From the Sidelines
Stars of Tomorrow (Part 2)
Previewing the 2021 Class
Rick Lewis/Jamie Shaw
The state of North Carolina is absolutely loaded with high level talent. Each class has a bevy of star power and the 2021 class is no exception. While we have produced rankings for the 2018, 2019, and 2019 class, it has been a standard practice of the Phenom Hoop Report not to rank players in the freshman class until they have completed a full season. That being said, we will provide some thoughts, insight and opinions on some of the top trending freshmen in the state. The freshmen listed are players we have enjoyed multiple viewing via travel ball, camp setting and the most important setting which is their high school setting. Now, let's take a closer look:
6'3' Trey Clucas (Cape Fear Academy)
Clucas is a 6'3' do it all shooting guard. He carries a great frame and the lefty has great range from well beyond the arc. Playing with D1 recruit Emmanuel Bonsu, Clucas is off the ball, but he showed the ability to restart the offense as well as great court vision and awareness with the ball in his hands. He is tough and he passes the lights out of the ball, eager to see him as he continues to grow as he plays well beyond his years both with his frame and skill set.
6' Bobby Pettiford (South Granville)
As he continues to move forward, Pettiford should see his recruitment take on that of a national level guy. He has a strong frame with natural explosion, which he uses on both sides of the ball. He plays with a great pace and changes speeds very well, making him seem even faster. Think along the lines of Raymond Felton when trying to picture how Pettiford plays. He gets above the rim as well. This season, starting 25 games on varsity, he is averaging 13.4 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals per game with 61% from the field.
6'1' Terquavion Smith (Farmville Central)
Smith is a high level scorer, from all over the floor. As a freshman, this season, he is averaging 21 points per game and shooting 40% from beyond the 3-point line. Smith plays with the utmost confidence in his abilities as a shot maker, which he is. Playing alongside sophomore Justin Wright at Farmville Central, they form one of the more exciting back court duos in North Carolina. As his body continues to fill out, watch out, he could be chasing scoring records.
6'5' Redford Dunton (Heritage)
Dunton has all the tools already. He has length, ball skills and athleticism to be a high level player. He is playing at a school, Heritage High School, that is set up to win a lot of games with a lot of talent. Last season Heritage sent a player to Roanoke and MIT and this year will send players to East Carolina and Virginia Tech. Dunton is next in line and will be the man for this team next year, moving forward. Look for his recruitment to follow in line with Heritage players presently as he continues to grow, both in frame and confidence. As the 4th option on a state championship contending team, Dunton is averaging 7.5 points and 4 rebounds, shooting 64% from the field and 58% from three.
6'1' Brock Williams (Burlington Christian)
Williams is the fourth leading scorer overall in North Carolina high school basketball. He is averaging 29.9 points per game, putting up season highs of 41, 39, 38 and 37 single game totals. Williams has made 206 field goals (22 threes) and 98 free throws so far this season. He is a quick and shifty guard who is able to get himself open and plays with the utmost confidence off the bounce. This should be a big summer for Williams as he is right on the verge of moving himself onto the national stage. There is no denying the fireworks he has provided this high school season, as only a freshman. Exciting player.
