Anyone within the local grassroots scene should know about the NC Spartans organization and how much they’ve expanded throughout the years. Previously just one group, they’ve integrated multiple new teams at each age level—including their Forest City squad. Director and Coach Steven Jones has done a terrific job of accumulating impactful players who fit the Spartans’ stylistic and off-court ideologies. Although they have nice depth and pieces who can step up, three guys largely set the tone for this group. Let’s look at what each guy brings to this group…
Various guys can dictate offensive play for this team, which includes Brayden Hudson. At 6-foot-7, he’s a big, strong-bodied post player with a nice combination of touch, feel, and general skill. Despite playing up an age group, Hudson is comfortable producing in several types of roles. He regularly sets up around the elbows and understands how to work the two-man game as a screener (both rolling and popping). Hudson is quite useful in dribble-handoff actions due to his wide frame and ability to absorb contact. He displays quality vision as a passer, rebounds his position, and moves his feet well to contain opponents defensively. Hudson is also a capable post-up option around the basket.
Similarly, Nathan Walters is able to cause matchup problems with his versatility. He’s a sturdy wing who can reliably handle the ball, create for himself and others, and apply scoring pressure in a variety of ways. Walters is bigger and more physically overwhelming than the majority of guards but too mobile for most forwards to contain. He creates well off the bounce and gets downhill with consistency, but can also knock down jumpers at a solid rate. Walters is able to defend with energy while actively securing rebounds and pushing the break in transition.
Rounding out this trio, Thomas Rouse is quite different than his teammates above. He’s an athletic, well-rounded guard with a wiry build and useful ability as a creator. Rouse is capable of getting downhill and finishing through contact or above the rim, but also knocks down jumpers at a respectable rate along the perimeter. He sees the floor well and sets up others at a solid rate. Rouse is a quality transition threat who can find success with or without the ball. Add in his presence as a defender and rebounder, and it’s easy to see all the ways Rouse impacts a game.