VHSL Rankings: Big Men 5-1 (All Classes)
With our updated class rankings coming out soon for the 2017-2019 classes, we thought it would be fun to try something different for a change. We broke our rankings up into public schools in the VHSL and private schools that play…
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Continue ReadingWith our updated class rankings coming out soon for the 2017-2019 classes, we thought it would be fun to try something different for a change. We broke our rankings up into public schools in the VHSL and private schools that play in the VISAA (sorry Oak Hill), and broke them down into three positions: Point guards, wings and big men. We took all of the players that we ranked in our three classes in each position, and came up with a top 10 for each position regardless of the class. While breaking them up into classes is great for recruiting purposes, it’s also cool to take a look at who the best in the state is regardless of year.
It wasn’t easy to make cuts because of all the great players, but we did our best to compare the over 300 ranked kids in the state to come up with our list. Here, we take a look at the top of our list for the best big men in the VHSL, again regardless of classification or age. Here’s numbers 5-1 for the best posts in all of public school in Virginia. Stay tuned for more rankings previews, and our fully updated prospect rankings coming soon! Let the debate begin!
5) Tyrek Williams | LC Bird | 2018
Picked as the breakout player on this list, Williams’ time has been coming for a while but injuries have got in the way. He broke his leg before the first game of the season last year for LC Bird, and it was tough for him to watch them lose a close game in the state championship. However, he came back this summer for River City Reign and looked like he didn’t miss a beat. A technician on the low block, Williams is patient in the post, can score over both shoulders and has shown a good midrange game in the past. As he continues to get in shape, he’ll have to work on getting more explosive in the post, and if he can do that he’ll likely see more offers come in than just the Mount St. Mary’s one he has now.
4) Nana Opoku | Potomac | 2017
Last year’s breakout player on this list, Opoku played a huge part in Potomac’s state championship last season, and after flirting with the idea of reclassifying while playing for Team Loaded’s 16U team, he eventually impressed enough to sign with Mount St. Mary’s for next year. A shot blocking menace, Opoku had multiple games of double digit blocks last year for Potomac, and now that the offensive side of things has caught up he’ll be looked at to be the key guy on both ends of the floor if his Panthers group are going to make another run at the state championship.
3) Greg Jones | John Marshall | 2017
One of the best undecided seniors left in the state, Jones is a warrior every time he steps on the floor. Whether it’s a high school game, an AAU tournament, a fall league game or just an open gym workout, Jones brings energy, passion and toughness to whatever team he’s on. He holds offers from a number of schools including JMU, ECU, Hofstra and Marshall, and wherever he goes he’ll likely be an immediate contributor because of his willingness to compete and do whatever it takes to get better and win games. He’s a little undersized at 6’6”, but he’s a monster on the glass, gives his all on both ends of the floor and has developed a knock down jumper from deep in trail and pick-and-pop situations. He may not be number one on this list, but he’s a player no one wants to play against.
2) Kevin “KJ” Davis | Norcom | 2017
He’s a combo forward that plays a lot on the wing, but the ECU commit is so good because he’s a mismatch for slower four men and smaller wings. He can guard both on the perimeter and in the post, is a good rebounder and has an unorthodox jumper that’s as consistent as anyone on this list. Davis has always been a good shooter, but he’s worked hard at working out of the triple threat on the perimeter, and has become a good finisher in downhill situations. Still, his biggest asset is that he is a knock down shooter that will let it fly with confidence from anywhere. He’ll have to put up big numbers if he’s going to help the Greyhounds defend their third straight state title.
1) Dajour Dickens | Bethel | 2017
He’s the biggest and most athletic player on this list, and when he’s engaged Dickens can be the best player on the floor. His effect doesn’t always show up in the stat book, but the presence of him in the paint makes teams completely change their game plan. He’s an elite shot blocker that protects the rim, but his springs also allow him to finish athletically in the paint to where there’s no doubt. He’s shown signs of a promising mid range game moving forward, and if he can continue to fill out, stay focused and work on all facets of his game the Providence big man will have a chance to be a good player in the Big East.
Honorable Mention:
Darius Bell | Southampton | 2017
Trevon “TJ” Taylor | Oscar Smith | 2017
Jyles Webster | LC Bird | 2017
Shonari Street | Battlefield | 2017
Emonni Wood | Green Run | 2017
Kabir Shabazz | Huguenot | 2017
Emmanuel Aghayere | South Lakes | 2018
Gus Wise | Handley | 2018
Dominique Johnson | Kecoughtan | 2018
Daniel Ouderkirk | Spotswood | 2018
Jonas Munson | West Potomac | 2019
Isaiah Sheron | Henrico | 2019