6'1' 2019 Trae Hannibal ' The Next in Line
Hartsville HS (SC)
By Jamie Shaw
South Carolina is long known for point guards. From Raymond Felton to Ramon Sessions. More recently PJ Dozier and Seventh Woods. There have been a long and steady flow of talented point guards to come through the state. The next point guard in line may just be 6'1' 2019 Trae Hannibal out of Hartsville, South Carolina.
Throughout last year, as a sophomore, Hannibal averaged 12.8 points, shooting 49% from the field. He also added 7 boards, 6.2 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Hartsville High School plays in Region VI 4A against the likes of Lakewood, Crestwood, Darlington and Lugoff Elgin. For the year, Hannibal finished top 5 in the conference in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game…Astonishing numbers really for the sophomore.
It is surprising that a player of Hannibal's caliber can still be under the radar. Playing in a conference who has produced great guards (Freddie Johnson, Ja Morant, etc'), and excelling it that conference as only a sophomore, you would think Hannibal would have college coaches at every game. After his performance at Phenom's Summer Jam Team Camp we wrote,''Hannibal makes the game look easy from the point guard position. He has a sturdy frame and great explosion, but it is his pace and vision that sets him apart. He touched the paint at will and was able to deliver the right pass every time. He made his 3 point shot consistently and showed the ability to defend the ball for 94 feet.'
Hannibal is blessed with a strong, quick twitch frame, he is built like a running back. He has great burst heading to the basket, but is never rushed when handling the ball and getting into the paint. Hannibal is able to navigate traffic and seems to always have his head up, making the right play with excellent vision.
As with most of the state's top players, Hannibal is an alum of the South Carolina Top 80. This event is one that brings the very best players, from around the state, and puts them under one roof to compete with one another. After watching Hannibal at that event we wrote,''Hannibal is the first fresh face to look for this upcoming High School season. He has a strong build, which is the first thing one notice until the ball is tipped off. When he gets the ball in his hands one quickly sees the skills he's equipped with. Trae is a strong lead guard who has handles, and is learning the game at a steady rate. He's always on his toes on the defensive end, ready to pounce on a weak pass so he can get that fast break dunk! For a smaller PG Trae is a high flyer. His strong body allows him to defend older guys with ease. He spent most of the summer plagued with injuries, but look for him to show up at SC Top 80 ready to perform.'
In a state known for its point guards, it looks like Hannibal is the next up and colleges around the region need to act accordingly. He was a standout all summer, playing for the Karolina Khaos on the Adidas Silver Circuit. He carries an early offer from South Carolina State, but the only thing standing in the way of him and 10+ offers, is being seen'Coaches, Watch.