High school basketball concluded a couple of weeks ago and now this becomes the time of year when many All-Star games start taking place to give players a fun/memorable way of representing their program for a final time. The annual 804 All-Star Game occurred in Henrico County, VA recently on 3/16 and about 3-4 more such games happened in different areas of Virginia during this past weekend. I decided to make the trip again toward the way of Henrico County (specifically, Hermitage High School) for an all-day event of all-star games, hosted by Coach William Carter, CEO of the 'ASSIST Student-Athletes' organization. Coach Carter's held this showcase for eight years now, as five games take place with both men and women players arriving from around the state. As usual, I enjoyed time spending my Saturday in the gym; seeing both familiar and new faces on the hardwood and in the stands. Coaches also made their way into the gym for a final look at the great number of 2019 talent that has made up the region this year. It's been a joy both getting to know and cover these seniors for the last several months!
The two last two men's games, Regional and National All-American, put some of the most familiar faces on the floor. I've had a chance to see many of the guys play at least 1-2 times during the winter season. After the East team won their Regional game, 120-102, the final game of the night had a set of 804 (South team) vs. 757 (North team) Virginia hoopers. The North ultimately fought through to win bragging rights of the weekend, 132-124.
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'Available 2019 Standout Prospects'
*College coaches still trying to fill in spots of their 2019 recruiting class should take a look below.
Khyree Temple '19 ' Phoebus HS: Easily one of the most athletic wings I've seen since I started this scouting gig, Temple's a highlight reel just waiting to happen. He does some RIDICULOUS things above the rim once the opportunity becomes available. His 6'6' lengthy frame makes him an intimidating defender who can achieve chase-down blocks frequently, while also reacting to pick off steals and finish in the open floor. Temple's handle also looks very good for his size and position, as he maneuvers around the court fluidly with the ball. His jumper is still coming along, but he shot the rock well in the All-American game, knocking down about 3-4 three-pointers. That's really the only thing hindering him at the moment from being a complete player. Just know that you're in for an absolute show whenever the 2019 Region 3A Player of the Year arrives to the court. He received the MVP trophy of the final 'All-American' game.
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Chris Rogers '19 ' Blue Ridge School: Having recently capped off his high school career with a state championship and State Player of the Year honors in Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division II, Rogers ended his final year out with a bang. Always confident and enthusiastic, the 5'10' floor general has such great skill in his game that makes him able to produce the same type of numbers against whoever he comes across. Shooting, facilitating, and sizing up defenders have all looked natural in Rogers' offensive package since I first watched him play back in October. He has some swag whenever he steps on the floor and plays as an ultimate winner, evident by his recent success. Many programs have expressed interest in the senior, while a few have offered, but I think even more need to reach out toward his way if they have not already. He simply 'gets it.'
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Jordan Crump '19 ' Highland Springs HS: A natural 'bucket-getter,' the 6'1' Crump has an effortless shooting touch that really looks good when he gets on a roll. He sets his feet quickly to get his shot off as a spot-up guy, while also having a good enough separation game to create off of the bounce. After seeing Crump hit multiple three-pointers in several games this winter, I'd definitely classify him as another one of the better shooters in Richmond, VA. One thing some folks may not realize, however, is that the Highland Springs guard also has some serious bounce and can catch opponents slipping if they meet him at the rim too late. All of Henrico County saw this two weekends ago (3/16) in the 804 All-Star Game, when Crump drove down the middle lane for a thunderous one-handed jam in traffic. That sneaky athleticism and shot-making makes him one that gives opposing defenses a long night whenever he's on the scouting report.
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Charles Tart '19 ' Varina HS: Tart's looked at some of his best in these last two weeks. The other weekend (3/16), he showed out as one of the top players in a local 'Unsigned Senior Showcase,' and then went on to win the Dunk Contest in the 804 All-Star event later that same day, while also scoring 13 points in the night's game. In the Regional game on Saturday, he took it a step further in winning MVP after putting on one of the most entertaining performances of the day. Similar to Temple, the 6'3' Varina guard can pull off video game-like dunks at pretty much any time he wants. Still, Tart's gifted athleticism tends to overshadow the fact that he also plays with a lot of skill. He has looked smooth in his shooting and ball-handling, while his defense has always stood out. I've repeatedly acknowledged Tart as a heavily underrated prospect due to sacrificing in taking more of a backseat role for the widely-talented Varina team for these past two seasons. Tart has the respect of plenty fans/peers throughout the area, of course, but I think one can truly see his worth when he finds himself able to play as a main go-to guy. Saturday's game was one of the best examples.
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Lance Monteiro '19 ' L.C. Bird HS: Monteiro in one word: smooth. The 6'5' senior guard/wing had a strong senior campaign for the Skyhawks, acting as one of the team's biggest shooting threats and two-way competitors. Monteiro has good control with the ball and takes time to properly size up his defender before making a move to get by either for a floater, strong drive, or pull-up jumper. He keeps opponents guessing with this way of stopping for quick scoring moves. At his height, he also easily shoots over smaller defenders and puts the ball on the floor well to attack poor closeouts. His three-level shooting, ability to run/finish in transition, and nose for the ball all make him a constant offensive presence. In 2018, he earned a Class 4 All-State second team and 4B All-Region first team selection, while making a spot on the 5B All-Region third team this year.
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Adrian Payton '19 ' Phoebus HS: One of the forwards and overall tallest player for the Phantoms, Payton had a solid impact this season as an inside force. At 6'7,' he looks to crash the glass on every possible attempt and can space out to hit close jumpers. Payton doesn't take many outside shots but indeed can knock down a couple in stretches. With a notable wingspan and solid frame, he finishes well around the rim and constantly produces on the glass. Defensive rebounding might be his best overall trait, as he rarely slacks off in that area. I feel he could make a similar, if not, greater impact on the offensive end as well when it comes to rebounds; he has the strong hands and grit to do so. Sometimes he tends to play a bit too unselfish and honestly could look to dominate more near the rim.
Be sure to also checkout my recaps on both the 'I-95 vs. I-64 Game' and 'Girls Regional and All-American Games' from this past Saturday (3/23)!