Each year, the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association (NCBCA) comes together to form the All-District Teams for the twelve designated districts in North Carolina. Before going any further, it’s implied and understood that this practice is a thankless, imperfect process with no definitively correct answer. However, any list of awards or rankings is subject to scrutiny. It doesn’t matter whether we are talking about professional athletes, movie stars, or high schoolers; everything is debatable. These awards are no different. Obviously, there are several factors that go into the deliberation process, but team success and individual success are the two areas in bold print. It’s worth noting that this is a current-day standing rather than a long-term projection (but it’s still a flawed process that led to a Mr. Basketball winner (Isaiah Evans) not even winning Player of the Year in his own district…interesting). While it is difficult to argue for one player without arguing against another player, especially since all individuals included were deserving, we will take a closer look at a few guys who could’ve been higher on these teams…
Tjay Brunson (Cleveland; District 3- 3rd Team)
Although each of these players drew my attention, Tjay Brunson being named to the third team is quite perplexing. Are we placing emphasis on team success or individual production? In terms of per-game numbers, his averages of 21.3 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 0.6 BPG stack up against basically anyone. The team? They went 15-11 and made the second round of the playoffs in arguably the most loaded classification across North Carolina. What defines the difference between second team and third team? First team? Is it 17 wins instead of 15? Is it averaging five assists instead of two? There is no clear differentiator between Brunson and some of those selected ahead of him.
Roman Solheim (Northwest Guilford; District 7- 3rd Team)
Due to team struggles, it’s somewhat understandable to see Roman Solheim get somewhat overlooked by the masses and/or voting committee. The Vikings went 11-13, but 10-10 with Solheim in the lineup. While that record probably doesn’t move many, it’s worth noting how much value he brings to this team as an all-around cog. Without him, they went 1-3. Extend that over the course of the season, and his significance is clear. Removing the one game where he exited early due to injury, and Solheim still averaged 20.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 3.3 BPG in losses. Anyone who can’t see how much he propelled this team forward simply isn’t paying attention. Solheim accounted for more than a third of the Vikings’ total scoring (34%), over a fourth of rebounds (28%), most of the blocks (75%), and roughly 15% of assists and steals.
Donnie Fairley (Southeast Alamance; District 7- 3rd Team)
Legitimate arguments could be formed for both Stallions being higher after appearing on this third team (Donnie Fairley and Davian Edwards). However, we will take a closer look at Fairley simply due to his production across the board. His per-game averages of 15.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.7 SPG, and 1.3 BPG (with 56% from the floor) are still impressive despite being divvied up across multiple key contributors. He ranked first on the Stallions in rebounds and blocks, second in points and assists, and third in steals. The real case for Fairley being higher? The Stallions had their best season in their (brief) school history, going 25-5 and reaching the final four in the NCHSAA 5A playoffs.
Jaleel Smith (Huss; District 10- 1st Team)
This conversation gets a little stickier, as Jaleel Smith still made 1st Team. However, it’s unclear if there are even five players in North Carolina better than him, regardless of classification or affiliation. Referring to Smith’s season as anything other than dominant would be a drastic understatement. Not only is his production absolutely insane, but it’s directly translating to wins. Smith is averaging a ridiculous 29.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.8 APG, and 5.0 SPG while shooting 53% from the floor. The team is currently 24-2 (their best record in 15 years) and set to play in the NCHSAA 5A title game this week. There are a lot of talented, worthy players across the state, but it’s impossible to pose an argument against Smith.
Honorable Mentions:
Laney- Kareem Anderson (District 2- 2nd Team), Colin Lamb (N/A)
New Hanover- Jazir Wright-McGhee (District 2- 2nd Team)
Kinston- Jamarion Washington (District 3- N/A)
Northwood- Cam Fowler (District 4- 1st Team)
Southern Wake Academy- Kobe Plata (District 5- 3rd Team)
Southwest Guilford- Darrell Howze (District 7- 3rd Team)
Marvin Ridge- Matthew Rivlin (District 8- 3rd Team)
Queens Grant- Preston Scott (District 9- N/A), Bobby Montgomery (District 9- N/A)
South Point- OB Lowery Jr. (District 10- 2nd Team)
Lincolnton- Josiah Guyton (District 10- 2nd Team)