One Week In and the 757 Talent Is Impossible to Ignore

I've spent the last 25 years coaching basketball — both boys and girls, from age 3 all the way through high school varsity. The game has given me the opportunity to teach, learn, grow, and witness the evolution of the game.   Recently, I stepped into a new role as an Independent Scout with Prep Girls Hoops. After just one week on the job, it's already clear: the 757 is loaded with talented girls' basketball players. I've been treated to some outstanding basketball, competitive environments, and high-level individual performances.   So in honor of my first week with Prep Girls Hoops, I want to recognize a group of players who stood out. Here is my First Week First Team.   Backcourt:    A true floor general, the Class of 2029 guard displays leadership beyond her years. She consistently runs the offense, makes those around her better, and shows an advanced level. decision-making.   Her week was highlighted by a strong 23 point and 7 assist performance against Deep Creek. The Glen Allen offense is in very good hands as she continues to mature and grow as both a player and a leader.     The left-handed twin of the talented Spain twins. The “straw that stirs the drink” for the Kellam offense. Her ability to consistently get to the rim collapses defenses and creates easy scoring opportunities for her teammates. That ability opens up her long range shooting make her a tough match up.   Her week was highlighted by a dominant performance against Manchester. Spain finished with 39 points and 8 assists, a showcase of her scoring versatility and play making impact.    Front Court    Smith utilizes her athleticism and length to slash effectively and finish with both hands around the basket. Deceptively strong in the paint, she uses positioning and technique to consistently corral rebounds. Smith possesses the ball-handling ability to initiate the break when needed.   Her 21 points and 9 rebound performance versus Kellam was indicative of the consistent production and versatility she brings on both ends of the floor.     A dangerous scorer, Ojo can seemingly score at will within the Princess Anne offense. She applies constant pressure on defenses with her ability to attack, finish, and score in a variety of ways.   Equally impressive is her defensive impact. Embracing the toughest assignment on the floor and showed selflessness by drawing three charges against Salem — momentum plays that don't always show up in the box score.   Her dominant performance against previously 14–2 Salem highlighted her week. Finishing with 26 points and 9 rebounds, leading Princess Anne to a 70–45 victory.     Possessing the ability to both play and guard positions 1–5, Herbert looks comfortable anywhere on the floor. A consistent double-double threat, she impacts the game in multiple ways. Stretching the floor in transition, attacking from the wing, and rebounding effectively on both ends.   Her versatility was on full display in her performance against Glen Allen, where she finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds, a textbook example of the value she brings every night.      First Week Recap:   One of the most impressive takeaways from my first week on the trail was how many of the standout performances came from underclassmen — a clear indicator of just how bright the future of girls' basketball is in the 757. The biggest challenge wasn't finding talent, it was narrowing the list down to five.   From Landstown's (Virginia Beach) Tahjae “Meeko” Eaton-Simmons getting to the basket at will, to the adept soft touch and passing of Glen Allen center [player_tooltip player_id='1201310' first='Makayla' last='Louis'], to the moments of dominance under the rim from Salem's (Virginia Beach) [player_tooltip player_id='603027' first='Alaya' last='Monroe-Sutton'] — there were more than enough performances worthy of recognition.   This list was not easy to compile. But I'm excited about the future of girls' basketball in Virginia, and I consider myself fortunate to be able to cover it.

I've spent the last 25 years coaching basketball — both boys and girls, from age 3 all the way through high school varsity. The game has given me the opportunity to teach, learn, grow, and witness the evolution of the game.