Boys’ Starting Five

James Demery, Northside Christian, 6-5, Jr., G: Part of a deep team that includes former Gaston Day star Keyshawn Woods (6-5, Jr., G), Demery is among the state’s top 10 players in his class.

Shelton Mitchell, Cuthbertson, 6-2, Jr., G: One of the nation’s top recruits in his class led Cuthbertson to the state finals last season.

Tyler Petty, Salisbury, 6-7, Sr., G/F: All-conference pick averaged 10 ppg, 10 rpg last season. His team has finished first or second in its league in each of the past nine seasons.

Patrick Rooks, Charlotte Christian, 6-3, Sr., G: Committed to Clemson, Rooks averaged 14.2 ppg and shot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range.

Alec Wintering, United Faith, 5-9, Sr., G: Portland signee had 34 points in his season debut against Durham Mount Zion on Tuesday.

Can’t-miss Games: Kennedy Charter at United Faith, Saturday, 6:30; Cuthbertson vs. N. Rowan at Waddell, Nov. 24; N. Rowan vs. Salisbury at Catawba College, Dec. 8; Hickory at Charlotte Christian, Dec. 11; Kennedy Charter at Christ School, Jan. 11; United Faith at Davidson Day, Jan. 18; Charlotte Christian at Providence Day, Jan. 29; United Faith at Victory Christian, Feb. 1

Notes: Charlotte Latin returns four of five starters from a 17-10 team, including sharp shooter Adam Herrmann (13.5 ppg, 4.2 apg, 42 percent 3-point)...Covenant Day’s 6-4 guard David Airing (18 ppg, 6 rpg) passed the 1,000-point mark last season....Davidson Day’s Justin Jordan is the nephew of Bobcats owner Michael Jordan...Kennedy Charter’s Angelo Mays (6-7, Sr., C) is a former Waddell star averaged 15 ppg, 10 rpg, 3 pg last season and joins deep team with stars like Julius Hamilton and Jalen White...Providence Day’s Jordan Watkins (6-1, Jr, G) has 10 Division I offers plus a 3.3 GPA

Girls’ Starting Five

Gigi Bailey, Charlotte Christian, 6-2, Sr., C: Averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds last season; all-conference and all-state pick

Beth Erb, Country Day, 5-6, Sr., G: Scoring machine had 29 points in her season debut Tuesday. She averaged 20.5 ppg last season and has more than 1,000 career points.

Ezinne Mbamalu, Lake Norman Charter, 6-2, Jr., C: Averaged 14 ppg, 14 rpg and 4.5 blocks last season, pushing her team to a 20-8 record.

Jatarie White, Providence Day, 6-3, Jr., C: Ranked No. 2 in the nation by ESPN in her class, White averaged 14 ppg, 8 rpg, 2 bpg last season

Morgan Whitesides, Gaston Day, 5-8, So., PG: Averaged 14 ppg, 7.4 apg, 4.9 spg, 4.1 rpg for a 24-3 team.

Can’t-miss Games: Lake Norman Charter at Hough, Nov. 30; Charlotte Christian at Hickory, Dec. 4; Providence Day at Carolina Day, Dec. 7; Charlotte Christian at Providence Day, Jan. 29

Notes: Lake Norman Charter won its first playoff game last season...North Stanly was 27-2 last season but lost all five starters. Key returners include Jenni Speight (5-10, Sr., G) and Jenna Huff (5-7, Sr, G). ... Providence Day was 29-4 last season and won its third straight N.C. Independent Schools 3A state title...Carmel Christian plays its first year of varsity basketball.