Caldwell Academy is coming off a tremendous season last year, as head coach Brandon Clifford and company had the program heading in the right direction. Led by 2025 Jaylen Cross and others, Caldwell Academy was able to secure a 23-10 overall record and a 10-2 conference record. It was a team that had plenty of scoring power and several key seniors who stepped up to lead the charge.
Now, those seniors are gone but that doesn’t mean Caldwell Academy is ready to make noise yet again, as they may have one of the best groups in the state. In the most recent news, the No. 1 player in North Carolina 2026 Cole Cloer announced that he would be transferring to Caldwell Academy, and now joining up with 2025 Jaylen Cross, 2026 Ayden Johnson, and 2026 Neal Swindell, giving this program a lot of firepower once again.
Cloer has proven himself on several occasions about his ability; a smooth operator that brings size and length, the ability to score inside and out, play on and off the ball, stretch the floor with his shot-making and range, and also one that plays well within the team aspect. It is why he holds so many high major offers already and is regarded as one of the top players in the country. Now, you add that to a team that offers 2025 Jaylen Cross and 2026 Ayden Johnson, that could spell trouble. Cross is one of the ultimate team-first players who does what is needed for his team. He can take over a game, put on a scoring clinic, demonstrate tremendous athleticism and decision-making, is a competitor, and brings a ton of versatility. Johnson has proven that he can light it up as well, really opening the floor with his range and quickness on the court, as well as helping run the offense. Lastly, Swindell is back healthy and has proven to be a valuable piece on the court, bringing tremendous physicality, scoring power, the ability to attack in transition, and make his presence felt in a variety of other manners.
And again, that doesn’t mention the rest of the team that should allow Caldwell Academy to bring a balanced attack. One thing is for sure, there looks to be a new group in the state of North Carolina to take notice of, and it looks to be a fun upcoming high school season.