Breakout Candidates in NOVA
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I highlighted some sleeper candidates yesterday that people should look out for. Now, I want to highlight some players who are more known as prospects but could break through as absolute stars this season to help open their recruitment up…
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Continue ReadingI highlighted some sleeper candidates yesterday that people should look out for. Now, I want to highlight some players who are more known as prospects but could break through as absolute stars this season to help open their recruitment up a little more.
Alexandria Brown Alexandria Brown 6’2″ | PF Osborne Park | 2025 State VA has had a good summer, and I see her breaking out this season. Alexandria is ranked 12 in the 2025 class, so she is already a notable talent, but I see a lot of that ability translating to production this season. Osbourn Park is losing 2 of their three leading scorers from last year, so they could go to Alexandria more this season. She’s 6’2 and a great athlete with an excellent post-game. She moves well and uses her strength to get in great position in the post. I could see her being an absolute force on both ends this season for what should be a great Osbourn Park team.
Elyse Autry is underrated and will have a big season this year. She’s a high-level two-player; from what I’ve seen from her and Virginia Academy, she’s taken control as this team’s go-to scorer. She is a superb athlete and has a great mid-range game. She gets to her spot and rises effortlessly. She gets to the rim and is always aggressive, and after being more of a complementary piece last year, Elyse will become a number one option.
Peyton White Peyton White 6’0″ | C Gainesville HS | 2026 State VA had an impressive freshman season last year and was one of the best interior defenders in the state. That will continue this season, but what we could see from Peyton this season is being a more versatile player on both ends. She is such a high-level athlete that she can be an even more impactful defender than she is now. She moves well, can guard multiple positions, and is an elite paint protector. She can significantly impact the ball’s offensive side with a developed jump shot and a face-up game to blow by most of the slower people guarding her.
Stella Gougoufkas Stella Gougoufkas 5’10” | SF James Madison | 2024 State VA is a terrific player, and she’s risen a lot since the end of last season. Stella improved a lot last year and, at times, became a go-to scorer. I see her taking an even bigger jump this year and taking the reigns as James Madison’s star. Stella is a strong and aggressive driver and is also an underrated athlete. She can shoot and will be this team’s go-to scorer. She is a tremendous defender like the rest of this James Madison team, and she will have a fantastic year on both ends.
Another Osbourn Park player who could break out in a big way is Keyarah Rainey Keyarah Rainey 5’9″ | SF Osboure Park | 2026 State VA . I could have put Samia Snead Samia Snead 5’6″ | PG Osbourn Park | 2026 State VA or Jayel West on here because all these girls can elevate their game big time, but I decided to go with Keyarah Rainey Keyarah Rainey 5’9″ | SF Osboure Park | 2026 State VA . As I mentioned with Alexandria Brown Alexandria Brown 6’2″ | PF Osborne Park | 2025 State VA , OP is losing two big contributors, Alana Powell and Kori Cole. Points are going to need to come from somewhere new. Keyarah producing wouldn’t be new; she was second in points last year. But her offense will be counted on more, and she will deliver. She is an efficient scorer and is great when attacking the rim. Keyarah could elevate her game in a big way and break out.
Anyone who understands basketball knows what a great shooter looks like when watching one. When I watch Sravya, you can immediately tell she’s a natural shooter. Sravya has fantastic range and understands the spots on the floor that she needs to get to to get her shot off. She uses screens well and has a quick shot. I think Sravya will have a big season for Stone Bridge, and she’s someone I’m excited to watch this season.