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In this scouting game, I’ve held an interest in projecting players as ‘unsung heroes’ for their high school teams, especially on ones filled with an array of talent. These type of guys typically emerge often, based on how much one’s willing to look past the familiar big-time names. Once veterans graduate from the program or leave for various reasons, those unsung heroes usually step up in an even greater way. We frequently see this happen in NCAA basketball for guys who choose not to go the ‘one-and-done’ route. It’s basically a perfect setup to make a name grow over time. Over at John Marshall High School (Richmond, VA), I honestly have mixed feelings about classifying standout Elijah Seward ’20 as an unsung hero or not. He’s taken a slight backseat to compete with some very talented players over the years but audiences still have clearly noted the 6’0” shooting guard as a valuable piece. Moving forward, however, the rising senior has had more key teammates graduate over the past week and appears as the most likely to completely take over for the John Marshall Justices once next winter arrives. He’ll return as the team’s leading scorer after averaging 12.2 points in 2018-19, best for third on the squad.
Having now earned two consecutive selections to the Region 3B second team, Seward’s given fans plenty of athletic highlights over the past two seasons. He has one of the best vertical leaps I’ve seen from a guy at his size/position, which constantly results in plays being made above the rim. That elevation also is displayed whenever Seward pulls off a jump shot; getting high above defenders with a smooth left-handed release. His ‘no mercy’ demeanor arguably plays the most importance in setting him apart, however. It’s hard to stop a guy who relentlessly tries to destroy the competition. The 804 community likely remembers one of Seward’s best career moments that occurred in the 2018 Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 3 state championship. As a sophomore, he came on strong (and with perfect timing) to lead the team in scoring during that contest (15 points); propelling the Justices to a 63-42 win over Western Albemarle High School (Albemarle County, VA). In retrospect, that 2017-18 John Marshall roster had several big-time pieces. Isaiah Todd ’20, a national five-star prospect collected VHSL Class 3 State Player of the Year honors and now competes for Trinity Academy (Raleigh, NC). The backcourt, Levar Allen ’19 and De’Marr McRae ’19, blossomed into next-level recruits and recently signed letters of intent to Southern Connecticut State University (New Haven, CT) and Livingstone College (Salisbury, NC), respectively. Nevertheless, that championship performance and overall season served as a good indicator that Seward could contribute at a high magnitude even while not being the first or second scoring option. Guys who can get the job done in that type of fashion definitely impress.
Similar production continued to happen from Seward in this past junior campaign and now in travel ball as well. He keeps looking better each time I see him, both physically and skill-wise. However, John Marshall fell short of their title-repeat in the state tournament’s semifinal round back in March and Seward’s AAU team, Team Loaded DC 17u, still hasn’t quite reached the success they’ve aimed for in winning a tournament bracket. Finding ways to make a winning turn-around, once AAU picks back up again next month, clearly rests at the top of Seward’s current priorities. There’s no denying he’s a fiercely competitive guy. As far as the 2019-20 high school season, it’s still months away, but preparation for a big senior year already has been put into action for the Justice veteran. Right now, it looks like he’ll return as one of only three seniors on the team, backed up by several younger prospects. That notion brings a lot of attention with it but I’m honestly fascinated to see how Seward shows out; he’s definitely built for it. In this quiet period of June, I had a chance to catch up with him and toss out a few questions:
So I know you’ve been around the Team Loaded AAU program for a while now, and many of those same guys coach you all at John Marshall. How’s it been learning under them about ball and just life in general'
“It’s great to learn from them in every aspect; those coaches are just great guys in general…it goes beyond basketball.”
This year, with Loaded DC, I’ve noticed you guys have had to travel out of the state for a couple of tournaments. Was there a visit to a state (or tournament) that you enjoyed the most so far'
“Actually yeah, I liked Dallas the most just because that was my first time ever being there.”
What do you think of the competition on the Adidas circuit'
“It’s very, very competitive, but fun.”
AAU is pretty much dead right now in June. What does your month look like for the next couple of weeks'
“Honestly not much. Just strictly working out. Trying to grind every day.”
When tournaments start back up in July, what’s one thing (or more) you want the team to do better on the court'
“The only two main things are to communicate and defend better. I think that’s pretty much it for us, in my opinion.”
Talking about high school a bit. I know Levar Allen and De’Marr McRae played big roles for the last several years in the program. After their final game, did they give any last senior advice to the other players'
“For me, they actually stayed on me for the entire year; saying that I have to focus up and work because it’s my team come next season. Levar is like a big brother to me and is mainly the one who always tells me how to deal with certain situations.
Next winter will be even more of a big year for you as the team’s returning leading scorer. What kind of plans do you have for that senior season, if any right now'
“Just win as much as possible and do the best I can do. Simple as that.”
How’s your recruitment going'
“Right now, recruitment is a bit tough but good at the same time. The best kept secret.”
What are some things you’ll be looking for in a college, both the school itself and the basketball program'
“Well, I just want to know the honest truth about the school I choose to go to. I don’t want to just be sold any dreams. Attending one with a reputation of good education will also be important.”
Hobbies outside of ball'
“I’m a BIG gamer. I love to spend time gaming when I’m not on the court.”
Where does Elijah Seward see himself ten years from now'
“Honestly, I want to be a sports agent; whether it’d be in basketball, football, or something else.”
Natural-born killer! I see Seward as one of the 2020 best shooting guards returning to the 804 next season.