PHENOM HOOPS VIRGINIA TOP 80 CAMP RECAP

Class of 2018

This weekend, Phenom Hoop Report hosted their first annual Virginia Top 80 Camp at Virginia Wesleyan College in Norfolk, VA. After scouting countless amounts of players throughout the year, our team invited Virginia’s “Top 80” players to showcase their talents to numerous scouts and a plethora of D2/D3 coaches. After thorough review, we put together a list of players that stood out the most in our eyes throughout several drills and scrimmages Sunday afternoon.

Here is the list for the class of 2018 as follows:

6’9” FR. David McCormack (Norfolk Academy- Norfolk, VA):

David McCormack is an absolute tank. Standing at 6’9” and weighing just over 300 pounds, this rising sophomore has the ability to be one of Virginia’s most elite big men in years to come.

McCormack is quick for a kid of his size and has soft touch on the offensive end.

Defensively, he is an opponent’s nightmare. McCormack used his size and strength to bully the competition in the post on both ends of the floor and also showed he isn’t afraid to step out and knock down an occasional mid-range jumper.

McCormack is also a stud on the gridiron. He led his football squad to a 6-4 record and continues to show growth in all aspects of his young athletic career.

6’2” FR. Joe Foley (Woodberry Forest- Orange, VA):

Joe Foley is a player we weren’t really familiar with going into the weekend. After watching him battle with some of the state’s best, he proved to us he has what it takes to develop into an elite prospect, despite being a tad bit undersized.

Foley is quick and never backs down from any competition. He has beautiful handles for a kid his age and attacks the glass strong at all times. Foley forced several turnovers each game on the defensive end after picking opponents pockets all afternoon long.

He also managed to show off his beautiful stroke all over the floor–knocking down crucial shots in key moments for his squad. Craig Dawson and the WF Tigers have a lot to look forward to in the coming years.

6’5” FR. Branden Slater (Paul VI- Fairfax, VA):

Branden Slater put on a show this weekend. After watching his Paul VI Panther’s team at the VISAA State Tournament a few weeks back, we immediately knew Slater could play.

He has long arms and an outstanding athletic skillset, which allows him to work past opponents on the offensive side of the ball. This 6’5” lefty competed on a national schedule this season and earned a very valuable role in Paul VI’s historic system.

He can score, assist, rebound, and block shots against anyone, no matter their size or age difference. With a strong turnout of big men this past weekend, Slater proved to us why he’s one of 2018’s most talented players.

We wouldn’t be surprised if Slater evolved into one of Paul VI’s most highly recruited players in some time.

OTHER NOTABLE VIRGINIA TOP 80 STANDOUTS:

Jonathan Norfleet– Salem (Virginia Beach, VA)

DiMitri Georgiadis– Trinity Episcopal (Richmond, VA)

Dajour Rucker– Bayside (Virginia Beach, VA)

Brayden Gault– Battlefield (Haymarket, VA)

Keldon Johnson– Park View (Sterling, VA)