Holly Springs High School
Holly Springs, NC

2017-18: 13-15 (6-4)
South Wake 4A

The Superstar

The step 6'11' 2019 Virginia commitment Kadin Shedrick has taken over the last year has been exponential. Recently measuring in at 6'11' (with shoes on) with a 7'4' wing span, Shedrick's mentality is aggressive. Around the rim, he tries to dunk everything. He can put it on the floor for a could dribbles and is able to knock down mid-range shots with consistency. Just breaking into the national conversation in the Top 75, we think Shedrick is more in the Top 30 conversation. He has a chance to go to Virginia, and when his time there ends come out with talk of an NBA career. His senior year should be fun to watch.

The Breakout Star

6'6' 2020 Kaleb Scott went to Holly Springs Middle (on the same campus has Holly Spring High), but attended his first two years of high school at Fuquay-Varina. Well, he's back at Holly Springs and ready for everyone to take notice. Scott looks like Grant Williams (both in game and features). He is cut from the same cloth with great length, explosion and his ball skills. Scott can work on the block but is best either from the wing or the mid-range, attacking downhill. He is a good rebounder and has upside as a multi-positional defender. He is a Top 150 candidate right now, with the ability to grow his way into the Top 100 conversation over the next year. In this region, expect A10, SEC, AAC, ACC type schools to get involved here.

The Guard Play

As you can see above Holly Springs will have an advantage on the block over most teams, however their guard play will be the reason this team goes as far as they do. Starting off, Holly Springs returns known entity, 6' 2019 Garrett Phillips. Last season the guard averaged 11.5 points, while shooting 37% from three and 80% from the free throw line. Look for some major scoring outputs from Phillips.

Last season's leading assist man just so happened to be 6' sophomore Marcus Elliott. The lefty guard has the ball on a string, with great footwork and understanding of angles. He gets anywhere he wants in the half court. He has also really developed as a scoring threat, knocking down deep 3s and showing acumen out of the pick and roll in the line. Look for him to take a major step forward this season.

At this practice Guilford was in to watch Phillips and he is a high priority for D3 programs. He is one D2s should look at closely as a possibly money kid. He can really get rolling with the rock, but also creates well for others. Also, UNC-W was watching Elliott (along with Scott). Expect Elliott's recruitment to take form at this level, a certain Division 1 player, he has the pace and the game to really excel.

Other players to watch for here are 6'2' 2019 AK Tate (one D3 and Jucos should watch) as well as 6'8' 2021 Dante Kiesenhofer (who will probably be next in line for the D1s to fawn over). Also, 6'3' 2019 NC State baseball commitment Matt Willadsen.

Outlook

This team should be expecting nothing short of a trip to the NCHSAA 4A State Championship game. They are loaded with great depth, leadership and team chemistry. Shedrick is one of the best players (if not the best player) in the state. You have a borderline high major in Scott and some guards who have been there and can create for self and others.

This could be a special year for first year coach LJ Hepp as the school looks to have its first winning season in its history.