STARTERS
G. Christian Towe, Hayfield–People were eager to see how the talented Towe would handle being thrust right into the starting lineup at Hayfield, one of the area’s best basketball programs. Answer: Towe did absolutely fine, garnering First Team All-National District honors and averaging about 10 ppg. We thought Towe really did a good job cerebrally, prioritizing the effort to run the Hawks’ offense properly. His basketball skills are unquestioned, with an ability to glide past defenses and attack the rim. As he gets stronger and even more savvy, he’ll eventually dominate.
G. Tre Watson, Fauquier–Watson is a fun player to watch. A sub-six-foot combo guard, Watson made an impact right away for Fauquier, averaging high double-digits in scoring and earing First Team All-Northwestern District recognition. He’s a good shooter who hit six three-pointers one game, plus he has good footwork and hands. While he certainly uses those attributes on offense, the lefty can be quite a factor on defense as well. Watson racks up steals, both in the halfcourt and in a press.
G-F. Asher Mattison, John Handley–When a player like Will Braun-Duin gets hurt for your team, you certainly can’t replace him. Yet somehow the state champ Judges almost did with Mattison, a 6’2″ or 6’3″ shooter who deservedly stayed in the rotation when Braun-Duin returned. He showed Braun-Duin-type marksmanship from beyond the arc, burying 10 threes in a game in February. In Handley’s run to the title, he also made some key shots and played physical team defense. As his game continues to develop, he could eventually be a top scorer in the area.
G. Jalen Farrell, Osbourn Park–Farrell had an excellent initial campaign for the young Yellow Jackets, averaging around 18 points per game. Voted First Team All-Cedar Run District, Coach James West IV wanted the ball in his hands a great deal. When he wasn’t burying his pretty jumper from almost anywhere, Farrell was also distributing, rebounding, and doing a fairly good job on defense for a freshman. The combo guard is unafraid, and has a bright future ahead. He highlights a really good class that also includes the talented William Snead and promising big Trevor Okeoma.
F. Brayden Ragland, Highland–You have freshman guards significantly impact the boys’ game far more often than freshman forwards. Then, you have players like Brayden Ragland, that somehow hold up against just about any big as a freshman. Already a double-double threat, Ragland controls the blocks with his body against far older players. He always makes himself available down low for a pass. But, there’s more. Ragland can also handle the ball, run the floor, hit the three, and attack from the perimeter. The 6’6″ forward is an intriguing prospect.
RESERVES
G. Paul Balistrere, Langley–Langley was fortunate enough to have two talented freshman guards in their rotation this year, and one of them was Balistrere. He can play either guard spot, and excels in the open court pushing the ball in transition. He can also get hot from deep, with rage that extends well beyond the arc. Yorktown found that out in a game where Balistrere hit the Patriots for 19 points.
G-F. Jaydon Harris, Westfield–Harris quietly had a really good freshman campaign coming off the bench and spelling Westfield’s talented state champion senior class. For a freshman he seemed to do a lot more things right than wrong, patiently waiting for his shot when it came through the offense and rarely forcing anything. The coach’s son understands the game, has good size and athleticism, and flashed impact potential on both sides on the floor.
F. Cooper Crouch, Robinson–With a wiry 6’6″ frame, it was fair to wonder despite his obvious potential how much Crouch could contribute in his first year on varsity in the rugged Patriot District. Crouch did a good job however, showing his versatility, especially on defense. Able to guard the perimeter as well as the post with his long arms, Crouch racked up blocked shots, coming from all directions to stop opponents’ drives.
G. Chadd Coleman, Freedom-Woodbridge–The young Eagles weren’t particularly successful this year, so you may have missed an entertaining combo guard named Chadd Coleman doing some really good things for Freedom. He’s very sleek, gliding up and down the floor in transition, and a solid three-point shooter with a fairly high release point. Coleman averaged well into double figures scoring this season, and will play at Gillion Academy next year.
G. Dominic Laws, Langley–The other talented young freshman in Langley’s rotation this season was Dominic Laws. Laws started about half the season for the Saxons and peaked late, scoring 20 points in his team’s playoff game versus Centreville. Though a guard, Laws’ physicality impressed us for his age, as he contributed significantly on defense and on the boards. As he develops, he definitely has a chance to be one of the better guards in the area.
G. Trent Mayes, Brentsville District–Trent Mayes is another young guard area coaches hold in high regard. The freshman was voted Second Team All-Northwestern District after doing a lot to spark his team. One of those things was to score. Mayes had a few games going for over 20 points, and he has an easy three-point release where he squares his feet effectively. We also like how he rebounds the ball from the guard spot, among other things.
HONORABLE MENTION–Mateus Fernando (Christ Chapel); William Snead (Osbourn Park); Trevor Okeoma (Osbourn Park); Connor Reaves (Marshall); Alex’zander Jamison (Justice); Isaiah Jackson (Annandale)