Unexpected Standouts In the 757

One of the most rewarding aspects of scouting is the element of surprise. Basketball has a way of revealing itself organically. Or as the game often reminds us, the ball doesn't lie. You walk into a gym prepared to evaluate a matchup and leave having identified a player who separates herself through instincts, competitiveness, and an advanced feel for the game. Skills often paired with pure grit, toughness, and heart   The following list features players who weren't necessarily on the initial watch list. Yet earned extended evaluation through the way they consistently impacted the game. While warranting continued evaluation moving forward.   757 Hoops | Evaluations That Stuck   [player_tooltip player_id='443375' first='Destini' last='Collins'] | Green Run (Virginia Beach) | Class of 2027   One of the highest compliments a player can receive is hearing that, if you didn't know the score, you'd think the game was close based solely on their intensity, effort, and approach. That description fits [player_tooltip player_id='443375' first='Destini' last='Collins'].   Despite Green Run facing a nationally ranked Princess Anne squad, Collins' competitiveness never wavered. Tasked with defending [player_tooltip player_id='443350' first='Micah' last='Ojo'], the No. 7-ranked player nationally in the Class of 2027. While giving up roughly 4 inches. Collins held her ground, refused to be overwhelmed, and relentlessly competed on both ends. She limited Ojo below her season average of 25 points per game defensively. While leading Green Run with 12 points in the loss.   The scoreline didn't reflect it, but Collins' toughness, defensive resolve, and willingness to take on elite competition without trepidation stood out and warrants an extended evaluation.    A relentless competitor with a high motor who stretches the floor and consistently draws defensive attention. Capable of facilitating within the offense while also creating scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Continued development of shooting range will raise her ceiling. However, she already shows the ability to get to the basket at will.    Lamari Budd | Maury (Norfolk) | Class of 2026   Scoring is the name of the game, and Lamari Budd provides it consistently. Averaging just under 20 points per contest for the Commodores, Budd pairs production with versatility and poise. Her 29-point, 6-rebound, 6-assist, 4-steal performance against Churchland highlighted her all-around impact and ability to influence the game in multiple ways.   Effective both in transition and the half court. Budd scores from inside and out while constantly disrupting offenses on the defensive end. Just as impressive is her command of tempo. When the game threatened to speed up, she demanded the ball, settled her team, and reestablished rhythm. Budd's combination of scoring ability, court awareness, and leadership continues to warrant extended evaluation.    Has the ability to score at will, a downhill scorer with a quick first step and ability to get through traffic to finish at the basket. Plays the passing lanes well, and can create turnovers.    SaraJane Walker | Maury (Norfolk) | Class of 2026   Walker shares the backcourt with Lamari Budd and carries equal responsibility in leading the Commodores. Measured and deliberate in her approach. She averages an efficient 10 points per game while functioning as the primary organizer of the offense. Much of Budd's scoring production begins with Walker's vision and timing, as she consistently delivers the ball to teammates in advantageous scoring positions.   Defensively, Walker sets the tone. Her high motor, anticipation, and basketball IQ disrupt opposing offenses, forcing difficult passes and uncomfortable decisions in the half court. Walker's ability to control tempo, facilitate, and anchor the defense makes her an essential piece of Maury's success. Walker is a player worthy of continued evaluation.    Possesses a high basketball IQ with strong vision and the ability to deliver difficult passes in both transition and the half court. Can score when needed, but consistently operates as the primary distributor and organizer of the offense.    [player_tooltip player_id='1612419' first='Run' last='Sveinbjornsdottir'] | Princess Anne (Virginia Beach) | Class of 2029   If she were in most programs across the region, [player_tooltip player_id='1612419' first='Run' last='Sveinbjornsdottir'] would already be a starting point guard. The Icelandic freshman displays a quick first step, advanced open-court vision, and the ability to knock down the three. All while playing within a deep and talented Princess Anne rotation.   Frequently deployed at the front of the Cavaliers' diamond press, Sveinbjornsdottir combines balance, speed, and disciplined footwork to consistently funnel ball handlers into traps and force turnovers. With three years remaining in the Princess Anne system, her foundational skill set, defensive instincts, and basketball IQ point to a high developmental ceiling moving forward.    A traditional point guard who can push pace or settle the game when needed. Capable of distributing effectively, scoring from deep, or getting to the basket within the flow of the offense. Shows the ability to facilitate an offense filled with elite scorers and adapt her role to ensure team success. Continued physical development will further elevate her impact as she matures    Unpredictability in evaluation is often a sign of depth, and once again the 757 proved why it belongs firmly on the scouting map.

One of the most rewarding aspects of scouting is the element of surprise. Basketball has a way of revealing itself organically. Or as the game often reminds us, the ball doesn't lie. You walk into a gym prepared to evaluate a matchup and leave having identified a player who separates herself through instincts, competitiveness, and an advanced feel for the game. Skills often paired with pure grit, toughness, and heart