The shooting guards were well represented this weekend, but who stood out the most in Greensboro. Find out here.
North Carolina Top 80 Standouts
Top Shooting Guards
The NC Top 80 brings together the 80 best players in the state, regardless of class, regardless of position. It allows the big name guys to jostle for ranking and even scholarships. It also allows the over looked guys to go right at the highest ranked kids to find their place.
This event was no different, however the common thread between all of them is they all competed. Every player touched the ball consistently, plays were made in the half court, and guys took pride in defense.
Today I am going to cover the Shooting Guard position. Here are the guys who showed out during the day:
6’3” Junior Mark Gilbert – Terry Sanford – Team Loaded NC
Gilbert has made his early mark on the football field where he carries BCS level offers from the likes of Michigan, UNC, and others.
However, Gilbert took on this year with a vengeance. The lefty guard is an elite level defender, both on the ball and in the passing lanes.
Gilbert led his high school to the state championship this year scoring 17 points per game.
6’4” Junior Trejon Jacob – Millbrook HS
Jacob has been a revelation this year, his first in North Carolina as he moved in from Dallas, Texas.
The lefty played 6th man for his 4A state semi-finalists, and showed well (during high school) as a designated sharp shooter. So coming into this we all knew he could shoot at a high clip. In this camp, however, he should that he could defend and make plays for others.
Jacob finished the camp Top 5 in steals and averaged 12 points on 65% shooting. Name is on the rise.
6’3” Freshman Coby White – Greenfield School – Team Wall
If you notice, White is only a freshman, and he very much looks that age in the face.
This will most likely be the last time that matters, because his game (and poise) designate him as being one of the elite shooting guards in the state.
Playing against the elite players in the state, White averaged 10 Points on 63% shooting, 3 Boards, and an Assists. He is playing 17s this summer, get ready to hear this name a lot in the coming years.
6’1” Junior Jack Konstanzer – First Flight – NC Blazers
Konstanzer created a bit of a buzz this past year as he finished with multiple 50 point and 40 points games.
Konstanzer averaged right at 30PPG for the year, and was voted unanimously (1st time every) his conference’s player of the year. Konstanzer was hands down the best shooter in this event.
The high level scorer finished averaging 13 points, making 7 threes here. Coaches in the camp voted Konstanzer on the 3rd team All-Camp.
With the success Andrew Rowsey is having at Asheville, look for Konstanzer’s recruitment to pick up this summer.
Next Up
6’3” Sophomore Jonathan Hicklin – Rocky River – River City Reign
Sturdy does not begin to describe the build on Hicklin. The combo guard, is built like a college ready linebacker, with broad shoulders and long arms.
Hicklin has a jet-quick first step and showed touch both in the mid range and at the rim. This player is exciting, and one whose name will be on the rise.
He finished in the Top 5 of camp in both Assists and Steals on top of averaging 9 Points on 60% shooting.
Ready To Be The Man
6’4” Junior Mike Buckland – Wesleyan Christian – Pro Skills Basketball
Buckland is not a new name for people. He has long been a starter for teams, CP3 and Wesleyan Christian, that each play at the highest level.
However, he has been a bit piece for those team opposed to a central figure. This summer, Buckland has made the move to a Pro Skills Basketball (PSB) program that will look to Buckland to be the leader.
This event Buckland showed he is up to the challenge, he averaged 12 Points on 60% shooting from 3.