Though it’s probably common knowledge, the last few years have led to a lot of excitement for the Northwood Chargers. As a public school, it doesn’t get much better than having multiple NBA prospects (Drake Powell and one year of Jarin Stevenson) and competing for state titles on a yearly basis. However, it’s time for the next era. Last year’s senior-laden squad fell just short to Reidsville, but things could be different this season. The duo of Chad Graves and Cam Fowler will be entering the final year of their respective high school careers. Both have been key pieces for Northwood (and 1 of 1 Elite this summer), so let’s see what each guy brings to the table…
In looking at Graves, it feels like he’s still truly just beginning to harness his long-term abilities. He’s an incredibly long, fluid athlete with a strong, physically imposing interior presence on both ends of the floor. Graves’ blend of timing, mobility, and physicality allows him to protect the rim while controlling the glass as a rebounder. He’s capable of posting up and finishing, and takes advantage of his size against smaller opponents. Graves regularly plays above the rim for lobs and putbacks, but displays solid touch as well. He’s also shown flashes of being able to space the floor or attack from the wing, but he brings a lot of value in simply being a low-maintenance piece. Although Graves still has considerable upside remaining, he should already be a definite target for several types of scholarship-level programs.
Meanwhile, Fowler is an unbelievably consistent, reliable all-around piece. At 6-foot-5, he can legitimately do everything on the court. He initiates the offense and shows the ability to operate as a playmaker while applying constant scoring pressure within the flow of the action. Fowler is smart, tough, and unselfish with the ability to operate in various different roles on both ends of the floor. He plays hard and positions himself well to contain opponents defensively. Fowler can guard bigger or smaller opponents with relative ease. He possesses excellent athleticism and a high motor, which allows him to regularly secure rebounds, wreak havoc defensively, and make plays in transition. Fowler scores from all levels and creates effectively off the bounce, but also moves very well without the ball. He’s a natural glue-guy and leader by example who would be a fit with basically any team. Fowler is the type of guy every coach should want.