1. Destin Clark looks like a solid add for Comenius
The Knights have added another playmaker in the backcourt with the arrival of 6’1 2020 Destin Clark.
Clark is a load physically; he’s built like a linebacker at the point guard position and Clark uses his size to abuse opposing guards, Clark has a nice first move off the dribble, Clark is agile on his feet and at the cup he embraces contact. The most important part of his game early on might be the playmaking ability, Clark and 2020 6’7 forward Josh Rubio showed nice chemistry in the pick N roll.
With Clark’s court vision and pass first nature this group have a capable lead guard to get these scorers the ball. Clark could potentially make life easier for guys like, Dillon Harrison, Nishawn Hodge, and Akram Ben Salah.
2. Silas Mason has to be the man for Smith
2020 6’7 Silas Mason will have to take a major leap in year three to lead a young Smith team this year.
Coach Partee expects Mason to play more on ball this season to take advantage of his playmaking abilities. Mason will also have to shoulder a significantly larger scoring load, but the challenge will be getting him to shoot more. The Golden Eagles have to replace four starters due to a combination of graduations and transfers. Mason has shown in flashes the ability to completely take over games; Mason is an efficient scorer and doesn’t need a ton of shots to score it, at 6’7 Mason easily shoots over smaller guards, Mason is tough off the bounce he’s got a long stride and in the lane Mason will punish the rim.
Mason’s play with Team Felton coupled with obvious upside have earned him recent offers from the likes of; Florida, Texas, and Old Dominion. Mason has all the tools to be a two way star on the perimeter and basketball I.Q. to lead this young team.
3. Does High Point Central have the best shot blocker in the triad'
6’8 2019 Kuluel Mading is the best shot blocking big I’ve personally seen in the Triad and it’s probably not even close.
In one game he blocked six shots and along with that Mading bothered countless others, he’s a thin 6’8 but you can’t teach length and athletic ability. Mading has natural instincts for shot blocking, he’s extremely active on weak side D. Mading ran the floor well which led to easy transition runs at the rim and chasedown blocks. Mading is steadily extending his range offensively, he looked comfortable from the elbow and Mading even fired a few from behind the arc.
If Mading can hone those stretch four skills and continue his defensive dominance this kid will be one of the top bigs in the area.