On this edition of “Brandon’s squads on the rise” we’ll look at a program on the come up based out of Raleigh, North Carolina.
NC Red Storm- has been running rampant in the triangle over the last few years and have become one of the hottest programs in the area. This squad is full of long athletes and guards who really enjoy pushing the pace. The Red Storm play tough and make you work for every bucket, tons of talent resides in the state’s capital and Coach Jawann Baker has done well piecing this roster together to succeed.
Odi Oguama
Star Watch– In the frontcourt they feature one of the toughest duos around in Drayvon Mangum and Odi Oguama these two guys complement each other well. Mangum is better offensively at this stage he has the skills to play down low or on the wing. From mid-range Mangum is automatic, he’s also a good rebounder, and at 6’6 Magnum has the size and speed to guard the 1-4 positions.
Oguama is an ELITE defender the way this guy can impact a game with his defensive prowess is amazing. Odi stands 6’9 with long arms and can really jump he’s guaranteed to send a few shots into the front row every time he laces up. The young big serves as the ultimate paint protector for his side, Odi also uses those hops to sky for rebounds and easy putbacks.
Biggest Strength (Defense, Running the floor), this squad can really strap up on D when all five guys on the floor are locked in. NC Red Storm can cause havoc because they run the floor so well especially the bigs, this allows them to convert turnovers into easy points at the other end. Teams really get worn down against the Red Storm because of the depth they possess these guys run the entire contest and are still able to keep fresh bodies in the game.
Liam Caswell and Keonte Bradley are solid on the wings they’re a big reason this sort of playing style is able to be successful. Both players bring different elements to the lineup but one thing they do have in commons is giving max effort on defense. Caswell is probably the best shooter on the team when he’s hot the kid can really fill it up in bunches.
At 6’3 he’s a nice sized guard and doesn’t have a problem shooting over smaller defenders. Caswell is constantly moving looking to get open, all the sharpshooter needs is a smidge of space and he’ll pull the trigger.
Bradley is the top perimeter defender for the Storm he’s usually tasked with checking the opposing side’s top scorer. Offensively he’s an effective slasher with a quick first step Bradley can beat defenders to the rack.
Jimmie Sanders
X- Factor- 2018 point guard Jimmie Sanders is the heart and soul of this squad he’s the orchestrator of a juggernaut. Sanders at 5’8 isn’t going to awe anyone in the “eye test” but his game tells it all.
What jumps out is his composure and leadership during adversity he plays big in big moments. Sanders is a pass first guard but he also does a good job creating looks for himself to keep defenses honest. On defense he gives high effort constantly pressuring the ball and forcing turnovers. Sanders is good in the pick and roll he allows Magnum and Odi to flourish without having to work too hard for buckets.
Looking Ahead- Coach Baker and his team have a busy travel schedule coming up and this talented bunch will be battle tested by July. The Red Storm have two legitimate D1 prospects in Mangum and Oguama who could lead them all the way, watch out!