The ever-changing high school basketball landscape is full of surprises from one year to the next. While there is a general idea of which teams and players will be relevant, certain teams simply outperform all expectations. This rings especially true for the private school sector, where most of the same programs contend every year. Anyone who deviates from the norm will be obvious. Although folks anticipated Forsyth Country Day being a top team in North Carolina, not many predicted they’d be the best team by a fairly large margin. Between their experienced coaching staff, stylistic approach, and incredibly deep, talented roster, they might legitimately be one of the best private school squads of the last decade. Let’s take a closer look…
Although this roster was already loaded with pieces, things really elevated to new heights once Jayon Connor decided to transfer and reclassify. After aggressively trending up for eight or so months, he started turning heads. Not only was he posting legitimately insane per-game stats but he was a relative unknown who grew several inches in a short period of time. People knew he was good, but it’s unclear if many folks realized just how good. Connor is an absolute wrecking ball on the court. At 6-foot-7, he possesses an incredible blend of strength, explosiveness, and two-way versatility. Connor can physically dominate opponents in a variety of ways. He plays extremely hard at all times. Connor’s infectious energy allows him to secure rebounds and force turnovers at a high rate. He completely controls the glass and knows how to push the break or locate a guard and run the floor. Connor possesses useful ball skills with the feel, vision, and scoring prowess to create as needed. Given everything he’s shown this season, Division I coaches need to start getting involved sooner than later.
There will be a ton of attention on their newest addition, but it’s clear that Q Williams is the straw that stirs the drink. None of their stylistic approach is possible without his high-level IQ, pace, and playmaking ability. Williams is a steady, reliable creator who can break down opponents and consistently make plays off the bounce. He’s a quality perimeter shooter with the ability to knock down shots off the catch or dribble, but also attacks the basket and highlights useful floaters and finishes for his size. Williams simply knows how to run a team and consistently puts his teammates in favorable scoring positions. He also anticipates well to force turnovers defensively.
While some would consider one talented guard enough, this roster has at least four more college-level guards in its rotation. The team is so loaded that everyone is able to legitimately shine within their respective roles. Tyrin Graham is in a perfect situation to highlight his strengths as a combo guard who can consistently hit shots and find success from either backcourt spot. He’s comfortable initiating the offense, creating for others, and applying pressure from all levels. Graham is a pesky defender and lethal spot-up threat who can mesh with any collection of teammates. Similarly, Max Van Weerdhuizen provides the Furies with another elite shooting threat. After burdening a massive load throughout his high school career, he’s truly excelled in his malleable role for this group. Weerdhuizen is a knockdown shooter who makes quality passes, defends with energy, and effortlessly picks his spots along the perimeter.
Rounding out their guard grouping, JR Adams and Chris Gomez do a lot of the little things. Though small, Adams is a true pest and team-oriented piece who plays extremely hard, disrupts opponents defensively, and makes hustle plays at a constant rate. He’s a quality shooter and useful offensive initiator. Meanwhile, Gomez is arguably the best pure defender on the team. His combination of length, anticipation, and generally rugged approach makes him a real problem for opponents. Gomez is physical, athletic, and plays with a nonstop motor. He regularly forces turnovers and fills in the gaps as an offensive cog.
The six listed above would be enough to contend for a title, but adding Prince Nwokemodo and AD Dalton to the mix makes this team unfair. At 6-foot-11, Nwokemodo is an excellent teammate and incredibly low-maintenance big man who consistently does the dirty work. He protects the rim, controls the glass, and doesn’t require touches to make an impact. In addition to his length, timing, and unselfishness, Nwokemodo provides nonstop effort on both ends of the floor. Lastly, Dalton has as much long-term appeal as anyone on the roster. He possesses an appealing blend of size and skill with considerable upside on either side of the ball. Dalton already displays the ability to faceup or operate with his back to the basket. He’s a quality rebounder and interior defender who should only continue to trend upward over the coming years.