Expanded boys basketball preview: Team-by-team glances and district predictions
The 2022-23 boys basketball team-by-team preview and predictions. Only includes information submitted by coaches.
Bay Rivers District
Predicted finish: 1. Grafton, 2. Smithfield, 3. Lafayette, 4. Bruton, 5. York, 6. Warhill. 7. Jamestown, 8. Tabb, 9. New Kent, 10. Poquoson
Bruton
The Panthers will be led by sophomore guard Brandon Freeman (14 ppg, 5 apg), senior guard Khamari Phillips ( 6ppg), 6-3 junior forward Kareem Davis (7 ppg, 4 rpg), 6-3 senior forward Jalen Posey and Khamani Phillips.
Grafton
Now in his 14th season, Jeremy P. Jordan is the longest tenured coach in the district. The Clippers return their leading scorer in junior wing Kyler Coleman (13.5 ppg), who was second team all-region. They also have senior guard Aiden Patel, senior guard John Charnecki and sophomore guard Jakobe Brownlee. Soccer player Isaiah Chisolm, who signed with Kentucky, also will contribute.
Poquoson
Last season the Islanders finished 1-18 in Robert Stokes’ first season. He expects much better results this season. They will be led by Ian MacArthur, Kai Baker, Dayne Galacgac, Eli Tyndall and Mason McGavran, who is the only returning starter.
Smithfield
Coach Chris Brown comes over from Jamestown and says the Packers have “lots of good potential.” They will be led by seniors Markese Curtis (10 ppg) and Sekou Frye (8 ppg). Also watch for Kevin Parker, Merlin Lance, Sean Brown and EJ Hendrix.
Tabb
First year coach Bobby Hedrick doesn’t have a lot of experienced returning with only 6-2 forward junior Gavin Siegel playing significant minutes last season. But he is encouraged by his team’s quickness and athleticism. The Tigers also have 6-4 senior forward Isaiah Gregory, 6-2 senior guard Kay Macadoo, 5-8 sophomore guard Chase Shumate and 5-9 sophomore guard Torrion Haywood.
Warhill
The Lions are led by senior guard Chris Knight (4.7 ppg), junior guard Jaedyn McAdoo (9.1 ppg) 6-6 senior center Ayden Johnson (10.2 rpg), Hunter Brown and Jonny Ruiz. Two newcomers include Kris “Deuce” McDonough II, who transferred from Manchester, and Kobe America, who transferred from Grafton.
York
The Falcons will be rebuilding after graduating seven seniors. They will be led by 6-4 senior guard Milyan Smith-Walker, who averaged 19.2 points, eight rebounds and four assists last season to earn all-region honors. They also have junior guard Brooks Morgan (10.3 ppg), Danny Victoria, Shamarius Whitby and Jeremiah Lattimore.
Beach District
Predicted finish: 1. Landstown, 2. Kempsville, 3. Green Run, 4. Kellam, 5. Cox, 6. Salem, 7. Princess Anne, 8. First Colonial, 9. Bayside, 10. Tallwood, 11. Ocean Lakes
Cox
The Falcons will be led by 6-8 junior Ben Nacey, who was second team All-Beach District and averaged a double-double. They also have 6-4 senior Brock Burch, 6-2 senior Ray Jackson and 6-2 senior Riley Decandido.
First Colonial
The Patriots are led by 6-3 senior guard Romeo Steverson (16 ppg), 6-6 senior forward John Lane, Scott Suber, Emmaus Nieves, Minor Medlin and 6-5 junior center Brady Wilson.
Green Run
The Stallions are led by 6-5 sophomore David ‘Trey’ Miller (9.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg), Kassidy Jackson ( 6 ppg), 6-3 senior wing Eizayah Chisholm (6.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg), 6-2 junior guard Sorrell Straker and guard Trey Cooper, the younger brother of All-Tidewater guard Jake Cooper. They also have D.J. Brown, 6-5 junior forward Christian Banaag, Elijah Ellison and Josiah Collins, and 6-6 senior Travon Norwood.
Kempsville
Chiefs fourth-year coach Darren Sanderlin should have another strong team led by seniors Landon Fore, Montrell Bynum, Tayion Anderson, Omarion Barber and Brayden Luckenbill.
Landstown
The Eagles are led by 6-6 senior Ethan Ward, who averaged 12 points and 9.5 rebounds to earn first-team all-district honors. They also have Demeir Pollard, 6-5 freshman Shawn Spellman and Nayir Valentine, who is a returning captain.
Ocean Lakes
The Dolphins are led by sophomore point guard Derrick Barnes, senior shooting guard Cody Flint, junior small forward James Cummings, senior small forward Dominic Evans and senior forward Finn Copen.
Princess Anne
The Cavaliers are led by 6-5 senior guard William Bland, who averaged 11 points and five assists last season. Others to watch include Styles Clemmons, Sam Bland, Alijah Roberts, Devin Askew, Aidan McKeating and Tyshaun Neals.
Eastern District
Predicted finish: 1. Maury, 2. Norview, 3. Lake Taylor, 4. Churchland, 5. Manor, 6. Booker T. Washington, 7. Norcom, 8. Granby
Churchland
The Truckers are led by 6-4 combo guard Paul Jones III, who was all-district and all-region last season. They also have Aveyon Jordan, 6-6 wing Sincere Jones, Corey Hunter and Makhi Cofield, a transfer from Nansemond River.
Lake Taylor
The Titans are led by 6-6 junior center Elijah Washington, 6-7 junior forward Rodney Baines, along with guards Aaron Elliott, Tristan Skipwitch and Jayden Gaines. Key reserves include Tobias Meekins, Shahide Battle, Montonio Flowers, Zymarieon Mitchell, Karlos Laury, Razi Walters, Jacarri Jones and Jamari Edwards.
Manor
Many changes for the Mustangs, including a new coach and the loss of second team All-Tidewater guard Michael Smith Jr., who transferred out of the state. New coach Tony Newbold does have a strong nucleus with Ryan Smith, Tony Goodman, Antwan Merritt, Antonio McInnis and 6-6 junior forward Jordin Johnson-Copeland. “Our success will rely upon our ability to defend well and play excellent transition basketball,” he said.
Maury
The Commodores have averaged 22 wins in coach Brandon Plummer’s first four seasons. This season’s team will be led by 6-0 sophomore guard Adrean Newton, 5-11 senior guard Casey Jones, 6-4 senior forward Meltarious Pulliam, 6-4 sophomore guard Jayvion Green, 6-7 junior center Tyler Bell and 6-6 junior forward CJ Parker.
Norview
The Pilots are led by 6-3 senior guard Josiah Gregory, 6-1 freshman guard Keon Mitchell, 6-4 senior guard Jalen Milt, 6-6 junior forward Kyree Salvant, 6-4 sophomore forward Joshua Feagin and 6-8 senior forward Jemari Hawk, who moved in from North Carolina.
Peninsula District
Predicted finish: 1. Woodside, 2. Menchville, 3. Kecoughtan, 4. Bethel, 5. Phoebus, 6. Hampton, 7. Warwick, 8. Heritage, 9. Denbigh, 10. Gloucester
Bethel
The Bruins are led by 6-4 senior guard Jayson Williams (8 ppg, 5 rpg), senior guard Brandon Croslin, 6-6 senior center Jaylon Moton, Woodside transfer Jovan Butler, and 6-3 senior guard Smiley Faulks, who averaged 20 points before his illness.
Hampton
The Crabbers will be talented but inexperience as a whole, with only three player returning who saw significant playing time. Leading the way are seniors Jaylen Jenkins and Christian “Shaun” Williams, juniors Daron Baugh and Jaylen Wynn, along with sophomore Kahron Clarke and 6-7 freshman Gavin Kay.
Heritage
The Hurricanes will be led by seniors Patrick Ricks (5-11 guard), Ramone Greene (6-3 guard), Charles Holley Jr. (6-3 guard) and Jelani Douglas (6-4 guard).
Kecoughtan
The Warriors have a strong foundation from a team that finished 20-2 last season. Leading the way are Justin Bass, Jadon Pace, Marcel Pace, Kevin Copeland and Deshon Orman.
Menchville
The Monarchs will be led by 6-2 senior guard Etienne Strothers, 6-3 senior guard A.J. Clark, 6-2 junior guard Jordan Watlington, 6-4 senior guard Andre Carter, 6-2 senior guard Dareian Parker, and 6-4 senior forward Devin Keasey. Other key players will be 6-0 senior guard Eric Turner, 6-0 sophomore guard Aveion Tucker and 6-2 senior guard Nasuan Gray.
Phoebus
The Phantoms will be led by 6-3 senior point guard Jordan Leaks, who averaged 16 points, seven assists, six rebounds and four steals last season to earn all-district and all-region honors. They also have 6-5 forward Cameron Taylor (7 ppg, 5 rpg), 6-2 point guard Nolan James (7 ppg), 6-3 senior Xaiver Ward (7 ppg), and guard Troy Fullwood.
Woodside
The Wolverines will be led by Richmond commit Trevor Smith, 6-6 guard Mykel Jenkins and 6-8 forward Silas Barksdale.
Southeastern District
Predicted finish: 1. King’s Fork, 2. Oscar Smith, 3. Western Branch, 4. Grassfield, 5. Nansemond River, 6. Deep Creek, 7. Lakeland, 8. Indian River, 9. Great Bridge, 10. Hickory
Deep Creek
The Hornets are led by junior guard John Minifee (13 ppg, 5 apg), Cason Fitch, Jabari Brackett, 6-4 sophomore forward Omari Williams-Scott and 6-2 senior Daveyon Hughes.
Grassfield
The Grizzlies will be led by 6-3 senior guard Toa Hollenbeck, who was second team all-region, and 6-4 senior guard Jared Myers (10.3 ppg, 10.1 rpg).
Great Bridge
The Wildcats return all five starters in Cam Walters, Christian Brown, Antoine Brown, Jabari Hunt and Cam Bullock.
Hickory
The Hawks will be led by seniors Mitchell Stafford, Brayden Venning, Garrett Punmill and Seth Ambrose, and junior Lukas Henderson.
Indian River
First-year Braves coach Clyde Spellman has plenty of talent including returning starter Kei Nichols, along with key returners Jeremiah Bryant and Cameron McLean. Other players who will contribute include Davion Riddick and Vernon Williams.
King’s Fork
The Bulldogs return four starters in Samuel Brannen, Ryan Hite, Kaleb Brown, Zekhi Darden and Dashawn Lucas. Also watch for Adarius Boston, Bryson Barber, Elijah Walker, Rajuhn Jenkins, Jeremiah Morris and Nyshon Claude.
Lakeland
The Cavaliers will have plenty of experience with many seniors and juniors, including Joshua Battle, Ashton Holland-Lane, Kylief Copeland, Travell Allmond and DaReonte Carr.
Nansemond River
The Warriors lost seven players, including four starters. They will be very young this season, but they do have seniors Chris Hays and Jaylen Duckett, junior Saleem Williams and sophomore Devin Gaines.
Oscar Smith
The Tigers return everyone from a team that finished 19-5 last season. They will be led by 6-8 sophomore forward Kareem Stagg (10.1 ppg, 8 rpg 2 bpg), 6-0 junior guard Ulysses “Chubb” Young (8.0 ppg 5.0 apg), 6-0 junior guard Larry “Trey” Williams (10.0 ppg), 6-7 senior center Jaeden Haslam (6.5 ppg 6.0 rebs 1.0 bpg) and 6-4 senior guard Isaiah Dozier (14.0 ppg 5.0 rpg), who transferred in from Indian River.
Western Branch
The Bruins are led by 6-2 junior guard Viktor Parson (6 ppg), 6-2 sophomore guard Jahmeir Jenkins ( 6ppg) and 6-7 senior center Jahzari Preister (5 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 bpg). Others to watch include three-point specialist Ellis Wright, defensive specialist Kylin Manns and Jamaree Parker.
Tidewater Conference
Predicted finish: 1. Catholic, 2. Cape Henry, 3. Steward School, 4. Peninsula Christian, 5. Walsingham, 6. Norfolk Collegiate, 7. Nansemond-Suffolk, 8. Norfolk Academy, 9. Norfolk Christian, 10. Hampton Roads Academy
Cape Henry
The Dolphins are led by 6-10 sophomore Martez Harris, 6-7 senior forward Tristian Whitfield, 6-7 sophomore wing Sebastian Whitfield, AJ Swenney and Zach Duncan.
Catholic
The defending TCIS regular-season champions are led 6-3 junior guard Josiah Rickards (14 ppg, 5 rpg), 6-3 senior forward C.J. McPherson (14 ppg, 5 rpg), junior Brayden Thorne (9 ppg), 6-4 junior wing Aidan Filippini (6 ppg, 5 apg, 4 rpg, 2 spg) and 6-10 freshman Kosi Mgbejiofor. They also have 6-5 forward Niko Liberatore, 6-4 wing Jaiden Cancela and 6-5 forward Nate Schiavo.
Nansemond-Suffolk
The Saints graduated many key players, but coach Chris Fuhrmann is excited about 6-5 junior forward Isaiah Fuhrmann, junior guard John McClamy (a Nansemond River transfer), junior guard Caden Bradford, senior guard Jase Howell and guard Howard Casterlow. “We aren’t the biggest team, but I think we should be pretty fast,” he said.
Norfolk Academy
The Bulldogs are led by 6-3 senior forward Gibson Meek (8 ppg, 6 rpg), who coach Eric Acra says, “has great footwork and plays bigger than he is.” He will be joined by 6-2 senior forward Caleb Peck, 6-1 senior guard Jordan Epps, 6-6 junior forward Van Deans, 5-10 senior guard Bennett Yue and 6-0 junior guard Charlie Violette.
Norfolk Christian
The Ambassadors are coming off a tough season that saw them finish 3-17, including winless in the TCIS. But coach Mike Johnson likes what he sees in his team unity and work ethic to turn things around. They will be led by seniors Jake Doherty and Jackson Werry, and juniors Jae Henderson, Kyron Jennings and Damon Thornton. Other key contributors are Brody Johnson, Evan Hughes and Jasper Werry.
Metro Conference
Predicted finish: 1. Atlantic Shores, 2. Hampton Christian, 3. Portsmouth Christian, 4. Greenbrier Christian, 5. Broadwater Academy, 6. Denbigh Baptist. 7. StoneBridge School, 8. Gateway Christian
Atlantic Shores
Seahawks coach Mike Hudgins is 18 wins from the 200 milestone. Last season they finished 23-12, including 12-0 in the conference. They are led by senior guard Darius Forbes, who was the MVP of the Eagle Classic earlier this month. They also have Biagio Crossley, Zane Weir, Cam Walker and guard Justin Jones, who is the son of Norfolk State coach Robert Jones.
Larry Rubama, 757-575-6449, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com Follow @LHRubama on Twitter.
