Delaware State’s backcourt received a huge boost earlier this week as guard Johquin Wiley decided to commit. The L.C. Bird guard averaged 10.5 points and 6.8 assist last season, as he led the Skyhawks to a state championship. His strong play over his high school career earned him offers from schools like Campbell, James Madison, Longwood, and Norfolk State, but ultimately it was Delaware State that got the VHSL 5A State Player of the Year. Because of his basketball IQ and unselfishness, many people, including his coach, believe his game will translate well at the collegiate level.
“Pinky’s basketball acumen is what makes him fit,” said L.C. Bird coach Troy Manns. “He’s super smart and knows how to run a team, also putting his teammates in the best position to be successful.”
Wiley’s teammate Cam Henry also made his decision, as he committed to Lincoln Memorial. The 6–5 forward’s sharp shooting ability also helped guide the Skyhawks to a state championship. The first team All-Conference forward will head to Harrogate, Tenn. to play Division II basketball for the Railsplitters.
L.C. Bird has a long history of producing great basketball players, as Tahkey Williams will join Bluefield after a year of prep at Liberty Heights. The 6–6 205-pound forward averaged 7.9 points and 6.3 rebounds for his team in 2016-2017, and he is confident that he will have an even greater impact on the Rams.
“Bluefield is getting a versatile and skilled player who’s a great defender, good shooter, and a smart athlete,” explained Manns.
Jaylen Dillard, a long, athletic guard for L.C. Bird, announced his commitment this past week to Johnson C. Smith, a private university in North Carolina that competes in the CIAA.
Dillard transferred to L.C. Bird from Clover Hill and was an important piece in the Skyhawks’ championship run. An excellent shooter, the senior routinely torched the nets, hitting big shots. In the 5A state championship game, he contributed with several big defensive plays as well.
Charles Falden, another L. C. Bird alumnus (Class of 2016), spent a year in prep at Massanutten Military Academy, and he is now ready to take the next step. The former VHSL 5A State Player of the Year decided to continue his basketball career at Winthrop University. In his senior year with the Skyhawks, Falden averaged 16.4 points per game and was as clutch as they come in the fourth quarter, one time scoring 17 points in the last 2:25 of the game. After a year of prep, Falden is bigger, stronger, and a better leader.
“They [Winthrop] recruited me hard,” Falden said. “It’s my style of play, they are winners and have great coaches. They’ll care for me academically. It’s a great atmosphere.”
Despite Falden’s departure, there is undoubtedly plenty of excitement within the Massanutten basketball program as they prepare for the arrival of Matoaca star Terrence Whitfield. The 6-3, 185-pound guard posted around 27 points per game, scoring from everywhere on the floor. The first team All-Conference guard joins Falden, Corey Hill, and Kansas University star Frank Mason among those who prepped at Massanutten. Whitfield wants to develop his game and believes Massanutten is the best place for him to do that.
“When I went up to Massanutten for a visit and to play pick up with the team, I really fell in love with basketball program,” said Whitfield. “I thought Massanutten was a great place where I can play basketball and focus on academics. Coach Sowers and Coach Myers really made me feel like family when I went up to Massanutten. I really think I will accomplish big things and also improve in my academics.”
Whitfield is not the only Matoaca player making headlines as former Warrior Devin Morgan has made plans to transfer from Delaware State and has committed to Youngstown State in Ohio, a member of the Horizon League.
Morgan has played two years for Hornets, earning MEAC Freshman of the Year honors. He also led the Hornets in scoring this year with 14.8 points per game, and he was nominated for the College Court Report’s National Mid-Major Player of the Year award. In high school, the 5–9 guard was just as dominant, averaging 29.5 points, seven rebounds, and six assists per game over the course of his career.
