Transfers have become a big part of off season chatter in recent years with prep hoops news adapting the year round model. Every season we see a host of prospects swap jerseys for various reasons in search of new opportunities, or sometimes to rekindle old success of the past.
This year is no different so I have taken on the responsibility of catching you up on some of the latest changes and impacts around the high school game, it’s only right we start at home in the Hoop State in this inaugural edition!
Lastly before we dive in, this collection of players varies in rankings, the focus was directed towards; pedigree, play style, and, potential impact on their new programs.
2019 6’1 DJ Horne #46 (Trinity Christian, NC)
The Crusaders have reloaded after some key departures and Horne an Illinois State commit should provide an immediate boost to an already talented back court.
Horne is a shot creator and a play maker off the dribble; he’s got the scoring prowess to slot in off ball alongside 2019 KJ Marshall another smaller guard, Horne is a marksman from deep with a quick trigger, and a tactician in the pick N roll. The respect Horne commands in the lane off the bounce will open the floor even more for 6’8 Providence Commit Greg Gantt. Horne plays with a chip on his shoulder, his moxie should fit nice with Marshall and 2019 Talton Jones.
All three of these guys are interchangeable parts around the perimeter and absolutely get after it on both ends. The trio of seniors can all score the basketball and have the unselfishness to create for one another.
This just feels like a great fit for a player like Horne this back court will feature some experienced firepower, but Trinity also have some battle tested youngsters waiting in relief.
6’8 2019 Josh Hall #NR (Moravian Prep, NC)
Hall is the most intriguing of the haul of division one prospects to join Moravian Prep this year, at 6’8 Hall has guard like skills on the perimeter and length that will cause 
disruptions for opposing offenses.
On a nightly basis Hall could prove to be a walking mismatch; there isn’t a shot on the floor Hall isn’t comfortable taking, off the bounce Hall can create space for clean looks effortlessly, Hall will shoot over smaller wings and blow by slower bigs for explosive finishes at the cup. For years scouts have raved about the raw scoring ability and potential upside, but it now seems Hall has really begun to harness his full potential and put everything together.
Programs are taking notice, Hall has picked up three offers in the last week, (High Point, Morehead State, Mount St Mary’s), are among the schools in the running for his services.
Hall had a big summer where he impacted the game on both ends, Hall remained a prolific scorer but he scored with versatility. Hall showed added strength establishing position on the block, Hall made a statement on the boards, his length and athleticism put him in position for countless rebounding opportunities.
It’s extremely likely Hall will play his best basketball down the road but for now this roster at Moravian Prep is absolutely loaded. After spending the last few seasons in Virginia at Oak Hill, Hall is ready to help Moravian Prep reach those championship aspirations once again.
Also look for Hall to crack our updated 2019 NC rankings in the coming months.
2020 6’7 Luke Davis #34 (Wesleyan Christian, NC)
Just months removed from a runner up finish in the NCISAA 3A State Championship Game, it feels like we aren’t certain who all will be suiting up for the Trojans this season.
After a mass exodus of graduates and transfers, first year head coach C.J. Lee will face an uphill battle in the loaded NC triad private school ranks, but a polished 6’7 stretch forward is a nice building block. The Eastern North Carolina native lit up the triad with team ENC throughout the July live period, after a big summer Davis decided to transfer to Wesleyan, and reclassify to 2020 which should benefit his game and recruitment buzz.
Last season for South Central HS Davis averaged 11 ppg along with five rebounds, Davis can really space the floor and open the lane for teammates with his range. Davis fits the mold of new age pick N roll bigs that are valued highly in today’s game.
Davis embraces the big stage and the opportunity to become a featured piece for a prestigious program like Wesleyan offers major exposure, I don’t believe anyone in the hoops sphere expects the Trojans to stay down for too long.
6’5 2020 Ricky Council IV #5 (Southern Durham, NC)
This was a major move down in the Triangle to provide insight, Council ranks fifth in our 2020 rankings currently and has the potential to crack the top 100 nationally.
The high flying ability will attract all the cameras but Council has added so much more to his scoring arsenal over the years; Council has become a polished mid range scorer he can really fill it up off the pull up, Council has continued to add range to his jumper it has become reliable, Council also remains a tenacious fisher at the cup with either hand.
Recently Council earned offers from Old Dominion and Rice, he will join another talented guard on the rise when Council teams up with Jayvis Harvey who also holds several division one offers.
Southern Durham is headed by NC Hoops legend David Noel and the Spartans will return some real talent from last years (21-7,12-2) ,Big 8 3A conference championship team. The addition of Council could give this program the lift it needs to reach that next level.