, he’s also the team’s leading scorer and leader on the floor. He’s their go-to scorer in the half court, and his ability to score it at all three levels makes him a viable option in isolation. He’ll need a big game to unseat Henrico.
Dajour Dickens – Bethel
A monster in the post, Dickens isn’t just a legitimate 6’11”, he’s also bouncy and mobile. He’s a natural rim protector, runs the floor well and is skilled enough to work on both the block and the perimeter. He’s the guy that everyone tries to gameplan for, but it’s hard to do it because there aren’t many players like him in the state.
Jalen Ray – Hampton
The Pensouth Player of the Year has evolved his game so much that you can no longer just run him off of the three-point line. Yes, he’s a knockdown shooter from deep, but he’s also a facilitator and scorer when he breaks the defense down off the bounce. He’s matured into a leader and one of the most underrated guards in Virginia.
DaMontez Oliver – Deep Run
He isn’t the leading scorer for Deep Run, but the Campbell commit does so much for the team between scoring, rebounding and defending the best player on the other team. Oliver’s a versatile wing that can do a little bit of everything, and the Wildcats will need him to do just that if they are going to turn it around and make a run in 5A.
5A North
Favorites
Wakefield: They are consistently one of the best teams in the state despite who they lose every year, and they did it again this season. Led by senior wings Deng Nhial and Xavier Adams, Wakefield is a well coached and disciplined team that makes up for their lack of size with a face paced style that led them to a 22-1 record this season.
Potomac: Looking to make their third straight trip to the Siegel Center, Potomac has been a tough team to handle all season. Coach Keith Honore has instilled a winning tradition in the program, and his team has embraced it every season. Led by juniors Jamal Washington and Nana Opoku, the Panthers are a disciplined defensive team that forces teams to play their style.
Tuscarora: Despite losing in the Conference 14 Championship game to Potomac Falls, the Huskies have been a consistent team that has played well all season. Led by senior wings Kyle Copeland and Jamel Howard, they have a mix of skill and athleticism that makes it hard for teams to prepare for. They haven’t played the toughest schedule, but they have beat the teams they needed to.
George Marshall: Possibly one of the biggest surprises in the state, Marshall has been a tough out all season and have wins over good programs in Wakefield and James Madison. They have a distinct advantage inside in 6’9″ Jack Foley, who is one of the most improved players in the state, and with him clogging the paint it’s hard for teams to find a way to attack them.
Stone Bridge: Their record would make people jump to the conclusion that they were a disappointment, but Head Coach Corey Stitzel made a particularly tough schedule to prepare them for this exact time. Stone Bridge is as talented as any team in 5A, and their leading scorer senior Colin Jachimowski has been a pleasant surprise. Expect them to be a possible sleeper moving forward.
Players to Watch
Deng Nhial – Wakefield
As mentioned before, Nhial has been a leader both vocally and through his production all season for Wakefield. The athletic 6’5″ combo forward is a tough match up because he’s physical enough to bully smaller players and quick enough to blow by bigger players.
Kyle Copeland – Tuscarora
Copeland has had a phenomenal season for the Huskies, and broke the school record for career points earlier this season. A smooth 6’3″ shooting guard, he’s a three level scorer that can light you up from anywhere on the court, and he’s a lockdown defender that can guard multiple positions.
Nana Opoku – Potomac
Talk about a rim protector, Opoku has been swatting shots all season setting the Potomac school record for most blocked shots in a season. At 6’6″, he’s a physical specimen that is a paint clogger, but he’s quick off his feet and relentless on the glass. He’ll need to anchor the middle for Potomac.
Evan Buckley – Stone Bridge
He’s just a freshman, but you wouldn’t guess it watching this point guard lead his team. He’s a savvy lead guard that plays with a chip on his shoulder and is a dual-threat that can both score it and create for his teammates. His understanding of the game is far beyond his years.
Jack Foley – George Marshall
As mentioned before, the improvement of the junior big is remarkable. He has good hands, moves his feet well and has a soft touch in the paint. His sheer size makes him an impact player, but his developing skill set is what has intrigued a lot of people about his growth.