The Observer’s high school basketball preview for Union County schools
The Observer continues its boys basketball previews for the 2022-23 season with a look at Union County schools.
Throughout the week, look for additional previews, concluding with the release of The Sweet 16 preseason poll.
Teams to Watch
Monroe: The Redhawks return a solid core with seniors Bryce Davis (9.4 ppg) and Khamoni Robinson (6.8 ppg) from a team that is eager to defend its Rocky River conference title and go deep into the 2A state playoffs again (2A state quarterfinalist last year).
Parkwood: The Wolfpack returns three starters, including seniors Isaiah Mobley (4.3 ppg), Demarion Reynolds (12.6 ppg) and junior Cam McKinney (10.6 ppg) from a team that went 13-15 last season. Coach Michael Helms has the experience and talent to contend in Rocky River conference and return to the playoffs for a second straight season.
Porter Ridge: The Pirates look to build on a 20-win season last year, their best since 2006-07. Porter Ridge will look to senior shooting guard Kyler Harris (14 ppg, 4 apg, 3 spg), senior 6-foot-5 wing Jack Fazilat and 5-foot-10 Justin Shumaker to stay in the Southern Carolinas’ conference race and into playoff position.
Sun Valley: The Spartans look to carry the momentum from a great summer where they lost only two games and beat three reigning state champions. Coach Keith Mason has a veteran team with senior Keegan Mason (6.8 ppg) and Daniel Valentine (9.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg) joining all-conference point guard Tyree White (17.8 ppg) to give Sun Valley a team that can contend for the conference title and more into the postseason.
Weddington: A new era of Weddington basketball begins with Richard Carsner, a former Ashbrook coach, taking over a program that won the 4A state title a year ago. Carsner returns one starter -- senior forward Berni Tah (2.6 ppg) -- from a team that has won 49 straight games, including the last two state championships (3A title in 2021; 4A title in 2022). The Warriors have some new faces in the lineup, including Tah, senior Nolan Dunphy, juniors Jack Ellyson and Grant Hamilton, sophomore K.J. Younger (Texas transfer) and freshman Noah Noch.
Players to Watch
Cinjun Bridges, Marvin Ridge: The 6-foot-1 junior (10 ppg, 3 apg) gives the Mavericks a solid one-two punch in the backcourt with 5-foot-9 classmate Josh Clark (10 ppg, 5.5 rpg).
Jalik Byrd, Forest Hills: The 6-foot-5 junior (6 ppg, 4 rpg) will have to play a bigger role as Forest Hills’ lone returning starter.
Bryce Davis, Monroe: The 6-foot-5 senior (9.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg) will play a big role inside for the Redhawks.
Grant Hamilton, Weddington: The 5-foot-11 junior is one of the best shooters in the state, according to coach Carsner.
Kyler Harris, Porter Ridge: The 6-foot-1 senior guard (14 ppg, 4 apg, 3 spg) can makes play for himself or his teammates.
Miles Leaks, Piedmont: The 5-foot-11 sophomore (9.4 ppg) will be a key player on an experienced Piedmont team.
Kaleb Parker, Cuthbertson: The 6-foot-4 senior (9 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 bpg) is a difference maker inside for the Cavaliers.
Demarion Reynolds, Parkwood: The 6-foot-3 junior (12.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg) is a versatile playmaker for the Wolfpack on both sides of the floor.
Tyree White, Sun Valley: The 6-foot junior point guard (17.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.8 spg) can fill up the stat sheet.
Michael Wilson, Jr., Metrolina Christian: The 6-6 junior wing (10.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg) was an all-conference performer, team’s most valuable player (MVP) as a sophomore.
Players On the Rise
Parker Burke, Cuthbertson: The 6-foot junior point guard, also the Cavaliers’ starting quarterback, should have a big impact after missing last basketball season with an injury, according to Cuthbertson basketball coach Chris Caputi.
Chase Fesmire, Piedmont: The 6-foot-5 senior forward, also Piedmont’s starting quarterback, is a key player inside (10.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg) with 6-foot-8 classmate Hunter Hinson (8.2 ppg).
Amari Melton, Forest Hills: The 6-foot freshman will need to play a big role immediately for the Yellow Jackets to get back above .500 and in the playoff picture.
Colton Price, Metrolina Christian: The 6-foot-4 senior Piedmont transfer should have an immediate impact for the Warriors along with 6-foot-1 senior Adron Tillutson, a Cuthbertson transfer. Both players are college recruits, according to Metrolina Christian basketball coach Michael Wilson.
Preseason All-County Team
Cinjun Bridges, Marvin Ridge, 6-1, Jr.
Jalik Byrd, Forest Hills, 6-5, Jr.
Bryce Davis, Monroe, 6-4, Sr.
Grant Hamilton, Weddington, 5-11, Jr.
Kyler Harris, Porter Ridge, 6-1, Sr.
Miles Leaks, Piedmont, 5-11, So.
Kaleb Parker, Cuthbertson, 6-4, Sr.
Demarion Reynolds, Parkwood, 6-3, Sr.
Tyree White, Sun Valley, 6-0, Jr.
Michael Wilson, Jr., Metrolina Christian, 6-6, Jr.
Preseason Player of the Year: Tyree White, Sun Valley, 6-0, Jr.
Notes
Monroe basketball coach Johnny Sowell has 505 career victories in his 33-year career.
Parkwood basketball coach Michael Helms is just short four wins short of 400 career victories, which he will likely achieve in first few week of this season.
Piedmont returns all five starters which gives the Panthers a chance to earn their first winning season since the 2017-18 season.
Sun Valley basketball coach Keith Mason says he is looking forward to enjoying his last season with his son, 6-foot-3 shooting guard Keegan Mason.
Conference Predictions
Metrolina Athletic Conference
Concord Academy; 2. Northside Christian; 3. Gaston Day; 4. Gaston Christian; 5. Westminster Catawba; 6. Metrolina Christian; 7. SouthLake Christian; 8. Hickory Grove.
Rocky River 2A/3A Conference
Monroe; 2. Parkwood; 3. Forest Hills; 4. West Stanly; 5. Anson County; 6. Central Academy.
Southern Carolinas’ 4A Conference
Weddington; 2. Sun Valley: 3. Porter Ridge; 4. Marvin Ridge; 5. Piedmont; 6. Cuthbertson.
Yadkin Valley 1A/2A Conference
Jay M. Robinson; 2. North Stanly; 3. Mount Pleasant; 4. South Stanly; 5. Albemarle; 6. Union Academy; 7. Gray Stone Day.
This story was originally published November 7, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "The Observer’s high school basketball preview for Union County schools."