Within the past week, Poca High School (W.V.) junior guard Isaac McKneely has hit the game-winning 3-pointer to boost his team into the Class AA state championship game, helped his team rally from a 19-point halftime deficit only to fall short of winning the state title, and became the first player in Poca history to capture the Bill Evans Award, an honor given to the state’s top player.

How is the future Virginia Cavalier faring after a memorable week and season?

“There have been a lot of ups and downs this year,” said McKneely, who averaged 21.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game his junior campaign. “Through the season I battled injuries, our starting point guard left the team four games into the year, dealing with COVID ... it was an up-and-down year. Going into every game, it was almost like you never knew what was going to happen. Unfortunately we didn’t win the state championship. We had our chances to win. That’s basketball. I’m just thankful to have a season.”

Heading into halftime of the 2021 Class AA state championship game, Poca trailed Williamstown 28-9. McKneely struggled from the field, making four of 22 shots for 12 points, but contributed in other ways like dishing out nine assists. He hit some shots too as the Dots closed within one possession several times before Williamstown put the game away from the foul line.

The day before, McKneely scored 25 points (7-of-17 shooting) and helped the Dots overcome a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to beat Charleston Catholic, 42-40, in memorable fashion. The 6’4” junior drained two 3s in the final minute, including the game winner with one second remaining to put Poca in the state title contest.

“Coach Osborne has us ready for any situation,” McKneely said, recalling the thrilling final seconds of the AA state semifinal versus Charleston Catholic. “We have a rule. If there are more than four seconds left, don’t call a timeout. If there is less, call a timeout. I think it was 10 seconds left, so I went and got it. They came to double me, I popped in-between them – I’ve never done that in my life – and made the shot. That is one I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

The Bill Evans honor, which will be awarded to McKneely on May 23, is special too.

“The state championship was one of my goals, but didn’t get that done. Player of the year was another one. To get that done is a big deal for me with all the great players who have come through our program,” McKneely said. “God has blessed me. It’s unreal to think about being the best player in the state. That’s crazy.”

McKneely has one more chance to capture a state championship, and with four starters returning, Poca figures to be in the thick of the 2022 title race. The standout junior took a one-day break from basketball following the championship game defeat. He says he never takes two days in a row off, though, so he returned in short order and is back on the court, preparing for AAU play this spring and summer. McKneely will suit up for the Wildcat Select program, which plays on the Adidas AAU circuit.

“I didn’t shoot well in the state championship game, so when I got back on the court I really put a ton of shots up,” McKneely said. “I just want to continue to get better.”

What areas does McKneely want to improve this offseason?

“I definitely have to work on getting my shot over defenders because I know I’ll see tons of different defenses,” he said. “I have to be able to adjust to all that and be able to get my shot off. Playing AAU, especially playing on a shoe circuit, will help me. West Virginia has some really good players, but playing AAU will prepare me for the college level and hopefully be a big help for me to be ready to contribute when I first get to UVA.”

Ohio State class of 2022 shooting guard commit Bowen Hardman and class of 2022 center prospect Shawn Phillips are among McKneely’s teammates on Wildcat Select. Asked what his role will be on AAU and how it compares to the one he has at Poca, McKneely said: “Our point guard left at Poca, so I kind of had to run the 1 this year. I won’t be the 1 this much on our AAU team. I’ll be more of a 2. I’ll be able to spot-up and shoot. I probably won’t have the ball in my hands as much.”

Isaac McKneely and Virginia basketball head coach Tony Bennett were in contact through Poca High School's state tournament run. They'll meet again in person when McKneely travels to Virginia for an official visit June 11-13. - Photo Credit: Isaac McKneely

McKneely’s experience playing point guard this season could prove beneficial when he arrives in Charlottesville.

“Coach Bennett definitely told me I’ll have the ball in my hands at the 1 some,” McKneely said. “Another thing I’m working on is ballhandling. I need to tighten up my handle. Get a quicker first step.”

The UVA coaches were paying close attention during Poca’s state title run.

“Coach Getter and Coach Bennett have been in constant contact, talking to me once a week,” McKneely said. “They were texting me after every game. Coach Bennett said after the championship game he had some pointers for me. He’s already coaching me (laughs). Coach Getter told me him and Jay Huff were watching my semifinal game together. He said Jay was going crazy when I made the winner.”

Conversely, McKneely has been paying attention to UVA’s action-packed offseason and provided his thoughts on the new Cavaliers.

“With Igor and some of the other players there, I think it will be cool to be around international players,” McKneely said. “I was recruited by Indiana pretty hard, so I’ve been able to watch Armaan. I think he’ll be a big help. Jayden Gardner has been tearing it up at ECU, and Igor and Taine will come in and be able to contribute.”

McKneely The Recruiter

“Coach Bennett, ever since I committed, said my role has changed to recruiter,” McKneely said with a laugh. “I’ve been talking to (Nebraska forward) Isaac Traudt and (Texas point guard) Austin Nunez. Me and Isaac especially have built a good relationship, but I think the three of us together would be a great class.”

How would McKneely assess his recruiting skills?

“I think I’m doing pretty well (laughs),” McKneely said.

McKneely will be able to recruit Traudt in person the weekend of June 11-13, when both players are scheduled to take their official visits to UVA.

“I want to get around the players and see who I will be with when I get there,” McKneely answered when asked what he is looking forward to about the official. “I can’t wait to meet them in person. I can’t wait to get to a game in the fall or winter. It’s a really fun atmosphere.”