Ridgeview is off to a 6-2 start, having one of the better teams in South Carolina. On a team filled with college level talents, Javon Benson is the sole junior in their loaded starting lineup. Several programs have began to take a flier on the emerging forward after a breakout season with the Carolina Wolves. After sitting out this past season due to transfer rules, Benson seems to be taking advantage opportunity to chase his goals.

"I always wanted to play D1. Its been a goal of mine. Ive been lucky. I was able to be in a good situation with coach Stoneman and coach Crawford. Its a lot of kids out here that can play D1 but not in the right situatuion. So, to have the skill set and the coaches that just made it even better."

When asked what has been his biggest improvement between last year to now, Benson offered up his own evaluation.

"Personally, I feel like I've improved getting up and down the floor, even when I'm not getting the ball becuase I used to have a tendency of doing that. My energy has grown."

What has been said: Garrett Tucker had a front row seat to Benson's dominant performace at this past years Atlanta Jam. Tuckers prediction of Benson being a mid major priority seems to be taking shape

"The Carolina Wolves 16U didn't come out with a win on Friday night, but 2020 Columbia (SC) Ridge View big man Javon Benson definitely emerged as a winner from the night. The athletic big man scored 25 points in a loss to EAB and impressed those looking on along the way.

At 6-foot-8, Benson has extremely long arms and moves well. He rebounded everything within his area and was active in the paint. The sophomore was an enforcer with his shot-blocking capabilities, too. Benson even stepped out and hit a couple of mid-range jumpers.

Up until this point, Benson has been operating as an unknown prospect. He didn't get a chance to play during the high school season due to transfer rules. However, with fellow 2019 big man Malcolm Wilson, Ridge View is a must-stop place for many schools in the Southeast. Don't be surprised if Benson is a priority prospect for mid-level programs. "

Past Ridgeview stories: Ewing gets his anchor in Ridgeview forward Malcom Wilson | JaVon Anderson Carolina Preview camp evaluation 

In the early stages of his recruitment, Benson has been either been offered, or seen a spike in interest from several in state and neighboring progams.

"My first offer was Benedict, then I got Coker. Then SC state offered, then Upstate offered. I believe USC is giving me some high interest. Then College of Charleston, then Wofford, Winthrop, UNC Asheville and schools like that."

Benson spoke very highly about his past visits after having been on campus at Wofford, NC State, USC, and Winthrop.

"Hopefully I can get to some after the post season." said Benson in regards to future visits" All of them were great. The last one I went to is Winthrop. I had fun at all of them. Wofford, I saw UNC play against them They competed against UNC. NC State. They didnt play in a game but they scrimmage themselves against the girls team. USC, I watched the football game and they walked me around campus, had fun. That energy was a little different because Im from SC but it was still great." 

Even as a junior, Benson has started thinking life after basketball. A future in sports management is his backup plan when the ball stops bouncing. 

"The planning didnt realy come yet, Im just going out there to play. Hopefully my senior year. Just a good fit." Benson said in regards to his future commitment date. They have to have want I want to major in. I feel like I have to have a plan B. If basketball didnt work out then I still want to be involved in sports."