Charlotte-area boys basketball previews: Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas
Here are the Charlotte Observer’s 2019-20 boys basketball previews
MECKLENBURG COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Ardrey Kell: Knights’ coach Michael Craft annually gets the most out of his team’s talent, as Ardrey Kell has won 46 games in the last two years. This year, Ardrey Kell has the talent to contend for the SoMeck7 conference, and be a team no one wants to face in the playoffs.
Butler: The Bulldogs have averaged 24 wins per season in coach Myron Lowery’s five-year tenure. This year, Butler will need junior point guard Jordan McPhatter and 6-foot-11 sophomore Patrick Wessler to lead a younger team that is eager to prove it can still hang in the Southwestern 4A conference (SW4A) conference race.
Charlotte Catholic: The Cougars return all five starters from a team that won 21 games and advanced to the 3A state quarterfinals. This year, senior Colin Thomas (16 ppg) and David Pino (12 ppg, 8 rpg) look to help Charlotte Catholic repeat as Southern Carolinas’ conference champions and make another deep playoff run.
Independence: The Patriots must reload after losing all five starters from a team that won 22 games a year ago, and has averaged 24 victories per season over the last four years. But no one will be surprised to see coach Preston Davis and company win big again this season with seniors Anthony Allen (9 ppg), Omarion Bodrick, and Jakeem Verdier back to lead the Patriots’ vaunted full-court offensive and defensive attack that makes their opponents uncomfortable in every game.
Myers Park: The Mustangs return three starters in senior Kamron Mack (7 ppg) and juniors Drake Maye (14 ppg, 8 rpg) and Xavier McKelvy (5 ppg) from a team that won 22 games last year. This season, Myers Park has the experience and talent to contend for the SW4A conference title and make another deep playoff run (4A state quarterfinalist last year).
North Mecklenburg: The Vikings are loaded with talent once again as coach Duane Lewis returns four starters from a 23-win, I-Meck 4A conference champion team. North Mecklenburg can look to a veteran backcourt in Shamann Artis (10 ppg), Tristan Maxwell (22 ppg) and Trayden Williams (10 ppg, 6 apg) as well as junior forward Chris Ford (16 ppg, 9 rpg) to repeat as I-Meck 4A conference champions on their way to being serious, 4A state championship contenders.
Olympic: The Trojans have averaged 21 wins per season in the last three years under coach Baronton Terry. This year, Olympic will lean on a veteran backcourt in seniors Josh Banks and Trevon Williams to defend their SoMeck7 conference crown and make another deep, 4A state playoff run (third round last year).
Vance: The Cougars were one of the state’s most improved teams last year and will look to senior Daniel Ransom and sophomore Daniel Sanford to remain in contention in I-Meck 4A conference, which will have them battle tested to also make a 4A state playoff run. Freshman Jaylen Curry and Trey Green should make immediate impacts. Both are top 10-type statewide performers in their class.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Anthony Allen, Independence: The 6-foot senior guard (9 ppg) is top returning player on an Independence team that has averaged 24 wins per game the last four years and expects to win big again this year.
Josh Banks, Olympic: The 6-foot-4 senior guard and Virginia Commonwealth University commit (21 ppg, 6 rpg) is back to lead a Trojans’ team hungry to repeat as SoMeck7 conference champions on their way to a deep postseason run.
Darius Best/Maurice Brown, Berry: The Berry backcourt duo averaged a combined 34 points and nine rebounds per game last year and will need to be even better if the Cardinals are going to be a factor in the SoMeck7 conference race.
Tristan Maxwell, North Mecklenburg: The 6-foot-3 senior guard and Georgia Tech commit (22 ppg, 5 rpg) is one of most dynamic players in the state with the ball.
Beau Maye, Hough: The 6-foot-9 senior has battled injuries for a lot of his high school career, but when he is on the court has proven to be a big force inside and is looking to prove he can lead Hough in his final high school season.
Drake Maye, Myers Park: The 6-foot-5 junior forward is not only one of the best football players in the state (Alabama commit), but also expected to play a major role on the hardwood (14 ppg, 8 rpg) for a Myers Park team with great expectations in the SW4A and into the postseason.
Daniel Ransom, Vance: The 6-foot-5 senior (9 ppg, 7 rpg), Western Carolina commit was a major reason Vance improved from 13 to 20 wins last year and looks to lead the Cougars to even more wins this season.
Colin Thomas, Charlotte Catholic: The 6-foot-1 senior guard (15 ppg) will play a big role on a veteran, Cougars’ team that should contend for the SCC and be a tough playoff matchup with all five starters back.
Patrick Wessler, Butler: The 6-foot-11 sophomore is one of top players in the state in his class (2022) and is now expected to play a big role in Butler’s success this season.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Kalib Baker, Mallard Creek: The 5-foot-11 senior point guard (10 ppg, 3 apg) will have to play a lead role for the Mavericks to have a shot to finish in the upper half of a brutal I-Meck 4A conference race.
L.B. Boyette/Jeremiah Murphy, Queens Grant: The Stallions backcourt duo averaged a combined 27 points and 12 rebounds per game last year and will be need to be even more productive to keep a younger Queens Grant team in PAC 7, 1A conference hunt.
Jaylen Curry, Trey Green, Vance: freshman guards are battle tested and uber talented. Curry scored 70 points in a summer all-star game and played for USA Basketball. Green was a summer travel circuit star while playing up a grade.
Josiah Dow, West Charlotte: The 6-foot-7 junior forward (5 ppg, 4 rpg) now expected to be one of the Lions’ go-to guys on a younger, West Charlotte team.
Kobe Funderburk, Harding: The 6-foot senior guard (13 ppg) was one of the top three-point shooters in the state last year and will need to score big again for the Rams to contend for a SoMeck7 conference title and more into postseason.
London Johnson, Olympic: The 6-foot-2 freshman guard is already on the radars of multiple Division I college coaches, according to Olympic basketball coach, Baronton Terry.
Jordan McPhatter, Butler: The 5-foot-9 junior point guard (9 ppg) will be the player that makes Butler’s full court offense and defense go.
Bryson Nesbit, South Mecklenburg: The 6-foot-6 junior forward (5 ppg, 5 rpg) and classmate 6-foot-8 junior Joseph Ferrante (8 ppg, 7 rpg) will need to be more productive as leaders if the Sabres are going to be a factor in the SoMeck7 conference race.
Jaylen Steele, Christ the King: The 5-foot-11 senior guard (21 ppg) teams with 6-foot-1 junior, Andrew Hendershott (17 ppg) to form one of the county’s most potent backcourts on a rapidly improving Crusaders’ team.
Trayden Williams, North Mecklenburg: The 6-foot point guard, Robert Morris commit (10 ppg, 6 apg) teams with Artis, Maxwell to form one of the best backcourts in the state.
Graham Worland, Hough: The 6-foot-4 sophomore point guard (9 ppg, 4 rpg) had a breakout freshman season, but must be even better for Hough to get back in I-Meck 4A contention and be a dangerous playoff team.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
Anthony Allen, Independence, 6-0, Sr.
Josh Banks, Olympic, 6-4, Sr.
Chris Ford, North Mecklenburg, 6-5, Jr.
Tristan Maxwell, North Mecklenburg, 6-3, Sr.
Drake Maye, Myers Park, 6-5, Jr.
Daniel Ransom, Vance, 6-5, Sr.
NOTES
Bradford Prep basketball coach Norman Suber has proved he can win games, with 225 career coaching victories. This season, he returns all five starters from a team that is winless in PAC 7 1A conference play in the first two years.
Charlotte Catholic basketball coach Mike King needs five wins to reach 200 victories for his career.
Christ the King is eager to prove it can hang in its first year in a NCHSAA public school conference, the South Piedmont 1A, as it return four starters from a 12-12 team (independent last year).
New East Mecklenburg basketball coach Jason Buzzard looks to breathe new life into an Eagles’ team that enjoyed its last winning season under former coach Jason Grube, in 2013-14.
Hough basketball coach Jason Grube is just nine wins from earning his 300th career victory.
Sugar Creek Charter was one of the most improved teams in the county last year going from 2-25 in 2017-18 to 12-15 last year and look to make another jump this season with three senior starters back, led by forwards Najay Seigle (12 ppg) and Dante Mack (10 ppg).
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
I-Meck 4A Conference
North Mecklenburg; 2. Vance; 3. West Charlotte; 4. Hopewell; 5. Hough; 6. Mallard Creek; 7. Lake Norman; 8. Mooresville.
Piedmont Athletic Conference 7 (1A) (PAC 7, 1A)
Union Academy; 2. Mountain Island Charter; 3. Pine Lake Prep; 4. Queens Grant; 5. Community School of Davidson; 6. Carolina International; 7. Langtree Charter; 8. Bradford Prep.
Southern Carolinas’ Conference (SCC)
Weddington; 2. Charlotte Catholic; 3. Sun Valley; 4. Monroe; 5. Marvin Ridge; 6. Cuthbertson; 7. Piedmont; 8. Parkwood.
South Fork 2A Conference
East Lincoln; 2. Newton Conover; 3. North Lincoln; 4. Lake Norman Charter; 5. Maiden; 6. Lincolnton; 7. Bandys; 8. West Lincoln.
South Meck 7 (SoMeck7)
Ardrey Kell; 2. Olympic; 3. Harding; 4. Berry; 5. South Mecklenburg; 6. West Mecklenburg; 7. Providence.
South Piedmont 1A Boys
Lincoln Charter; 2. Cherryville; 3. Thomas Jefferson Academy; 4. Christ the King; 5. Bessemer City; 6. Highland Tech; 7. Piedmont Charter.
Southwestern 4A Conference (SW4A)
Myers Park; 2. Independence; 3. Butler; 4. Hickory Ridge; 5. Porter Ridge; 6. Rocky River; 7. East Mecklenburg; 8. Garinger.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY PRIVATE SCHOOLS
TEAMS TO WATCH
Davidson Day: The Patriots return all five starters from a 20-win team that advanced to the NCISAA 2A state quarterfinals last year. Davidson Day seniors C.J. Huntley (9 ppg, Appalachian State commit), Jackson Threadgill (17 ppg, Charlotte commit) and junior Bryce Alfino (12 ppg) give the Patriots the firepower to win the Foothills’ Athletic conference and be a legit state championship contender.
Carmel Christian: Carmel Christian lost all five starters from the 31-win, NCISAA 3A state championship team from a year ago. But coach Joe Badgett’s team expects to reload quickly with seniors Kenny Gwynn, Myles Hunter and junior Justin Taylor leading a team that has seven Division prospects on the roster. Carmel Christian has won 98 games in the last four years, and no one will surprised if they contend for another state title this year.
Northside Christian: The Knights won 23 games and advanced to the NCISAA state semifinals last year. This year, senior Jayden Seymour (18 ppg), junior Glynn Hubbard, III (14 ppg) and promising freshman Wesley Tubbs III should give Northside Christian the talent to contend the always tough Metrolina Athletic conference (MAC) and make another deep playoff run.
Charlotte Latin: The Hawks return four starters from a 16-win team that advanced to the NCISAA 4A state semifinals a year ago. All-state senior guard Randy Johnson (18 ppg), classmate Bennett Smith (9 ppg, 7 rpg) and junior Graham Calton (13 ppg) should get Latin right in the thick of the CISAA conference race, which will have them battle-tested to make another playoff run.
Covenant Day: The Lions have struggled in recent years with just 12 wins in the last three seasons combined. But Covenant Day could be one of the most intriguing teams in the area with newcomers in freshman point guard Aden “Bizkit” Holloway and senior forward, Thomas Hailey joining seniors Jacob Dahlberg (11 ppg) and Hamidou Sidibe (15 ppg) to give Covenant Day the firepower to contend in the CISAA conference. The Lions will have to prove they win consistently, but have the pieces to be a factor in the CISAA and beyond into the postseason.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Aden Holloway, Covenant Day: The 5-foot-11 freshman point guard has an offer from Syracuse before his first high school game.
Myles Hunter/Justin Taylor, Carmel Christian: Hunter (6-7 senior), a Youngstown State commit, and Taylor (6-3 junior, ACC interest), one of the top juniors in the state by multiple publications, lead a Carmel Christian team that does not return a starter, but has up to seven Division I prospects.
C.J. Huntley/Jackson Threadgill, Davidson Day: The Davidson Day duo is one of the top inside-outside pairings in the state. Threadgill (6-foot-4, Charlotte 49ers’ commit) can light it up from deep (17 ppg), while the 6-foot-9 Huntley (Appalachian State commit, 9 ppg, 6 rpg), gets it done inside.
Randy Johnson, Charlotte Latin: The 6-foot, all state senior averaged 18 points and six assists per game to help the Hawks to the NCISAA 4A state semifinals last year, and hopes to be even better in his final high school season.
Peter Lash, Charlotte Christian: The Knights’ 6-foot-6 senior is the only returning starter from a 27-2 team, and will have to play a bigger role for Charlotte Christian this year to stay in hunt in the CISAA conference.
Josh Massey, United Faith: The Western Carolina commit, a 6-foot-6 senior guard (12 ppg), looks to help the Falcons to another 20-plus win season and more.
Jayden Seymour, Northside Christian: The 6-foot-8 senior is a major Division I recruit (18 ppg, 9 rpg) returning from a major knee injury. He will be expected to put big numbers for the 2018 NCISAA 2A state semifinalist squad.
A.J. Smith, Hickory Grove: The 6-foot-4 all-state guard exploded on the scene last year averaging 25 points per game as a sophomore.
Seth Smith, Victory Christian: The 6-foot-2 senior combo guard (14 ppg 6 rpg) will play a lead role on an experienced Kings’ team that returns four starters from a 18-win NCISAA 1A state semifinalist squad from a year ago.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Bryce Cash, Charlotte Christian: The 6-foot-4 freshman guard will be expected to make a big impact from the start on a young Knights’ team. Cash is tracking as one of the top 10 players in the state in his class.
Brandon Cherry, Charlotte Country Day: The 6-foot junior guard will also be expected to fill a key role for a younger Bucs’ team.
Michael Dudley, Jr., United Faith: The 6-foot-5 junior already has three Division I offers, according to United Faith coach Josh Coley.
Thomas Hailey, Covenant Day: Like Holloway, the 6-foot-6 senior comes to Covenant Day with great expectations after averaging 19 points and nine rebounds per game for the South Charlotte Thunder last year.
Jonathan Kurtas, SouthLake Christian: The 6-foot-9 junior forward is rising up the recruiting rankings and should have a big junior season for the Eagles.
Zachary Stone, Victory Christian: The 6-foot-10 junior is one of top ranked players from Canada and should have an immediate impact for the Kings with classmate Demar Anderson (6-foot-3 guard).
Wesley Tubbs III, Northside Christian: The 6-foot-6 freshman, like Cash at Charlotte Christian and Holloway at Covenant Day, is ranked one of top freshman in the state and be a key player for Knights from day one.
Michael Zanoni, Providence Day: The 6-foot-4 sophomore guard will be expected to step up his game even after a promising freshman year (7.4 ppg) and as the only returning starter this year.
PRESEASON PRIVATE ALL-COUNTY TEAM
Aden Holloway, Covenant Day, 5-11, Fr.
Randy Johnson, Charlotte Latin, 6-0, Sr.
Jayden Seymour, Northside Christian, 6-8, Sr.
A.J. Smith, Hickory Grove, 6-4, Jr.
Jackson Threadgill, Davidson Day, 6-4, Sr.
NOTES
Davidson Day has four players who fathers played Division I basketball, including: Will Coble (Jeff Coble at UNC Asheville); Trey Horton (Rod Horton at Davidson College); Nyles Howard (Rod Howard at Charlotte) and Albert Wilson (Al Wilson at University of Toledo).
SouthLake Christian struggled last season at 7-18 overall, but former N.C. State sharpshooter coach Rodney Monroe and his team should be much improved with 6-foot-9 center Jonathan Kurtas and the backcourt of senior Tucker Watson and junior Zac Duguid leading the way.
United Faith has won four straight Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA) conference titles, going 42-1 in league play in that span. This year, the Falcons have the experience and talent to make it five league titles in a row.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
CISAA Conference
Cannon School; 2. Charlotte Latin; 3. Charlotte Christian; 4. Covenant Day; 5. Providence Day; 6. Charlotte Country Day.
Foothills’ Athletic Conference
Davidson Day; 2. Hickory Christian; 3. Statesville Christian; 4. University Christian.
Metrolina Athletic Conference
Concord First Assembly; 2. Northside Christian; 3. Hickory Grove; 4. Rock Hill Westminster Catawba; 5. Gaston Day; 6. Metrolina Christian; 7. SouthLake Christian; 8. Gaston Christian
Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)
United Faith; 2. Victory Christian; 3. Woodlawn School; 4. North Hills Christian.
BURKE COUNTY
TEAMS TO WATCH
Freedom: The Patriots lost a lot from last year’s 28-3 team that advanced to the 3A state quarterfinals. This year, they return three senior starters in James Freeman (10 ppg, 7.5 apg), Jayden Birchfield (4 ppg) and Aidan Pearson, which should give them a chance to be a contender to win the Northwestern 3A/4A conference title and make another deep playoff run, with a veteran team.
Patton: The Panthers return a veteran cast, including four senior starters led by Finn Rigsbee (15 ppg), Jackson Vance (11 ppg), Bryson Holsclaw (8 ppg, 8 rpg) and Chris Lytle (5 ppg, 3 apg). Patton’s experience should give them a chance to improve on their 15 wins from a year ago, contend for the Northwest Foothills’ 2A conference title and be a tough playoff matchup.
Draughn: The Wildcats lost seven seniors to graduation, including four starters, from a 21-win team that won the Northwest Foothills’ 2A conference title last year. This year, Draughn will look to reload with sophomore guard Daylin Pritchard (9 ppg as a freshman) leading the team. Pritchard will need help from seniors Braxton Cox, Nick Chrisco, Denver Treadway and Isaac Walker if the Wildcats are going to stay in contention for the league title and return to the playoffs.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
James Freeman, Freedom: The Patriots’ 6-foot-4 point guard does a little bit of everything for his team averaging 10 points, 7.5 assists and four rebounds per game a junior, and will need to produce even more a senior.
Aidan Pearson, Freedom: The 6-foot-5, 245-pound bruiser (12 ppg, 7 rpg) will be a big force in the post for the Patriots.
Jackson Vance/Finn Rigsbee, Patton: The Panthers’ backcourt duo in Rigsbee (15 ppg) and Vance (11 ppg) will play big roles if Patton is going to be a factor in the Northwest Foothills’ 2A conference race and beyond into the postseason.
Daylin Pritchard, Draughn: The Wildcats’ lone returning starter was an all-conference performer as a freshman, now must play a lead role for Draughn to keep winning (43-13 in the last two years).
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Qualique Garner, Freedom: The 6-foot-2 guard and McDowell transfer averaged 15.7 points per game last year and could give the Patriots some much needed offense after losing 1,400 points (graduated players) from last season.
Isaac Walker, Draughn: The 6-foot-4 senior forward (5 ppg, 4 rpg) will have to step up in his game inside if the Wildcats are going to stay in the hunt in the Northwest Foothills’ 2A conference.
Trey Ward, East Burke: The Cavaliers 6-foot-4 junior forward will have to play a key role in the paint if East Burke is going to improve after posting an 8-42 record in the past two seasons.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
James Freeman, Freedom, 6-4, Sr.
Bryson Holsclaw, Patton, 6-5 Sr.
Aidan Pearson, Freedom, 6-5, Sr.
Daylin Pritchard, Draughn, 6-0, So.
Jackson Vance, Patton 5-11, Sr.
NOTES
Freedom coach, Clint Zimmerman spent the last 12 years as a Patriots’ assistant after also graduating from the school, and now get his chance to be the head basketball coach.
Both Freedom’s Jayden Birchfield and Draughn’s Braxton Cox play quarterback for their respective schools’ football teams, and will also be counted to play a key role on their basketball teams, both hard hit by graduation.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
Northwestern 3A/4A Conference
Freedom; 2. Hickory; 3. Alexander Central; 4. Watauga; 5. McDowell; 6. South Caldwell; 7. St. Stephens.
Northwest Foothills’ 2A Conference
Hibriten; 2. Patton; 3. West Caldwell; 4. Draughn; 5. Bunker Hill; 6. East Burke; 7. Fred T. Foard; 8. West Iredell.
CABARRUS COUNTY
TEAMS TO WATCH
A.L. Brown: The Wonders won 21 games and advanced to the third round of the 3A state playoff last year with a younger team. This year, A.L. Brown returns a strong backcourt in senior Amari Grier (10 ppg) and sophomore Kheni Briggs (15 ppg), which gives them a great chance to win the South Piedmont conference (SPC) and make a playoff run. Star guard Amare Haynie transferred to Moravian Prep. With him, Brown would’ve had the makings of a late round playoff team.
Cannon School: The Cougars are loaded with talent once again with sophomore point guard Jaden Bradley (one of the top 2022 recruits in the nation, 21 ppg) leading a team that also features sophomore, D.J. Nix (16 ppg, 8 rpg), junior Jarvis Moss (14 ppg) and sophomore Christian Reeves (7-footer).
Central Cabarrus: The Vikings should be much improved (10 wins combined last two years) with senior Zach Bessette (10 ppg), junior Christian Cornish (10 ppg) and transfers Tre Bost (Concord) and Dajon Johnson (Comenius) giving coach Jim Baker a more talented lineup this season.
Concord First Assembly: The Eagles have averaged 24 wins per season over the last eight years, and are loaded with talent as four starters return led by senior 6-foot-9 forward Garrett Hien (Furman commit) and 6-foot-8 senior center, Cheick Traore (Youngstown State commit). Concord First Assembly also boasts a strong backcourt in junior Trae Benham (Division I recruit) and point guard Isaac Boothe (Division II recruit) and a deep bench which gives them a good chance to be a serious, NCISAA 3A state contenders (3A state semifinalists last year).
Hickory Ridge: The Ragin’ Bulls have one of the county’s best backcourts in Kobe Clifton (8 ppg) and Jordan Marsh (12 ppg).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jaden Bradley, Cannon School: The 6-foot-3 sophomore point guard (21 ppg, 7 apg) had an all-state season as a freshman, and is consistently ranked as one of top 10 players in the nation in his class (2022), according to multiple publications.
Zach Bessette/ Christian Cornish, Central Cabarrus: The Vikings’ forwards combined to average 20 points and nine rebounds per game last year and should be even better with Concord transfer Tre Bost (11 ppg) helping to make a more balanced lineup.
Garrett Hien/Cheick Traore: The Eagles’ frontcourt duo in the 6-foot-9 Hien (12 ppg, 8 rpg) and 6-foot-8 Traore (9 ppg, 8 rpg, 2 bpg) gives Concord First Assembly a rare one-two punch inside on both offense and defense.
Jordan Marsh, Hickory Ridge: The 5-foot-10 sophomore (12 ppg) teams with senior Kobe Clifton and junior Daniel Lubamba to give Hickory Ridge a lineup capable of competing in the upper echelon of the SW4A conference.
Hunter Sloop, Mount Pleasant: The 6-foot-8 junior all-conference forward (12 ppg, 7 rpg) will have to play big for the Tigers to challenge Forest Hills for Rocky River conference supremacy.
Justin Boateng, Jay M. Robinson: The 6-foot-3 senior guard looks to help shoot the Bulldogs back into SPC contention.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
JoJo Bond/Le’Nijel Robinson Concord: The 6-foot-2 senior guards combined for 17 points per game last year and will have to better for the Spiders to become a factor in the SPC race.
Kheni Briggs, A.L. Brown: The 6-foot-4 sophomore (15 ppg, 6 rpg) had a breakout freshman season and can be even more productive this year.
Jaquava Propst, Cox Mill: The 6-foot-1 sophomore guard (4 ppg) will have to step up his game with all five starters gone from a year ago.
Christian Reeves, Cannon School: The 7-foot sophomore should have an immediate impact on a loaded, Cannon School team.
Chris Spears, Northwest Cabarrus: The 6-foot-4 senior (6 ppg, 3 rpg) will have to play a bigger role if the Trojans are going to remain a factor in the middle of the SPC race.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
Jaden Bradley, Cannon School, 6-3, So.
Garrett Hien, Concord First Assembly, 6-9, Fr.
Hunter Sloop, Mount Pleasant, 6-8, Jr.
Jordan Marsh, Hickory Ridge, 5-10, So.
Cheick Traore, Concord First Assembly, 6-8, Sr.
NOTES
A.L. Brown basketball coach Shelwyn Klutz has 291 career wins, and should get his 300th career win before the calendar turns to 2020.
Central Cabarrus basketball coach Jim Baker notched 344 career wins at Catawba College and was an assistant coach at Davidson College, Va. Tech and VMI.
Former Concord jayvee basketball coach Barrett Krueger now takes over a Spiders’ varsity team that has been up and down of late going 41-42 over the last three seasons.
Concord First Assembly has averaged 24 wins per season under coach Frank Cantadore (last seven years), who needs just 15 wins to earn his 200th career victory.
New Mount Pleasant basketball coach Jody Barbee (former Cox Mill head coach) played for the Tigers from 1991-94 under Coach Scott Brewer.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
Metrolina Athletic Conference (MAC)
Concord First Assembly; 2. Northside Christian; 3. Hickory Grove; 4. Gaston Day; 5. Metrolina Christian; 6. SouthLake Christian; 7. Gaston Christian; 8. Westminster Catawba.
Piedmont Athletic Conference 7, 1A (PAC 7, 1A)
Union Academy; 2. Mountain Island Charter; 3. Pine Lake Prep; 4. Queens Grant; 5. Community School of Davidson; 6. Carolina International; 7. Langtree Charter; 8. Bradford Prep.
Rocky River Conference
Forest Hills; 2. Mount Pleasant; 3. West Stanly; 4. Anson County; 5. Central Montgomery; 6. Central Academy.
South Piedmont Conference (SPC)
A.L. Brown; 2. Central Cabarrus; 3. Cox Mill; 4. Jay M. Robinson; 5. Northwest Cabarrus; 6. Concord.
CALDWELL COUNTY
TEAMS TO WATCH
Hibriten: The Panthers have averaged 21 wins per season over the last four years, and will all five starters back have a chance to even better. Hibriten will benefit from a veteran lineup, featuring seniors Luke Absher, Avery Keller (17 ppg) and Kobe Woodruff, with juniors Nodre Battle (9 ppg, 6 apg) and Daren Perry all back to contend for the Northwest Foothills’ 2A conference title. The Panthers will also be motivated to make a playoff run after an abrupt first round exit (loss to Walkertown) last year.
South Caldwell: The Spartans have struggled mightily going 4-44 in the last two years. But longtime Maiden head coach Danny Anderson will try to breathe new life into the program. South Caldwell will lean on the senior trio of Colby Collins, Justin Eggers and Spencer Piercy to try to climb out of the bottom of the Northwestern 3A/4A standings and get the team going back in right direction.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Justin Eggers, South Caldwell: The 6-foot-4 senior forward will play a big role as the Spartans take on a “new philosophy,” under Coach Danny Anderson.
Anthony Isbell, West Caldwell: The 5-foot-11 senior, all-conference (NW3A/4A) back to spark the Warriors’ offense (15 ppg, 5 rpg) with backcourt mate, classmate, Javon Elleby (13 ppg).
Avery Keller, Hibriten: The 6-foot-4, all-conference (Northwest Foothills’ 2A) senior (17 ppg, 8 rpg) can get it done inside and outside.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Luke Absher, Hibriten: The 6-foot-4, senior (7.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg) had an all-conference junior season and now needs to be even more productive in the paint for the Panthers to have a balanced, inside-outside attack.
Spencer Piercy, South Caldwell: The 6-foot senior leader will be a key as the Spartans to fight their way up the NW3A/4A standings.
Holden Triplett, West Caldwell: The 6-foot-4 senior forward (5 ppg, 5 rpg) will need to play a bigger role inside this season for the Warriors to be a factor in the Northwest Foothills’ 2A conference race.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
Nodre Battle, Hibriten, 5-11, Jr.
Justin Eggers, South Caldwell, 6-4, Sr.
Javon Elleby, West Caldwell, 5-11, Sr.
Anthony Isbell, West Caldwell, 5-11, Sr.
Avery Keller, Hibriten, 6-4, Sr.
NOTES
South Caldwell coach, Danny Anderson knows how to win with 708 career victories (including 23-5 last year at Maiden) and looks to help rebuild a Spartans’ program with just four wins in the last two years.
West Caldwell should benefit from moving down to class 2A and the Northwest Foothills’ conference after competing in the Northwestern 3A/4A conference previously.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
Northwestern 3A/4A
Freedom; 2. Hickory; 3. Alexander Central; 4. Watauga; 5. McDowell; 6. South Caldwell; 7. St. Stephens.
Northwest Foothills’ 2A Conference
Hibriten; 2. Patton; 3. West Caldwell; 4. Draughn; 5. Bunker Hill; 6. East Burke; 7. Fred T. Foard; 8. West Iredell.
CATAWBA COUNTY
TEAMS TO WATH
Hickory: The Red Tornadoes have been a consistent winner, with five 20-plus victory seasons in a row. This year, Hickory has another experienced team with senior Davis Amos (17 ppg), Cody Young (19 ppg) and Ham’ouri Joyner (8 ppg) back to lead a team that expects to contend for the NW3A/4A conference title and will be a dangerous playoff matchup with their experience on perimeter and in the paint.
Maiden: The Blue Devils lost all five starters and coach Danny Anderson from last year’s 23-win team. But new coach Justin Brittain is confident that this Maiden team can reload with Lincoln Charter transfer Anthony Breland, seniors Reilley Copeland, Treveon Howell and sophomore Dru McClough back to lead a team play fast with 10-man rotation.
Moravian Prep: The Lions are loaded once again with one of the most talented rosters in the state led major Division I targets Josh Hall, Amarie Haynie and Shakel Moore. This year, Moravian Prep (35-7 last year) has the firepower to post another 30-plus win season as
Newton Conover: The Red Devils were one of the most improved teams in the state last year at 16-12, after winning just 17 games combined from 2015-17. This year, Newton Conover has the experience in seniors Drew Danner, Matthew Martinez and Jaheim McCathern to make a run a South Fork 2A conference title and more into the playoffs.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Davis Amos/Cody Young, Hickory: The Hickory duo averaged a combined 36 points per game last year and has helped the Red Tornadoes to 72 wins in the last three years.
Anthony Breland, Maiden: The 6-foot-2 sophomore guard transferred from Lincoln Charter and is expected to play a big role for a Maiden team is used to winning, but a team that lost all five starters from a year ago.
Josh Hall/Shakeel Moore, Moravian Prep: The Lions’ duo are both major Division I recruits with Hall (19 ppg) and Moore giving Moravian Prep one of the most dynamic inside-outside combinations in the state. Hall is a 5-star national recruit.
Matthew Martinez, Newton Conover: The 6-foot-3, all-conference guard (15 ppg) looks to help the Red Devils contend for the South Fork 2A league title.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Amarie Haynie, Moravian Prep: The 6-foot-3 sophomore A.L. Brown transfer will be a welcome addition to the lineup after averaging 18 points per game for the Wonders last year.
Quenten Maddox, Bandys: The senior point guard (5 ppg) will be a key leader for the Trojans as the lone returning starter.
Jaheim McCathern, Newton Conover: The 6-foot-2 senior (11 ppg, 8 rpg) had a breakout junior season, and should be even better this year.
Zane McPherson, St. Stephens: The 6-foot junior guard (8 ppg, 4 rpg) will help an Indians team that has the experience (all five starters back) to move up the NW3A/4A standings, but must prove it on the court.
Jon White, Bunker Hill: The 5-foot-11 senior point guard (8 ppg) will have to step up as the Bears’ leading returning scorer.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
Davis Amos, Hickory, 6-5, Sr.
Anthony Breland, Maiden, 6-2, So.
Josh Hall, Moravian Prep, 6-9, Sr.
Matthew Martinez, Newton Conover, 6-3, Sr.
Shakeel Moore, Moravian Prep, 6-0, Sr.
Cody Young, Hickory, 5-10, Sr.
NOTES
Bunker Hill coach Dylan Johnson did not coach basketball last year because of his military service. Johnson serves in the N.C. Army National Guard.
Fred T. Foard looks to be improved after back-to-back 6-19 seasons the last two years.
St. Stephen’s interim coach Scott Stilwell is filling in for Patrick Smith, who is deployed for the U.S. Army right now.
Hickory Christian begins a new era with first-year coach Tyler Greene as the Knights move into a new conference, NCISAA Foothills’ Athletic conference.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
Foothills’ Athletic Conference (NCISAA)
Davidson Day; 2. Hickory Christian; 3. Statesville Christian; 4. University Christian.
Northwestern 3A/4A Conference
Freedom; 2. Hickory; 3. Alexander Central; 4. Watauga; 5. McDowell; 6. South Caldwell; 7. St. Stephens.
Northwest Foothills’ 2A Conference
Hibriten; 2. Patton; 3. West Caldwell; 4. Draughn; 5. Bunker Hill; 6. East Burke; 7. Fred T. Foard; 8. West Iredell.
South Fork 2A Conference
East Lincoln; 2. Newton Conover; 3. North Lincoln; 4. Lake Norman Charter; 5. Maiden; 6. Lincolnton; 7. Bandys; 8. West Lincoln.
CLEVELAND COUNTY
TEAMS TO WATCH
Kings Mountain: The Mountaineers are loaded with backcourt talent, with guards Kobe Paysour, Isaiah Tate and L.T. Thomas playing at a frenetic, full-court pace that will make opposing teams uncomfortable. Kings Mountain has all the pieces to repeat as Big South conference champions and will be a nightmare playoff matchup with their constant offensive and defensive pressure in the one-and-done (postseason) scenario.
Shelby: The Golden Lions return four starters from a 23-win team that also won the Southwestern 2A (SW2A) conference title. Shelby has the experience in guards Isaiah Bess and Elijah Borders, and forwards, Jack Hollifield and Jahari Mitchell, to post another 20-plus win season and make a deep playoff run.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mari Adams, Crest: The 5-foot-11 sophomore point guard (12 ppg, 3 apg, 3 spg) will be the player that make the Chargers go again this season.
Isaiah Bess/Elijah Borders, Shelby: The Shelby all-conference backcourt duo sets the tone for the defending SW2A conference champions.
Kobe Paysour, Kings Mountain: The 6-foot-2 junior, all-conference guard (13 ppg, 6 apg, 5 rpg) is a multi-talented player that keeps getting better.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Jack Hollifield, Shelby: The 6-foot-3 junior, all-conference forward provides a similar talent and toughness on the basketball court and football field (linebacker).
Jadin Merritt, Crest: The 6-foot-4 junior guard (8 ppg) teams with Adams to lead a Crest team on the rise with coach Brad Levine in charge.
L.T. Thomas, Kings Mountain: The 6-foot-3 junior guard and North Gaston transfer (12 ppg, 5 rpg) provides another scoring option in an already dynamic backcourt with Paysour and Tate.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
Mari Adams, Crest, 5-11, So.
Isaiah Bess, Shelby, 6-4, Sr.
Elijah Borders, Shelby, 5-6, Sr.
Jack Hollifield, Shelby, 6-3, Jr.
Kobe Paysour, Kings Mountain, 6-2, Jr.
Isaiah Tate, Kings Mountain, 5-11, So.
NOTES
New Crest basketball coach, Brad Levine, has spent the last 23 years in the same role at East Rutherford, where he won 444 games.
Thurman Geter is now the Burns’ boys’ basketball coach after spending the last two years as Bulldogs’ girls’ head coach.
10 of the 14 players on the Shelby basketball team also play on the Golden Lions’ football team, which annually goes deep into the 2A state playoffs, meaning they might not have a full roster to mid-December at best.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
Big South Conference
Hunter Huss; 2. Kings Mountain; 3. Crest; 4. Ashbrook; 5. Forestview; 6. Stuart Cramer; 7. North Gaston.
Southwestern 2A Conference (SW2A)
Shelby; 2. South Point; 3. East Rutherford; 4. R.S. Central; 5. Burns; 6. East Gaston; 7. Chase.
GASTON COUNTY
TEAMS TO WATCH
Ashbrook: The Greenwave have posted back-to-back 16-11 seasons, but believe they can be better with the senior trio of Shemar Adams, James Dotson (13 ppg) and Brandon Rainey back to lead an experienced team capable of being a Big South conference contender.
Cherryville: The Ironmen won 20 games last year and were South Piedmont 1A conference runner-up to Lincoln Charter. This year, Cherryville will look to its backcourt in senior Lane Harrill (25 ppg) and Lavonte Hughes (11 ppg) to help contend for SPC 1A title and go deep into the 1A state playoffs.
Highland Tech: The Rams return five senior starters, led by Kobe Christian (17 ppg), Will Porter (9 ppg) and Eugene Reynolds (8 ppg) on a team that has been getting progressively better in recent years. This is Highland Tech’s chance to get over .500, in the top half of the SPC 1AA and make a playoff run.
Hunter Huss: The Huskies won 20 games last year wining the Big South conference tournament title, before a first round playoff loss to Marvin Ridge. This year, Hunter Huss will have plenty of motivation and plenty of talent with senior guards Deneil Mackins, Zo Wallace and junior Dontavious Nash getting even more firepower from North Gaston transfer Tyrese McNeal (19 ppg). Hunter Huss’ depth and experience should give it a good chance to win the Big South conference and make a deep playoff run.
Mountain Island Charter: The Raptors return all five starters from a team that has won 17 games in each of the last two seasons. This year, seniors Demetrius Washington (15 ppg) and Anthony Phillips (9 ppg) are back along with junior forward Gabe Stephens (11 ppg) look to help Mountain Island Charter be a legit conference contender and a dangerous playoff matchup with their experienced unit.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Logan Botts, Forestview: The 5-foot-11 guard is a scoring machine (25 ppg) for the Jaguars, but need some support for Forestview to win more consistently.
Kobe Christian, Highland Tech: The 6-foot-4 guard/forward (17 ppg, 15 rpg) gets its done on the inside and outside for a Rams’ team with the experience to be much improved.
James Dotson, Ashbrook: The 6-foot-5 senior forward (13 ppg, 7 rpg) will be the go to guy inside for the Greenwave.
Lane Harrill, Cherryville: The 6-foot-4 senior guard (25 ppg, 12 rpg) can light it up from outside and play inside for Ironmen and is a Division I recruit, according to Cherryville basketball coach Scott Harrill.
Deneil Mackins, Hunter Huss: The 6-foot-2 senior guard (17 ppg, 7 rpg) will be a major playmaker for the Huskies again this year.
Tyrese McNeil, Hunter Huss: The North Gaston transfer, a 6-foot-2 senior guard (19 ppg last season) provides another weapon in an already talented backcourt that should help the Huskies contend for the Big South conference title and much more in the postseason.
Logan Threatt, South Point: The 6-foot-2 junior guard (16 ppg) will team with senior Cam Dyer (13 ppg) to try and get the Red Raiders back on top of the SW2A conference (2017-18 league champions).
Demetrius Washington, Mountain Island Charter: The 6-foot-1 senior guard and reigning, PAC 7 1A conference player of the year (15 ppg) leads a veteran Raptor’s team eager to prove it can compete for league supremacy.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Conner Gillis/Marley Gordon, Gaston Christian: The Gaston Christian back court duo averaged 27 points and seven assists combined last season, and will need to be even more productive for the Eagles to win more games (11-11 last year) and become a factor in the MAC race.
Lavonte Hughes, Cherryville: The 5-foot-9 junior point guard (11 ppg, 7 apg) provides a potent one-two punch in the Ironmen backcourt with Lane Harrill.
Dontavious Nash/Zo Wallace, Hunter Huss: The Huskies’ all-Big South conference wings averaged a combined 23 points per game last year, and when they get off the football field will be a dynamic pairing to go with a loaded backcourt also featuring Mackins and McNeal.
Callum Richard, Gaston Day: 6-10 freshman rounding out to be a major college prospect and elite defensive player.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
Logan Botts, Forestview, 5-11, Sr.
Kobe Christian, Highland Tech, 6-4, Sr.
James Dotson, Ashbrook, 6-5, Sr.
Lane Harrill, Cherryville, 6-4, Sr.
Deneil Mackins, Hunter Huss, 6-2, Sr.
Tyrese McNeil, Hunter Huss, 6-2, Sr.
NOTES
East Gaston has a chance to be improved with all five starters back, led by the senior trio of 6-foot-5 center Gabriel Grady, 6-foot point guard Mason Price and 6-foot-1 forward Cutler Theel, giving them a chance to be better than their 8-16 mark a year ago.
Forestview senior guard, Logan Botts has 973 career points, making him the fifth leading scorer in school history, and he will have a chance to break the overall school record of 1,300 points.
New North Gaston coach Jason Tant takes over a Wildcats team that look to build on the momentum of the last two years, where the team was 29-22 overall.
Stuart Cramer will likely be the youngest team in the county, led by sophomore guards Brenton Elliott and Will Kelly.
PREDICTIONS
Big South Conference
Hunter Huss; 2. Kings Mountain; 3. Crest; 4. Ashbrook; 5. Forestview; 6. Stuart Cramer; 7. North Gaston.
Metrolina Athletic Conference (MAC)
Concord First Assembly; 2. Northside Christian; 3. Hickory Grove; 4. Gaston Day; 5. Metrolina Christian; 6. SouthLake Christian; 7. Gaston Christian; 8. Westminster Catawba.
Piedmont Athletic Conference 7, 1A (PAC 7, 1A)
Union Academy; 2. Mountain Island Charter; 3. Pine Lake Prep; 4. Queens Grant; 5. Community School of Davidson; 6. Carolina International; 7. Langtree Charter; 8. Bradford Prep.
South Piedmont 1A Conference (SPC 1A)
Lincoln Charter; 2. Cherryville; 3. Thomas Jefferson Academy; 4. Christ the King; 5. Bessemer City; 6. Highland Tech; 7. Piedmont Charter.
Southwestern 2A Conference (SW2A)
Shelby; 2. South Point; 3. East Rutherford; 4. R.S. Central; 5. Burns; 6. East Gaston; 7. Chase.
IREDELL COUNTY
BOYS TEAMS TO WATCH
Statesville: The Greyhounds return only one starter from the defending North Piedmont conference (NPC) champions in junior Jasaiah Gathings. But Statesville has plenty of experience back in Chris Brown, Miykei Fields, Elijah Holland and Nebayne Moore to contend for the league title again while trying to make a playoff run, after a first round exit to Weddington last year.
South Iredell: The Vikings also return just one starter in senior guard Hunter Barnette (6 ppg) from a team that won 16 games and was NPC runner-up to Statesville last year. But the Vikings will look to Barnette, senior Cullen Smith and junior Gavin Morrison to remain a factor in the conference race and stay in the playoff picture.
Pine Lake Prep: The Pride return four starters from a 20-win team that advanced to the third round of the playoffs last year. Pine Lake Prep will need role players like Meelad Doroodchi, Jacob Morgan and J.T. Harper to step up their games if the Pride are going to contend for the Piedmont Athletic Conference 7, 1A (PAC 7, 1A) title and be in position to make another deep playoff run.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dom Adams, Lake Norman: The 6-foot-5 forward (8 ppg, 4 rpg) needs to have a big senior year for the Wildcats to be a factor in the unforgiving I-Meck 4A conference.
Hunter Barnette, South Iredell: The 6-foot-1 senior point guard will have to be a steadying force on a younger South Iredell team that still has great expectations.
Meelad Doroodchi, Pine Lake Prep: The 6-foot-3 senior (6 ppg, 4 rpg) must play a lead role in the Pride backcourt with juniors Trace Forest and Carson Shirley, if the Pine Lake Prep is going to remain a PAC 7 1A contender.
Jasaiah Gathings, Statesville: The 6-foot-2 junior forward is one of the top two ways players in the county and is the Greyhounds best defensive player, according to Statesville basketball coach Sonny Schofield.
Jordan Grandison/Glenwood Robinson, Mooresville: The Blue Devils junior guards will have to step up their games for Mooresville to be able to climb out of the bottom of a loaded I-Meck 4A conference.
Eli/Gabriel Kitchens, West Iredell: The West Iredell brothers’ duo combined to have average 18 points and eight rebounds per game last year, but will have to be even more productive for a Warriors’ team that is 8-65 in the last three years to win more consistently.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
J.T. Harper/Jacob Morgan Pine Lake Prep: The Pride’s 6-foot-6 junior bookends will have to be big inside for Pine Lake Prep to contend in the PAC 7 1A and beyond into the postseason.
Jesse Jacobson, Woodlawn School: The 5-foot-10 guard (13 ppg) needs to keep scoring big for a young Trailblazers to be competitive in a brutal Southern Piedmont Athletic Assocation.
Nebayne Moore, Statesville: The Statesville quarterback will play a big role for a Greyhound basketball team eager to prove it can repeat as NPC champions.
Cullen Smith, South Iredell: The 6-foot-3 senior forward will provide some toughness inside as he is also a Division I football prospect.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
Dom Adams, Lake Norman, 6-5, Sr.
Hunter Barnette, South Iredell, 6-1, Sr.
Meelad Doroodchi, Pine Lake Prep, 6-3, Sr.
Jasaiah Gathings, Statesville, 6-2, Jr.
Gabriel Kitchens, West Iredell, 6-2, Sr.
NOTES
New North Iredell coach Jeff LeVan is coming back to his alma mater (1980 graduate) to lead a team that was 4-20 last year, including 1-9 in the NPC (last place). The Raiders are 14-65 in the last three years.
First year Lake Norman coach Grant Hodges also has a challenge with one starter back for the Wildcats, who will try to survive in the brutal, I-Meck 4A.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
Foothills’ Athletic Conference
Davidson Day; 2. Hickory Christian; 3. Statesville Christian; 4. University Christian.
North Piedmont Conference (NPC)
Statesville; 2. West Rowan; 3. South Iredell; 4. Carson; 5. East Rowan; 6. North Iredell.
Northwest Foothills’ 2A Conference (NWF2A)
Hibriten; 2. Patton; 3. West Caldwell; 4. Draughn; 5. Bunker Hill; 6. East Burke; 7. Fred T. Foard; 8. West Iredell.
Piedmont Athletic Conference 7 (PAC 7), 1A
Union Academy; 2. Mountain Island Charter; 3. Pine Lake Prep; 4. Queens Grant; 5. Community School of Davidson; 6. Carolina International; 7. Langtree Charter; 8. Bradford Prep.
Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)
United Faith; 2. Victory Christian; 3. Woodlawn School; 4. North Hills Christian.
LINCOLN COUNTY
TEAMS TO WATCH
East Lincoln: The Mustangs have won 54 games in the last two years, including a 29-win, 2A state semifinal campaign in 2018-19. But this East Lincoln team will have to reload quickly around senior forward Justin Kuthan (21.6 ppg), and they have the potential for stars with Myles Adams, Jeremiah Jones, and some intriguing prospects like sophomore Drew Bean (leading J.V. scorer last year). East Lincoln has the talent to repeat as South Fork 2A conference champions and make another deep playoff run.
Lincoln Charter: The Eagles return three starters, in seniors Axel Holm and Demitri McCall and sophomore Sam Cogan, from a 25-win squad a year ago. If that trio, J.V. most valuable player Carter Seitz, East Gaston transfer Anthony Davis and Texas transfer Turner Shelton can step in and step up, Lincoln Charter should again be the class of the South Piedmont 1A conference (won six straight conference titles) and a tough playoff matchup with their experience and talent.
Combine Academy: Former University of North Carolina point guard and NBA player Jeff McInnis leads a first-year program that already boasts several Division I prospects in 6-foot-6 guard Jalen Hood Schifino and 6-foot-9 forward Jacori Owens as well as senior Jalen Miller. Combine Academy has the talent to compete against a regional, state and national schedule but will have to gel as a team to be at their best.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jack Carter, North Lincoln: The Knights’ 6-foot junior guard had a breakout year last season averaging 17 points and four rebounds as a sophomore, and looks to be even better for a veteran Knights’ squad that should be much improved this year.
Sam Cogan/Axel Holm, Lincoln Charter: The Lincoln Charter backcourt has big shoes to fill from recent Eagles’ guards like Jackson Gabriel and Kody Shubert. This year, 6-foot-3 Cogan (8.5 ppg last year), and 6-foot-1 Holm, (10.3 ppg, Piedmont College commit) should be the leaders as Lincoln Charter remains one of the top 1A teams in the state.
Davis Grooms, Lincolnton: The 6-foot-3 senior guard (10 ppg) deferred to star guard Kris Robinson at times last year. Robinson has transferred to Combine Academy. This season, Grooms will be expected to play a bigger role for what should be a much more balanced Wolves’ attack.
Jalen Hood-Schifino, Combine Academy: The 6-foot-3 guard is a Northside Christian transfer, who averaged 13 points, five assists and five rebounds per game as a freshman. He is ranked among the top 25 recruits in the country in his class (2022) by ESPN.
Justin Kuthan, East Lincoln: The 6-foot-6 Mustangs’ forward is a major force shooting 74 percent from the field last year as he averaged 21.6 points and nine rebounds per game.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Jeremiah Jones, East Lincoln: The East Lincoln point guard earned a spot in the rotation as a freshman, and should have a breakout campaign as a sophomore.
Jacori Owens, Combine Academy: The 6-foot-9 forward already has offers from Charlotte, Elon and Youngstown State, according to coach McInnis.
Carter Seitz, Lincoln Charter: The Eagles’ 6-foot-5 junior forward led the Lincoln Charter J.V. team to an undefeated record last year, and is expected to play a big role on the varsity squad this year.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
Jack Carter, North Lincoln, 6-0, Sr.
Davis Grooms, Lincolnton, 6-3, Sr.
Axel Holm, Lincoln Charter, 6-1, Sr.
Jalen Hood-Schifino, Combine Academy, 6-6, So.
Justin Kuthan, East Lincoln, 6-6, Sr.
NOTES
Former University of North Carolina and NBA player Jeff McInnis is taking over the program at Combine Academy, where his roster already features several college prospects that will play against a national schedule.
First-year North Lincoln basketball coach Dennis Frye spent the past decade coaching middle school basketball in Catawba County. Frye says his goal is to “change the culture,” of a team that has only one winning season in the 16-year program history.
New West Lincoln head coach Chad Wright is taking on a major challenge with a Rebels’ team that returns very little from a team that went 0-24 last year. Wright is 97-197 in his coaching career and will try to put some wins on the board for West Lincoln this season and get the program going back in the right direction.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
South Fork 2A Boys
East Lincoln; 2. Newton Conover; 3. North Lincoln; 4. Lake Norman Charter; 5. Maiden; 6. Lincolnton; 7. Bandys; 8. West Lincoln.
South Piedmont 1A Boys
Lincoln Charter; 2. Cherryville; 3. Thomas Jefferson Academy; 4. Christ the King; 5. Bessemer City; 6. Highland Tech; 7. Piedmont Charter.
ONE SCHOOL COUNTIES
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alexander Central: The Cougars return four starters from a 17-win team led by two-time, all-conference forward Jem Lowrence (16 ppg, 7 rpg). If the backcourt in Evan Presnell, Dalton Stikeleather and Zach Wooten can score the ball consistently, Alexander Central should be right in the thick of the Northwestern 3A/4A conference.
Richmond Senior: The Raiders return all five starters from a team that was much improved last going from 7-18 in 2017-18 to 17-12 last year. This year, seniors Qumair Sivels and Jarvis Tillman and juniors Caleb Hood and Nygie Stroman give Richmond Senior an experienced group that can contend in the Sandhills’ Athletic conference (SAC) and be a dangerous playoff matchup.
Watauga: The Pioneers have been up and down, going 24-24 in the last two years. This year, Watauga will need their senior backcourt duo in Jaiden Bond and Anderson Castle to help a younger team stay in the upper half of the NW3A/4A conference and playoff picture.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Anderson Castle, Watauga: The 6-foot-1 senior (8 ppg, 5 rpg) looks to make big plays on a more regular basis on the hardwood just like he does as Watauga’s quarterback.
Jem Lowrence, Alexander Central: The 6-foot-3 senior forward (16 ppg, 7 rpg) is the go-to guy inside and out for the Cougars.
Austin Poe, Ashe County: The 6-foot-1 junior (11 ppg, 5 rpg) will play a lead role if the Huskies are to be a factor in the Mountain Valley Athletic 1A/2A conference.
Jarvis Tillman, Richmond Senior: The 6-foot-7 senior will have to be a force inside if the Raiders are going to be SAC 4A contenders and beyond into the postseason.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Jaiden Bond, Watauga: The 5-foot-9 senior point guard (7 ppg, 4 rpg 2 apg) will be a key playmaker for the Pioneers this season.
Dawson Cox, Ashe County: The 6-foot-3 junior shooting guard averaged 16 points per game for the Huskies’ J.V. team last year and is expected to provide a scoring punch for Ashe County (varsity) again this season.
Caleb Hood/Quamir Sivels, Richmond Senior: The Raiders’ backcourt duo will have to step their production on the perimeter for Richmond Senior to win the big games.
Evan Presnell, Alexander Central: The 5-foot-10 sophomore (7 ppg) looks to build on a solid freshman year.
PRESEASON ALL 1-COUNTY TEAM
Anderson Castle, Watauga, 6-1, Sr.
Qumair Sivells, Richmond Senior, 6-0, Sr.
Jem Lowrence, Alexander Central, 6-3, Sr.
Austin Poe, Ashe County, 6-1, Jr.
Jarvis Tillman, Richmond Senior, 6-7, Sr.
NOTES
Anson County has had four straight losing seasons, going 28-72 in the span, and will look to get back on track with their first winning season since the 2014-15 campaign.
Avery County won 20-plus games from 2013-18, before falling to 7-15 last year. This year, coach Cody Frady hopes to get back above .500 and into contention in the Western Highlands’ 1A/2A conference.
Richmond Senior’s Caleb Hood and Watauga’s Anderson Castle are both standout quarterbacks on their respective high school teams as well as key players in the starting lineup for their basketball teams.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
Mountain Valley Athletic 1A/2A Conference
Starmount; 2. Wilkes Central; 3. West Wilkes; 4. North Wilkes; 5. Elkin; 6. Ashe County; 7. Alleghany; 8. East Wilkes.
Northwestern 3A/4A Conference
Freedom; 2. Hickory; 3. Alexander Central; 4. Watauga; 5. McDowell; 6. South Caldwell; 7. St. Stephens.
Rocky River Conference
Forest Hills; 2. Mount Pleasant; 3. West Stanly; 4. Anson County; 5. Central Montgomery; 6. Central Academy.
Sanhills’ Athletic 4A Conference
71st High; 2. Richmond Senior; 3. Pinecrest; 4. Lumberton; 5. Hoke County; 6. Jack Britt; 7. Scotland County; 8. Purnell Swett.
Western Highlands’ 1A/2A Conference
1.Mountain Heritage; 2. Madison; 3. Avery County; 4. Mitchell; 5. Charles D. Owen; 6. Polk County.
ROWAN COUNTY
TEAMS TO WATCH
Carson: The Cougars return a dynamic backcourt in senior E.J. Clark (14 ppg), and juniors A.J. Mauldin (13 ppg) and Javon Smith (8 ppg), which will give them a chance to stay in the upper half of the North Piedmont conference (NPC) and get back in the playoffs.
North Rowan: The Cavaliers have won 20 or more games six times in the last decade including a 28-3 mark last year, when North Rowan advanced to the 1A state semifinals. This year, senior Denerio Robinson and junior Kendrell Goodes look to help North Rowan repeat as Yadkin Valley 1A conference champions and make another deep playoff run.
Salisbury: The Hornets won 17 games and finished tied for second in the Central Carolinas’ conference a year ago. This season, Salisbury will lean on senior guards Xavier Kesler (13 ppg) and Jacquez Smith (9 ppg), to help stay in league contention.
West Rowan: The Falcons have struggled in the past two seasons, going 17-35. But West Rowan coach Mike Gurley is a proven winner and believes his team, led by juniors Zeke Biggers and Jalen Moss, has a chance to win 20-plus games, be an NPC contender and get back into the playoffs.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
E.J. Clark, Carson: The 6-foot-4 senior guard (14 ppg, 6 rpg) has the size and talent to make an impact on the perimeter and in the paint.
Kendrell Goodes and Denerio Robinson, North Rowan: The Cavaliers’ two returning starters averaged a combined 16 points and 16 rebounds per game last year. This year, Goodes and Robinson will have to play lead roles for North Rowan to stay on top of the Yadkin Valley 1A conference and be one of the teams in position to contend for 1A state title.
Jalen Moss, West Rowan: The 6-foot point guard will play a big role if the Falcons can climb back up the NPC standings and get back into the playoffs.
Xavier Kesler and Jacquez Smith, Salisbury: The Hornets’ senior backcourt dictate the pace of the Salisbury offense and defense leading the full court pressure on both sides of the court.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Zeke Biggers, West Rowan: The 6-foot-7, 300-pound bruiser will be a big force inside for the Falcons on both offense and defense.
A.J. Mauldin, Carson: The 6-foot-2 junior (13 ppg) will play a major role in helping Carson be a factor in the NPC race this season.
Gavin Sprinkle, East Rowan: The 6-foot junior guard (9 ppg) had a solid sophomore season and now be expected to lead the team with David Jordan (8 ppg) and Sammy Pinckney (6 ppg).
Jaylon Walker, Salisbury, So.: The 6-foot-4 sophomore (5 ppg, 8 rpg) had a solid freshman year and will need to be more productive inside if Salisbury is going to contend for the Central Carolinas’ conference title.
Brandon White, North Rowan: The 6-foot-10 sophomore center will get his opportunity to have a breakout year for the Cavaliers.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
E.J. Clark, Carson, 6-4, Sr.
Kendrell Goodes, 6-4, Jr.
Xavier Kesler, Salisbury, 6-2, Sr.
Jalen Moss, West Rowan, 6-0, Jr.
Denerio Robinson, North Rowan, 6-5, Sr.
Gavin Sprinkle, East Rowan, 6-0, Jr.
NOTES
East Rowan was much improved at 10-14, after winning just four games in the 2017-18 season.
South Rowan is 12-86 in the last four years with their last winning season coming in 2008-09.
West Rowan Coach Mike Gurley was inducted into the Salisbury-Rowan County Sports’ Hall of Fame in August. Gurley is 508-198 in his coaching career.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
Central Carolinas 2A Conference
Lexington; 2. Salisbury; 3. North Davidson; 4. Ledford; 5. Thomasville; 6. Central Davidson; 7. West Davidson; 8. South Rowan; 9. Oak Grove; 10. East Davidson.
North Piedmont Conference
Statesville; 2. West Rowan; 3. South Iredell; 4. Carson; 5. East Rowan; 6. North Iredell.
Yadkin Valley 1A Conference
North Rowan; 2. South Stanly; 3. Albemarle; 4. Uwharrie Charter; 5. North Stanly; 6. Gray Stone Day; 7. South Davidson; 8. Chatham Central; 9. North Moore.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
TEAMS TO WATCH
East Rutherford: A new era of Cavaliers’ basketball begins as longtime, East Rutherford girls’ basketball coach Larry Ross moves over to lead the boys, as 23-year veteran Brad Levine takes over at Crest.
Ross looks to continue a winning tradition for a Cavaliers’ team that has averaged 23 victories per season over the last three years and that won’t be easy with a young team led by senior guards Antonio Buenuelos and Owen Chapman.
R.S. Central: The Hilltoppers’ might be one of the younger teams in the area with six sophomores and two juniors on their roster for 18-year veteran coach Greg Wright.
R.S. Central will lean on senior guard Ty Watkins to be a major playmaker as the a young team grows with confidence and experience
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Antonio Buenuelos/Owen Chapman, East Rutherford: The East Rutherford senior backcourt will have to score big for the Cavaliers to post another 20-plus win season.
Garrett Hampton/Jack McKinney, Chase: The Trojans’ senior duo must provide scoring and leadership on a Chase team still learning how to win consistently.
Isaiah Hicks, Thomas Jefferson Academy: The Gryphons’ 6-foot sophomore guard averaged 14 points per game as a freshman, and will have to play a lead role already as the lone returning starter to a Thomas Jefferson Academy team with bigger expectations.
Ty Watkins, R.S. Central: The 5-foot-10 senior (16 ppg, 6 rpg, 6 apg, 4 spg) can fill up a state state sheet in a hurry and will have to do so to help a young, R.S. Central team stay in SW2A contention this year.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Akeereion Flack, Thomas Jefferson Academy: The East Rutherford transfer is expected to make an immediate impact for the Gryphons along with last year’s J.V. standout, Malachi Prescott.
Trei Gray, R.S. Central: The 5-foot-10 junior (3 ppg, 3 rpg) and his backcourt mate in Watkins give the Hilltoppers experience to build around.
Tyler Wilson, Chase: The 6-foot-9 senior (5 ppg, 6 rpg) provides a reliable inside option for the Trojans.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
Antonio Buenuelos, East Rutherford, 6-0, Sr.
Owen Chapman, East Rutherford, 5-10, Sr.
Garrett Hampton, Chase, 5-7, Sr.
Isaiah Hicks, Thomas Jefferson Academy, 6-0, So.
Ty Watkins, R.S. Central, 5-10, Sr.
NOTES
Former East Rutherford assistant coach Steven Jones takes over a Thomas Jefferson Academy team with the talent in sophomore guard Isaiah Hicks (14 ppg), Flack and Prescott to be a much improved team and finish in the top half of the SPC 1A conference standings and back in the playoffs.
Chase has struggled in the last four years, going 13-77 in that span, but returns four starters led by seniors in Hampton, McKinney and Wilson that gives the experience to be more competitive in the Southwestern 2A conference.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
South Piedmont 1A Conference (SPC 1A)
Lincoln Charter; 2. Cherryville; 3. Thomas Jefferson Academy; 4. Christ the King; 5. Bessemer City; 6. Highland Tech; 7. Piedmont Charter.
Southwestern 2A Conference (SW2A)
Shelby; 2. South Point; 3. East Rutherford; 4. R.S. Central; 5. Burns; 6. East Gaston; 7. Chase.
STANLY COUNTY
TEAMS TO WATCH
Albemarle: The Bulldogs have averaged 16 wins per season over the last four years, and have the firepower in sophomore guards Ali Currie (12 ppg) and Marc Raye, Jr., (20 ppg) and junior, Nhazer Little (10 ppg, 8 rpg) to challenge for the Yadkin Valley 1A conference title and more into the postseason.
South Stanly: The Rowdy Rebel Bulls enjoyed their first winning season (17-7) since in more than a decade (2008-09) last season. This year, South Stanly has the experienced in seniors guards Ja’Quez Cooke and Justin Gaddy to take the next step, contend for the Yadkin Valley 1A conference and be a dangerous playoff team with their backcourt.
West Stanly: The Colts have posted back-to-back, 13-14 records, while competing in a tough Rocky River conference. This year, West Stanly returns three starters led by junior guard, Austin Medlin (15 ppg), who will try to stay in the middle of the league race and in the playoff picture.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ja’Quez Cooke, South Stanly: The 6-foot guard (14 ppg, 8 rpg, 5 spg, 4 apg) is a stat-sheet stuffer and gives South Stanly one of the county’s best backcourt duos with classmate, Justin Gaddy (14 ppg).
Austin Medlin, West Stanly: The 6-foot-1 junior all-Rocky River conference guard (15 ppg) is the go-to guys for the Colts.
Marc Raye, Jr., Albemarle: The 5-foot-9 sophomore guard burst onto the scene as a freshman averaging 20 points, seven assists and three steals per game and looks to even better this season.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Ethan Conner, West Stanly: The 6-foot-4 senior forward (6 ppg) will be a key player inside with junior Trevor Kelly (7 ppg) for the Colts to stay in the thick of the Rocky River conference race.
Chris Dulin/Marshall Overcash, Gray Stone Day: The Knights’ senior duo will have to lead a young, Gray Stone Day team this year.
Nhazer Little, Albemarle: The 6-foot-5 junior had a breakout sophomore season (10 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 bpg) and is a big key in the paint to provide balance for Raye (Jr.) and Currie.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
Ja’Quez Cooke, South Stanly, 6-0, Sr.
Justin Gaddy, South Stanly, 6-0, Sr.
Nhazer Little, Albemarle, 6-5, Jr.
Austin Medlin, West Stanly, 6-1, Jr.
Marc Raye, Jr., Albemarle, 5-9, So.
NOTES
North Stanly’s Todd Helms will be the Comets third boys’ basketball coach in the last three seasons. Helms, who has served as North Stanly’s jayvee coach since 2012, was an all-conference basketball player at West Stanly.
Gray Stone Day has struggled with just 16 wins in the last four years, but Coach Joey Childrey will try to get things back on track with the county’s youngest team.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
Rocky River Conference
Forest Hills; 2. Mount Pleasant; 3. West Stanly; 4. Anson County; 5. Central Montgomery; 6. Central Academy.
Yadkin Valley 1A Conference
North Rowan; 2. South Stanly; 3. Albemarle; 4. Uwharrie Charter; 5. North Stanly; 6. Gray Stone Day; 7. South Davidson; 8. Chatham Central; 9. North Moore.
UNION COUNTY
TEAMS TO WATCH
Weddington: The Warriors have an experienced roster back with 10 players returning, including four starters from a 16-win team. This year, Weddington should be much improved and have a legit chance to contend in the Southern Carolinas conference and be a tough playoff matchup with more experience and talent in the lineup.
Forest Hills: coach Matt Sides and the Yellow Jackets have been one of the best teams in the state regardless of classification in the last two years, winning the 2A state title in 2017-18, while coming just one win short as the 2A state runner-up last year. This year, Forest Hills must reload with all five starters gone. But, Sides has plenty of talent with senior point guard Jalen Huntley (7 ppg) looking to help the Yellow Jackets pick up right where they left off, contend for their fifth straight Rocky River conference title and ultimately play in the state championship game for the third consecutive season.
Union Academy: The Cardinals return three senior starters in Jalen Anderson (13 ppg), Joshua Harris (5 ppg) and Derek Young, Jr. (14 ppg) from a team that has won 18 games each of the past two seasons. Union Academy has the talent to contend for the PAC 7 1A conference title and make a deep 1A state playoff run.
Sun Valley: The Spartans return four senior starters from a 15-win team that tied for second in the Southern Carolinas last year. This year, Sun Valley will have a balanced attack with Justin Morton (10 ppg) and TeyShaun Walker (9 ppg, 4 apg) leading the backcourt, while Joseph Flucas and Raheem Howard (9 ppg) provide experience in the frontcourt. Sun Valley has the size, speed and experience to contend for the SCC title and make a playoff run.
Monroe: The Redhawks have been up and down in the last three seasons, going 36-33 in that span. But coach Johnny Sowell will have one of the most dynamic backcourts in the state with senior Salen Streater (18 ppg) and sophomore Shaleek Knotts (14 ppg), which should give Monroe a chance to vault up the SCC standings and be a team no one wants to face in one-and-done, playoff scenario.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tyrell Dawson/J.P. Haggarty, Cuthbertson: The Cuthbertson duo averaged a combined 19 points and 11 rebounds last year and will have to be even more productive for the Cavaliers to get back in the upper half of the SCC and return to the playoffs.
Jalen Huntley, Forest Hills: The 5-foot-9 senior point guard (6th man last year) now must take on the lead role for a Forest Hills team that has averaged 28 wins per season over the last four years and has (conference/state) championship aspirations again in 2019-20 (season).
Justin Morton/TeyShaun Walker, Sun Valley: The Spartans’ senior backcourt will have to play well for Sun Valley to be a legit SCC contender.
Chase Lowe, Weddington: The 6-foot-4 point guard showed he can do it all (15 ppg, 9 rpg, 3 apg) as a freshman, now looks to expand his game.
Salen Streater, Monroe: The 5-foot-11 senior blur can score points in a hurry (18 ppg) and will be expected to Monroe light up the scoreboard again this season.
Cade Tyson, Piedmont: Like his older brother, Hunter Tyson (now at Clemson), the 6-foot-5 sophomore forward can play inside and out (12 ppg, 4 rpg, 40 percent three-point shooter).
Marcus Willis, Porter Ridge: The 5-foot-8 junior point guard plays big averaging 14 points and five rebounds as a sophomore, and will be play a lead role again this season.
Derek Young, Union Academy: The 6-foot-4 senior forward looks to be even better after nearly averaging a double-double (14 ppg, 9 rpg) as a junior.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Joseph Flucas, Sun Valley: The 6-foot-10 senior center (4 ppg, 4 rpg) is on the rise on recruiters’ radars and should be a force inside for the Spartans.
Mashad Hester/Alec Topper, Forest Hills: Hester, a 6-foot-1 junior guard (J.V. MVP last year) and Topper, a 6-foot-5 senior forward (Piedmont transfer) will be expected to step in and step up for a Yellow Jackets’ team that lost all five starters from a team that has played in the last two 3A state championship games and has great expectations again in 2019-20.
Shaleek Knotts, Monroe: The 6-foot-2 sophomore shooting guard has a big freshman year (14 ppg, 7 rpg) and will be expected to produce even bigger numbers this year.
Sullivan “Sully” McDermott, Marvin Ridge: The 6-foot-4 junior forward (5 ppg, 6 rpg last year) will be expected to play a bigger role on the hardwood this season, just like he does as the quarterback of the Mavericks football team.
Drew Patterson, Metrolina Christian: The 6-foot-1 Providence Day transfer should have an immediate impact teaming with an experienced frontcourt in seniors Jake Brockman and Josh Owens to help the Warriors compete in the always highly competitive, Metrolina Athletic conference (MAC).
Isaiah Williams, Porter Ridge: The 6-foot-4 sophomore forward nearly averaged a double-double as a freshman (8 ppg, 8 rpg) and will need to be even more productive for the Pirates to hang in a brutal, SW4A conference.
PRESEASON ALL-COUNTY TEAM
Jalen Huntley, Forest Hills, 5-9, Sr.
Chase Lowe, Weddington, 6-4, So.
Salen Streater, Monroe, 5-11, Sr.
Cade Tyson, Piedmont, 6-5, So.
Derek Young, Union Academy, 6-4, Sr.
NOTES
Weddington coach Gary Ellington (199-127 career) will notch his 200th career coaching victory with the Warriors’ first victory of the season. Weddington’s first shot is at Porter Ridge Nov. 19.
Porter Ridge enjoyed its best record since the 2007-08 season last year at 12-12 in coach Garrett Malone’s first season in charger. This year, the Pirates hope to build on that mark and getting over .500 for the first time in 12 years.
Central Academy didn’t win a game in the 2017-18 season, and won two games last year, but coach Sam Smithson says there’s “more coming” this year and expects it to show in the win column.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
Metrolina Athletic Conference
Concord First Assembly; 2. Northside Christian; 3. Hickory Grove; 4. Gaston Day; 5. Metrolina Christian; 6. SouthLake Christian; 7. Gaston Christian; 8. Westminster Catawba.
Piedmont Athletic Conference, 7, 1A (PAC 7, 1A)
Union Academy; 2. Mountain Island Charter; 3. Pine Lake Prep; 4. Queens Grant; 5. Community School of Davidson; 6. Carolina International; 7. Langtree Charter; 8. Bradford Prep.
Rocky River Conference
Forest Hills; 2. Mount Pleasant; 3. West Stanly; 4. Anson County; 5. Central Montgomery; 6. Central Academy.
Southern Carolinas’ Conference
Weddington; 2. Charlotte Catholic; 3. Sun Valley; 4. Monroe; 5. Marvin Ridge; 6. Cuthbertson; 7. Piedmont; 8. Parkwood.
OBSERVER-AREA SOUTH CAROLINA
TEAMS TO WATCH
Andrew Jackson: The Volunteers return three starters from the AA state runner-up team that is eager to prove they can be state contenders again this year. Junior D.J. Ealey (8 ppg) and seniors, Jalen Robinson (9 ppg) and Tez Black (5 ppg, 7 rpg) give Coach Danny Wright the experience to contend for the Region IV, AA title and try to get back to the championship game. Andrew Jackson won’t need any extra motivation after a 41-point loss in the AA state championship left a bad taste in the mouths this offseason.
Chester: The Cyclones return four starters from a team that made an unlikely run to the AAA Upper State championship game after finishing under .500 in regular season play. Chester will look to the senior trio of Raquawn Bailey, Quay Carter and Jordan Coleman to help carry their postseason momentum into this year and contend in Region IV AAA and be ready to make another playoff run.
Clover: The Blue Eagles struggled in Region III AAAAA play last year going 0-8 in their league. But Clover returns three starters, led by all-region junior, Markus Nastase (13 ppg) and Zion Robbins and should get an immediate impact from 6-foot-7 transfer, Vincent Popejay (from dangerous playoff matchup.
Great Falls: The Red Devils won 20-games, a Region II A title and advanced to the Class A state semifinals last season. This year, all-state forward, Kelton Talford, looks to help Great Falls repeat as region champions before making another deep playoff run.
Lancaster: The Bruins return all five starters from this year, led by one of the state’s most dynamic duos in juniors Janyle Pittman (24 ppg, 10 rpg) and Omazeon “Dude” Tinsley (22 ppg). Lancaster has the experience and talent to challenge for the Region III, AAAA title and will be a team no one wants to face with their backcourts ability to control a game and score in bunches.
Northwestern: The Trojans will look to their senior backcourt in Mason Grigg (17 ppg) and Dwight Priest, Jr. (7 ppg) to prove they can contend in the Region III, AAAA race. If Northwestern can get consistent production inside on what should be a deep team, the Trojans should also be a team capable of making a deep playoff run.
South Pointe: The Stallions have been up and down in the last two seasons at 22-27 in that span. This year, Coach Melvin Watson returns four starters led by sophomore point guard, Quan Peterson (12 ppg, 7 apg). South Pointe has the experience to be a factor in Region III, AAAA, but must prove they can more consistently to earn more favorable playoff position.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Devon Bristow, McBee: The 6-foot-9 senior will have to be a double-double machine (13 ppg, 13 rpg) for the Panthers to succeed this year.
Quay Carter/Jordan Coleman, Chester: The Cyclones’ senior backcourt led Chester to the AAA Upper State championship game last year, and will look for a repeat performance this season.
D.J. Ealey/Jalen Robinson, Andrew Jackson: The Volunteers’ backcourt averaged a combined 17 points per game last year for an Andrew Jackson team that lost in the AA state title game. Ealey, Robinson and company will have to be even better for the Volunteers to get another chance at winning it all.
Malachy McGuirt, Rock Hill: The 6-foot-4 junior forward (9 ppg) stepped up his game in region play averaging 15 points per contest and will be a go-to player for Rock Hill to climb the Region III, AAAAA standings and get back into the playoffs.
Keyan Mims, Fort Mill: The 6-foot-5 senior forward (14 ppg, 6 rpg) is only returning starter from a 20-6 Fort Mill team last year. This season, the Yellow Jackets will lean on Mims as a younger Fort Mill grows in confidence and experience.
Markus Nastase, Clover: The 6-foot-2 junior guard (13 ppg, 6 rpg) will be a big key to Clover’s chance to vault back up the Region III, AAAAA standings.
Janyle Pittman/Omazeon “Dude” Tinsley, Lancaster: The Bruins duo averaged a combined 46 points per game last year and will have to be even more explosive for Lancaster to get back above .500, contend for a region title and be a team that no one wants to play in a one-and-done playoff game scenario.
Kelton Talford, Great Falls: The 6-foot-7 all-state forward back to lead a Red Devils’ team eager to prove it’s amongst Class A’s elite teams.
PLAYERS ON THE RISE
Luke Bracey, Rock Hill: The 6-foot-6 sophomore forward (7 ppg, 5 rpg) proved he could hang as a freshman, and will be bigger, stronger and faster this season.
Kendall and Kory Davis, York Prep: The York Prep twin brothers’ duo averaged 16 points per game last year as freshmen for their father, Patriots’ head coach Larry Davis. This year, look for the Davis duo (both 5-foot-11) to score even bigger.
Jevon Long/Malik Proctor, York: The Cougars’ backcourt was the bright spot last year, averaging a combined 26 points per game for a 2-21 York team. This year, Long and Proctor give York the experience to climb out of the bottom of the region standings and get in the win column more consistently.
Marshall Myers, Cheraw: The 5-foot-11 junior guard sat out last season after averaging 14 points per game as a freshman. Myers should have an immediate impact in an experienced backcourt, joining seniors, Reggie Davis and Keilen Watson.
Quan Peterson, South Pointe: The 6-foot-3 sophomore point guard impressed last year averaging 12 points and seven assists per game. This year, Peterson is part of a more experienced, South Pointe (SC) team (four starters back) that should move up the region standings and earn a better playoff seed.
Vincent Popejoy, Clover: The 6-foot-7 senior (transfer from New Jersey) should have an immediate impact for the Blue Eagles, providing size and scoring inside.
Dwight Priest, Jr., Northwestern: The 6-foot-2 senior guard gives Northwestern an solid one-two punch with classmate, Mason Grigg, on a team eager to prove they can be just as good or better than last year’s 21-6 mark.
Petey Tuipulotu, Nation Ford: The 6-foot-4 senior forward will be counted on to step up his game as the lone returning player from a 24-win, Region III, AAAAA championship team.
PRESEASON ALL-STAR TEAM
Mason Grigg, Northwestern, 6-2, Sr.
Demetric Hardin, Lewisville, 6-3, Sr.
Keyan Mims, Fort Mill, 6-5, Sr.
Janyle Pittman, Lancaster, 6-3, Jr.
Kelton Talford, Great Falls, 6-7, Sr.
Omazeon “Dude” Tinsley, Lancaster, 5-9, Jr.
NOTES
Both Catawba Ridge and Legion Collegiate start new programs with Coach Brett Childers and Coach Otis Wilson leading their respective programs in what is sure to be an exciting year with the typical growing pains of a first-year team.
Longtime Rock Hill assistant basketball coach, Douglas Pearson (since 2006), takes over a Bearcats’ program that has been up and down in recent years and is looking to earn its first winning season since the 2014-15 campaign.
New Westminster Catawba basketball coach, Ed Addie, has long been a standout AAU coach in the Charlotte area and looks to breathe new life in an Indians’ team that has struggled of late going 12-32 in the last two years.
York Prep basketball basketball coach, Larry Davis, played on the 1993, North Carolina national championship team, and then on the 1997, South Carolina, SEC championship team.
CONFERENCE PREDICTIONS
Metrolina Athletic Conference (MAC) Boys
Concord First Assembly; 2. Northside Christian; 3. Hickory Grove; 4. Gaston Day; 5. Metrolina Christian; 6. SouthLake Christian; 7. Gaston Christian; 8. Westminster Catawba.
S.C. Region III, AAAAA Boys
Northwestern; 2. Clover; 3. Rock Hill; 4. Fort Mill; 5. Nation Ford.
S.C. Region III, AAAA Boys
Ridge View; 2. Lancaster; 3. South Pointe (SC); 4. Westwood; 5. Richland Northeast; 6. York.
S.C. Region IV, AAA Boys
Keenan; 2. Chester; 3. Camden; 4. Indian Land; 5. Fairfield Central; 6. Catawba Ridge.
S.C. Region VI, AAA Boys
Marion; 2. Lake City; 3. Cheraw; 4. Loris; 5. Dillon; 6. Aynor.
S.C. Region IV, AA Boys
Andrew Jackson; 2. Lee Central; 3. Lewisville; 4. Chesterfield; 5. Central Pageland; 6. Buford; 7. North Central.
S.C. Region II, A Boys
Great Falls; 2. McBee; 3. Timmonsville; 4. Lamar; 5. Governor’s School.
This story was originally published November 12, 2019 at 12:55 PM.
