The Virginia Top 80 is the most prestigious showcase camp in the state. In this annually held camp, we utilize scouts, coaches, and programs to help us identify the 80 best players Virginia has to offer. Virginia is traditionally a basketball hotbed, and that tradition is not slowing down anytime soon.
Phenom Hoops likes to provide a platform for every kid that supports our events, so here is a write up for each kid in attendance.
Virginia Top 80 – Team 8
Head Coach: Cade Lemcke (Blue Ridge School)
#1 5'8' 2016 Malik Johnson – Blue Ridge School (St George)
Malik is a go-go-go type point guard. His true worth may not necessarily show up in a camp setting, but he did some great things here. Malik's calling card is his ability to make positive plays across the court. While he may not stand out in any one particular category, he often times wins. Johnson is a true point guard, who enjoys running a team. As he continues to grow we would like to see him narrow down his dribbles in the half court setting.
#15 6'1 2017 James West – Freedom (Woodbridge)
West came into camp after leading his team to a very good high school season. He is a skilled guard who showed an ease getting past the initial defender and finishing in the lane. West's Camp Coach Cade Lemcke stated, 'It was great to have James on my team today. He did a great job getting to the basket and finishing through contact. As his body gets stronger his game will on continue to develop, especially on the defensive end.' As West continues to develop we would like to see him become a more vocal point guard.
#18 6'1' 2016 Dominique Carter – Warwick (Newport News)
Carter had a solid day at camp, let by his great attitude. He showed to be a very adept shooter with good range, and always seemed to receive the ball squared and ready. Carter's Camp Coach Cade Lemcke stated, 'Dominique had one of the best shooting strokes in camp, and probably the best percentage from 3. A lot of that had to do with his ability to take good shots.' As Carter continues growing, we would like to see him continue being aggressive in attacking the rim.
#40 6'4' 2017 Zach Butler – Genesis Academy (Lynchburg)
Butler had a good attitude during camp, and listened well to coaching. He is a highly explosive guard, and scored his best marks in scoring the ball. Butler finished well at the rim and had good mechanics on his jump shot. As Butler continues to improve we would like to see continue to give consistent effort on both ends.
#50 6'5' 2018 Brayden Gault – Battlefield HS (Haymarket)
Gault has a good frame and skill set for a kid his age. He worked hard throughout camp, took criticism well, and got better as the day went on. Gault has good range beyond the arc and he battles for rebounds in his area. Gault's Camp Coach Cade Lemcke stated, 'Brayden was great to work with today. He has a very advanced skill set for his age, and great upside.' As Gault continues to grow, we would like to see him continue working on his quickness and athleticism.
#61 6'6 2017 Greg Jones – John Marshall HS (Richmond)
Jones has a great attitude, he was always smiling and talking and he always had a crowd around him. In camp Jones showed the ability to make shots at multiple levels and battled for rebounds in and out of his area. Jones' Camp Coach Cade Lemcke stated, 'Greg was a pleasure to coach and his attitude and enthusiasm are contagious. I would like to see Greg master a couple low post and mid post moves to make it easier for him to score in one on one situations.' Jones is a natural leader and very productive player.
#63 6'7' 2017 Isaiah Anderson – John Marshall HS (Richmond)
Anderson came into camp with a great attitude and a long athletic frame. He showed an ability in the paint to make shots facing the basket. Anderson's Camp Coach Cade Lemcke stated, 'It was great to work with Isaiah in camp. He showed glimpses of being a really good player.' As Anderson continues to improve we would like to see him continue to develop his defense and shot selection.
#80 7'2' 2017 Brendan Newton – Faith Christian (Roanoke)
The first thing you notice about Newton is his size and length. As Newton begins to play, you instantly notice his coordination, ability to run, and the dog he has in him. Newton's Camp Coach Cade Lemcke stated, 'Brendan was great to coach, he had a great attitude and was very receptive to coaching. I would like to see Brendan develop just two post moves moving forward.' As Newton continues to improve, we agree with Coach Lemcke in his development of low post moves. We would also like to see him continue to get stronger.
#85 6'4' 2016 Nic Sherod – St Christopher's (Richmond)
Sherod's day got cut short after the first game due to a hand injury
Sherod came into camp with a great attitude. He went hard through the drills, and despite having multiple offers showed great work ethic and leadership when on the floor. Sherod's Camp Coach Cade Lemcke stated, 'Nic is a high IQ player who is very skilled offensively. He was great to coach.' As Sherod continues to grow, we would like to see him continue growing as a defender.
