Scott Strode
Middlebourne
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Articles by Scott Strode
AA Regional Prediction
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Double A regionals are here and here's your sneak peek!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tournament Projection</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Wheeling Central<br>The Maroon Knights return as the AA favorite and for good reason.
A Regional Predictions
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Single A regional play is upon us and about to start next week!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Projected Tournament Seeds</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Greater Beckley<br>With fab frosh [player_tooltip player_id='3245920' first='Iziah' last='Gordon'] and super soph [player_tooltip player_id='2425396' first='Javonte'...
March Recruiting Update
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the latest on the state's offers and recruiting news. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Concord University has offered a great group of in-state players. Starting with Wyoming East pivot [player_tooltip player_id='2690991' first='Konnor' last='Fox'], the 6'9" junior who's shown his potential throughout this year.
Best 2026's Next To Be Offered
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the best 2026 players who have yet to be offered but likely will be soon! Coaches take note, these prospects are legit and ready to talk. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2310473' first='Eli' last='Smith']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is who I believe is Chapmanville's best AND most valuable player. Why?
2027's Big Time Bigs
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the three bigs in this class who are on track for big off-seasons, bigger senior years and even bigger accomplishments beyond. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2623927' first='Koang' last='Bol Kuany']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This elite shot blocker has been dominating every game he's been in this year.
2026 Rankings Risers: Small School
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the players in the top 100 of the 2026 rankings who've climbed the farthest since the last rankings cycle!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1851879' first='Braydun' last='Ferris']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ferris just won't stop pushing Tug to yet another clash on championship Saturday in March.
2026 Rankings Risers: Big School
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the players in the top 100 of the 2026 rankings who've climbed the farthest since the last rankings cycle!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2437132' first='Jayce' last='Gum']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gum has been absolutely dominant offensively in every big game this year. The interest from colleges and scouts hasn't yet peaked but its definitely on the rise.
2027 Names to Know
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Remember these names because they're future stars either in the upcoming aau/travel season or in next school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2434224' first='Collin' last='Ridgeway']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite playing for arguably the most notable program in WV, I still feel like Ridgeway is overlooked and yet to be recognized as one of the state's best point guards...
2027 Rankings Risers: Small School
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the top ranking risers in the PrepHoops 100 in WV from the A and AA divisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2690991' first='Konnor' last='Fox']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fox has seen a stock rise with his improved play so far this year. He's had multiple dominant games where he simply couldn't be handled in the lane or on the glass.
2027 Rankings Risers: Big School
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the top ranking risers in the PrepHoops 100 in WV from the AAA and AAAA divisions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2561914' first='Pierson' last='Dejneka'] 10-7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dejneka has steadily produced impressive outings throughout his junior season. He's a sharpshooting 6'2" guard who has point guard skills to compliment his guard proficiency.
2028's To Know For the Future
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2632516' first='Creed' last='Waskey']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waskey has dazzled opponents and opposing coaches who've spoken highly of the young point guard. Look for him to lead the Vikings in several statistical categories by the end of this year and seasons to come.
2028 Rankings Risers: Small School
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's West Virginia's fast rising 2028's in this rankings edition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2918682' first='Cedric' last='Davis']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis has began to help the Williamstown squad build back up to their state tournament level contender play.
Top 50 Bigs of 2028 Rankings
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's bigs, forwards and post players in the 2028 list that are in the top 50 currently. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2542545' first='Jaxon' last='Conaway']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conaway has logged several minutes with the Bees varsity but most recently started making big contributions from the forward position.
2029 Names to Know for Next Year
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's some 2029 Class names that'll become more recognizable by next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2905418' first='Caleb' last='Crace'] is developing as a shooter and scorer. Crace has great length and mobility to be a strong defender as well.
2028 Rankings Risers: Big School
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's West Virginia's fast rising 2028's in this rankings edition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2905369' first='June' last='Jackson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson has cracked the lineup and rotation at Sissonville and made the most of it. He's came into the rotation and averaged over double figures through the first half of the season.
2029 Class Next Ten
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>A breakdown of those players ranked 11-20</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2751442' first='Jabari' last='Spencer'] speed and skill are how you'd describe Spencer in this early stage of his career. He shows great flashes of being a solid shooter and high level ballhandler. His future as a scoring point guard is very bright.
2029 Ranking Top Ten Breakdown
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're taking a look at the newest class in West Virginia.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block...
Emerging Bucket Getters After One Month
Photo Credit: Dave Morrison In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This high school season in WV has been rolling for exactly one month and here are some of the under the radar scoring strongholds from across the state who've put together amazing first four weeks in the scoring column.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've been keeping an eye on Trinity Christian in Morgantown who have two tremendous scorers have emerged.
New Year Recruiting Update
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the latest in all things recruiting in WV with what we know in early January. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Interest</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1851879' first='Braydun' last='Ferris'] - the Tug Valley point guard has recently received serious interest from D3 Wesminster along with looks from JUCO.
AAAA: South Region Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TEAMS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>George Washington, Oak Hill, Woodrow Wilson, Riverside, Buckhannon Upshur, Cabell Midland, Huntington, Hurricane, Parkersburg, Parkersburg South</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Player of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1851878' first='Noah' last='Lewis']</p> <!--...
AAAA: North Region Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TEAMS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wheeling Park, Morgantown, Preston, University, Washington, Hedgesville, Martinsburg, Spring Mills, Jefferson, Musselman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Player of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2053688' first='Jasiah' last='King']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!--...
AAA: Region IV Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TEAMS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Nitro, Point Pleasant, Winfield , St. Albans, South Charleston, Lincoln County, Chapmanville Regional, Spring Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Player of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2345905' first='Harrison'...
AAA: Region II Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TEAMS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hampshire, Keyser, Elkins, Robert C.
AAA: Region III Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TEAMS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Pikeview, Shady Spring, Greenbrier East, Princeton, Herbert Hoover, Nicholas County, Ripley , Capital</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Players of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2437132' first='Jayce' last='Gum'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!--...
AAA: Region I Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TEAMS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Marion, Brooke , John Marshall, East Fairmont, Fairmont Senior, Grafton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Player of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2340983' first='Connor' last='Balwanz']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph -->...
AA: Region IV Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TEAMS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Buffalo, Poca, Roane County, Clay County, Sissonville, Scott, Logan, Wayne, Charleston Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Player of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2694392' first='Lucas' last='Lambert']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph...
AA: Region III Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TEAMS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bluefield, Mingo Central, Westside, Wyoming East , Independence, River View, Liberty Raleigh, Midland Trail, Summers County, James Monroe</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Player of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2690991' first='Konnor' last='Fox']...
AA: Region II Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TEAMS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moorefield, Petersburg, Philip Barbour, Berkeley Springs, Braxton County, South Harrison, Lincoln, Frankfort</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Player of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2303389' first='Jeremy' last='Phillips']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!--...
AA: Region I Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TEAMS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Weir, Oak Glen, Tyler Consolidated, Wheeling Central, Williamstown, Ravenswood, Doddridge County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Player of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2211906' first='Eli' last='Sancomb']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph -->...
Single A: Region IV Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Man, Tolsia, Tug Valley, Van, St. Joseph Central , Calhoun County, Gilmer County, Hannan, Wahama, Wirt County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lets take a look at this region's top teams and players as we journey into the beginning of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Player of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip...
Single A: Region III Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greater Beckley Christian, Montcalm, Mt. View, Sherman, Summit Christian, Greenbrier West, Meadow Bridge, Richwood, Webster County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lets take a look at this region's top teams and players as we journey into the beginning of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Player of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph -->...
Single A: Region II Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Hardy, Paw Paw, Tucker County, Union, WV School for the Deaf Blind, Harman, Pendleton County, Pocahontas County, Tygarts Valley, Pickens</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lets take a look at this region's top teams and players as we journey into the beginning of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preseason Player of the Year</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph -->...
Single A: Region I Preview
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cameron, Madonna, Clay-Battelle, Notre Dame, Trinity Christian, Wood County Christian, Valley, Magnolia, Parkersburg Catholic, Ritchie County, St Marys</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lets take a look at this region's top teams and players as we journey into the beginning of the season.
Preseason Player of the Year Candidates
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the players who could make a run for player of the year in West Virginia.
2028 Rankings Roundup
In this article: <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">RANKINGS RISERS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2855087' first='Chase' last='Jones'] (83 to 17) Once seeing Chase was enough to push him very far up the rankings. He's a big guard who shoots it at a high level. Look for him to have a tremendous impact on Spring Mills season.
2027 Rankings Review
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a comprehensive review of the latest 2027 rankings with rankings risers, new additions and news and notes about many.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Movers & Shakers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One big movement was with prospect [player_tooltip player_id='2561914' first='Pierson' last='Dejneka'] (28 to 15) who is coming off of one...
2026 Rankings Review
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a comprehensive review of the 2026 class rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Movers & Shakers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2303392' first='Jase' last='Smith'] 34 to 20: Jase has returned from a devastating injury during his sophomore year and got back in the groove last year but made a huge impact on us when attending the Hoop Summit in...
Who's Next? - Prep Hoops
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's some players most of you aren't aware of but will make huge impacts this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2561914' first='Pierson' last='Dejneka'] is coming off of one of the most stellar aau/travel season's for anyone in recent history of the mountain state or even the tri-state area.
August Recruiting Update
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the latest in offers, commitments and recruiting buzz around the mountain state!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2211908' first='Isaac' last='Hodges'] has been offered by D3 hoops juggernaut Marietta College. Hodges is in his senior year and likely to have several other suitors.
Covering the Uncovered
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at some prospects who've had a total of 3 articles or less where they've been mentioned.
Ten Most Underrecruited 2026's
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the ten most overlooked, undervalued and underrecruited players in WV class of 2026.
Player List for Hoop Summit on Saturday
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the master list of registered participants in Saturday's event at Mylan Park in Morgantown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>[player_tooltip player_id='2870512' first='Jacob' last='Vaughn'] point guard from Calvary Baptist<br>[player_tooltip player_id='2869971' first='Kash' last='Jenkins'] sharp shooting point guard <br>[player_tooltip player_id='2715910' first='Jerin' last='Westfall'] big athletic wing<br>[player_tooltip...
Emerging Ranked 2028's - Prep Hoops
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at those 2028's that will come to the forefront for their teams this season. Ranked players that have made the leap from freshman or jayvee hoops to varsity role player or starter.
2028 Ranked Post Players
photo credit: Bret Swanson In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With post players and bigs being at a premium, we think recognizing the future of the position is important during this crucial part of their career. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2734710' first='Keaton' last='Terry'] has killed it on the Big Shots circuit this spring and summer.
Big Shots Myrtle Beach Reviews: WV Reign Elite 2026
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WV Reign 2026's traveled to Myrtle Beach with their underclassmen squads to do battle in the four-day double-session event in front of large crowds and several coaches. With a few new faces on the roster the Reign squad was still competitive and finished with a 1-2 record in each session while competing in the events highest division.
Big Shots Myrtle Beach Reviews: WV Reign Elite 2027
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a review of the Reign 16U squad while in Myrtle Beach. This group was one of the more exciting and up and down teams in any division and drew a crowd at every game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2434921' first='Cayden' last='Arnold'] is simply one of the "trigger men" as I'd call it for this squad as he sets the tone on defense and defends 94 feet.
Big Shots Myrtle Beach Reviews: WV Reign Elite 2028
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a review of the 2028 players while in Myrtle Beach Big Shots Live I & II. This is a talented and promising group who struggled at times but competed hard against every opponent and scratching out a couple wins over the weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2617683' first='Jaden' last='Fleming'] is an interesting player.
Big Shots Myrtle Beach Reviews: WV Hustle 2026
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at the weekend had by the Hustle crew including the 2026 guys who I thought had an impressive showing against some high level competition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2633937' first='Brycen' last='Slack'] really stood out to me in Myrtle. Having only seen him on streams I had been looking forward to seeing him play in person and he didn't disappoint.
Big Shots Myrtle Beach Reviews: WV Hustle 2027
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a review of the Hustle squad while in Myrtle Beach. A roster of talented kids that play very hard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2624032' first='Antoine' last='Hicks'] has an incredible motor and makes endless effort plays that we've seen over the entire season. Hicks has great speed, lateral quickness but most of all plays with great intensity and purpose.
Big Shots Myrtle Beach Reviews: WV Big Shots Elite 2027/2028
In this article: <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WV has some tremendous talent in the class and here we'll review some of them while they were in Myrtle Beach along with the lone WV player on the program's 2027 team. This 2028 team worked its way through the session one bracket and capping it with lifting the trophy for the champions.
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