by: Ethan Reece
2026 Malcolm Brown (Waves Ball Club)
Good to get a chance to see some of the young talent coming up in Virginia, and I'm sure Malcolm will be getting a lot of action soon as he enters HS. He brings a high motor to a game where he sets a physical tone through the usage if his body on the defensive end and when putting his shoulder down to drive. He led the charge with 24 where he also knocked down big outside shots, and turned the tides to really get things going as they turned the dial up on their pressure.
2024 Benjamin Nacey (Waves Ball Club)
Another Virginia prospect from the same program, Ben made light work of the double teams sent at him. He's built with a sturdy foundation down low, has the strength to protect the ball and finish through hits and reaches, and isn't afraid to let you know it when you aren't enough to handle him. He commands authority in the paint, buries you down deep below the basket to optimize his position, and pummels guys who are trying to wall up with a simple dropstep or turnaround.
2024 Simms Disbrow (Upward Stars)
Especially due to the great coaching and team system he's in, Simms has already carved out and defined his role in basketball at a prime time. He's a hard-pressed worker that willingly presses up and defends full-court 1v1 very well, and he handles the action as a ball-handler while being just as, if not more optimal off the ball as the team's most dangerous shooting threat. He's bought into the culture and standard that's making them successful, and will very successful the next 2 years because he already knows where he'll be making his money on the court.
2024 Caleb Hartsell (704 Soldierz)
I'm gonna have to start paying more attention to Lincoln County because I've discovered a couple new hoopers that have really caught my eyes this week. Caleb is definitely one of the best shooters I saw on the week, torching the nets for 7 threes on his way to a 30 ball. He confidently carried a heavy offensive burden with no worries to be found, as he created off the bounce, charged the team's battery, and frustrated the opponents by how quickly he was able to get his shot up. Look for him to be a primary threat at East Lincoln next year.