Rankings Update: Virginia 2023 Guards

Tink Butler March 11, 2021 @ 11:42 PM

<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Rankings Update: Virginia 2023 Guards</strong></span> The difficult task of ranking players have become more difficult with the pandemic shutdown of most club and high school basketball. Fortunately, we’ve been able to get to individual workouts and view streamed games of teams that have been playing. Also, input and conversations with high school, club and college coaches have been critical in identifying and ranking new players. Here is some of the top guards in Virginia’s 2023 class. [player_tooltip player_id="149853" first="Zakiya" last="Stephenson"] - 5’6" - Point Guard - Princess Anne #1 We’ve had an eye on Zakiya since middle school and her game has continued to impress. She has come in and made an impact for the perennial state powerhouse Princess Anne, with her tight ball handling and great vision. She lands the top spot in the 2023 class. [player_tooltip player_id="149858" first="Kymora" last="Johnson"] - 5’6" - Combo Guard - St. Anne’s-Belfield #2 Kymora also made a name for herself in middle school as we got a sneak peak of her game in workout videos and a few showcases. She has good range on her shot and plays under control when pressured. She may not blow past every defender but doesn’t need to as she is a very crafty and strong guard. [player_tooltip player_id="164692" first="Nia" last="Grymes"] - 5’6" - Point Guard - Bishop O’Connell #8 Nia is one of the top guards in the region and perhaps the country. She had been under the radar after a knee injury, however, she is fully recovered and even better than than before. She is extremely quick and has a quick release on her shot. Her ability to see the floor when attacking puts a lot of pressure on the defense. [player_tooltip player_id="149857" first="Abigail" last="Cooch"] - 5’4" - Point Guard - Bishop Ireton #5 Abby is one of the best shooters in the class. She has a nice touch from the mid range out to the three. She seems more accurate off the dribble than the catch and shoot but can do both. She’s an accurate passer and makes great decisions. She will need to get her shot off quicker on the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="149859" first="Kennedi" last="Rooks"] - Milbrook #7 Kennedi has a strong frame and is a good on ball defender. One of the better rebounding guards in the class and finishes well after contact. She tends to leave her feet on passes but is accurate enough to make it work. She has a solid set shot out to the three.  