Twitter & Instagram: @xzavierr1
Frankly, I really like what I’ve seen out of Virginia’s 2021 high school basketball class up to this point in the preseason. Now, as official upperclassmen, this particular group has matured nicely throughout the past year to touch up upon strengths within their own game and think things more thoroughly with a higher IQ. The results have led to a big portion of prospects attaining increased college interest and offers, as the process should happen more frequently now that they’ve entered their junior years. Private school play in the state should especially attract the attention of college coaches scouting the 2021 class this upcoming season. Talent is everywhere in the historic Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) and one should take a trip up North towards the campus of Middleburg Academy (Middleburg, VA) if they want a clearer idea. The Dragons have a couple of newcomers this year who join their roster of nine returners. Xzavier Long ’21 arrives in that core of new faces and looks bound to soon let spectators know of his multiple capabilities. Coming from Washington D.C., which many view as the ‘new Mecca’ of high school hoops, I’d say he’s adapting quite nicely to his new home in Northern Virginia.
The 6’6” Long garnered some local recognition in first two underclassmen years at Saint James High School (Hagerstown, MD). Going up against nightly challenges of foes in the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) region and Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAC), the Saints would struggle to collect wins this past 2018-19 season. Still, Long performed solidly enough to earn an honorable mention selection on DMVelite’s 2019 All-Maryland Team. Today (9/26) marks an exact month ago on August 26th when he made an announcement via his Twitter account that he would transfer to Middleburg.
“I felt like Middleburg was the place for me,” Long simply stated. “The family vibe here made me want to make this a new home and stay for my last two years (of high school). I didn’t have a chance to see the team play last year really liked the coaching staff’s energy from the jump.”
I can recall being told the news immediately once Long had officially enrolled into the school and program. I had heard some good things about him prior to the transfer move but finally got to fully observe his skills during my open gym visit last week (9/18). Using an athletic frame, there’s a good blend of inside and outside production within his style of play. He did a nice job of collecting steals off of instincts, finishing in transition, rebounding, and making shots both close and farther from the basket. His go-to shot fake appealed to me the most, honestly, as Long showed he can use patience for drawn fouls. He’s definitely another tall prospect who fits the trend of expanding their game out to the perimeter; something I’ve commonly referred to as a norm in the sport nowadays.
“I feel like my dribbling has become a lot better since my freshmen year; that and my shooting. My IQ has always been pretty high but I know there’s more to learn too. I’m still working on my defense and offense as the two main areas of focus. I actually started off playing strictly as a big man when I was younger but that’s why I want to work to become more versatile as a big guard/wing.”
Obviously, when comparing Washington D.C. to Middleburg, it’s essentially comparing apples to oranges. On a daily basis, there’s constant activity from sunrise to sunset happening in the nation’s capital, while Middleburg possesses more of a calm, rural-type of setting. Regardless of the stark contrast, however, staying focused in the classroom and on the court has helped Long become acclimated to this new change of scenery in the opening fall semester.
“It feel like the adjustment to being up here every day is coming easily. Some may not know but St. James is a boarding school so I was basically stranded in the middle of nowhere up there in Maryland. The team feels like family here though and I’m actually living with a host family that’s made me feel welcomed. Everything’s going well, academic-wise, I just need to get used to Pre-Calc.”
I completely agree with Long’s thoughts of Middleburg having a ‘family feel’ within their program. Camaraderie between the Dragons was first noted by myself and others when they stood out at the ‘Virginia Live Period Shootout’ in June; showing an early look of this year’s roster members. There’s a collective effort between the coaches and players in pushing each other to their ceiling and also giving props when deemed necessary on social media. I’m a big fan of the support Middleburg’s group has shown one another; it’s quite common for me to log on Twitter and see regular acts of this.
The team’s players also tend to travel in packs for participation in showcases/events that have been occurring as of late leading up to the 2019-20 season’s opening week. Long and two of his Middleburg teammates, Isaiah ‘Zay’ Folkes ’21 and Jaden House ’21, recently attended the annual ‘DMVelite 80’ showcase (9/7), held at Wise High School (Upper Marlboro, MD). Based on a couple of tweets I came across on my feed, the trio definitely seemed to stand out in a top-notch event that’s typically always filled with high-level hoopers.
“I liked the DMVelite 80, for sure. That was my first time ever playing in it. It was a good time with a lot of competition and gave me the opportunity to meet new people. Unfortunately, they didn’t put me, Jaden (House) and Zay (Folkes) all on the same team.”
Honestly, it probably wouldn’t have been too fair if those three guys all played together for the day’s games. House and Folkes, both electrifying guards, have already picked up multiple Division I verbal offers. In Long’s situation, his recruitment is still making strides and the wing/forward enjoyed an unofficial visit to Mount St. Mary’s University (Emmitsburg, MD) back on June 11th. The trip served as his first on an unofficial basis.
“That visit was fun. (Assistant) Coach Matt Miller is a great guy and coach. They invited me out there and showed me around; I had a great time. The rest of my recruitment is going well. I’m just being patient and praying. Coaches have said that they want me to get my midrange game stronger, which is why I’m focusing a lot on my shooting right now. Getting better in the midrange and using my off-hand. Besides that, they feel I look pretty sharp in a lot of areas.”
As he keeps moving forward into this school year, Long has two primary goals he wants to accomplish before the final day of his junior year gets here; one takes place on the court and the other off.
“I want to be an honor-roll student first. In my family, academics are really important. Then, for the team, I’m trying to win the state tournament. That’s all I really care about; winning.”
In talking with other Middleburg players, there seems to be a recurring aim amongst both veteran and newbies to win that desired VISAA Division II state chip. The Dragons fell short this past March after going toe-to-toe with Blue Ridge School (St. George, VA) in the state tournament’s semifinal round. They’re coming back with some serious size and options on both ends this year, as one can only imagine what type of damage they’re capable of producing. Having a guy like Long, who can get it done at different levels, only adds to their firepower. He’s definitely on my list of 2021 multi-position players to keep track of quite soon. I advise coaches to do the same.
You knew it was coming: where does Xzavier Long see himself in ten years'
“My plan has always been to play professionally. If I can make it to the NBA or overseas, either one would be a blessing. Coming home after that career is done, I’d probably want to be a real estate agent.”
Not a bad future plan right there…making money by playing ball and then assisting clients in the long run. I like everything about Xzavier’s demeanor. Be sure to check him and his squad out once the winter games start tipping off!