After getting another extended look at the Lincoln Charter this past weekend, one could argue that this is their most intriguing roster in recent memory. The Eagles were previously one of the most exciting and entertaining teams throughout North Carolina, and it feels like they are getting back to that status with this current roster. They have various enticing pieces, but so much of their success will ultimately come down to the duo of Jackson Reed and McKennon Showers. Let’s take a closer look at each…
Despite the fact that he’s just entering his junior season, there’s already a lot to like about Reed and the totality of his game. At 6-foot-6, he’s a skilled forward with length, fluidity, and quality instincts on both ends of the floor. Reed is comfortable operating on the block, in the midrange, or along the perimeter. He moves very well for his size and possesses the necessary strength to reliably finish through contact. Reed displays touch and footwork around the basket, but can also knock down jumpers or attack off the bounce. He defends with energy and rebounds his position well on both ends of the floor. Reed is already a very impactful piece and should emerge as a real priority for college coaches over the next twelve months.
On the other hand, Showers is a quick, shifty guard with incredible craftiness as a creator and shot-maker. Though small, he’s able to get basically wherever he wants on the court and generate shots for himself and others with relative ease. Showers is a capable creator who displays vision and passing instincts, but is clearly wired to score the ball. Whether off the catch or bounce, he’s able to convert seemingly anything he attempts. Showers routinely takes (and makes) highly difficult, often contested jumpers without breaking a sweat. His change of direction allows him to break down opponents and effortlessly generate separation and create clean looks off the bounce. Showers is a scrappy defender with the quickness to stay in front of opposing ball-handlers. He should be a target for college coaches.