Legacy Charter has made a nice buzz for themselves over the last couple of seasons. They have had players such as Juwan Evans, Dorian Pinson, and Gage Ellis come through the program and help to win a lot of games.
Those players have now moved on and a new crop of guys are looking to carry forward. Legacy is a public charter school (unaffiliated in the SC Public School League) located in Greenville, South Carolina. They have a great weight room and their court is a two level one. Very nice facilities.
Legacy Charter will be playing in the Phenom National Showcase on November 13/14 at Forsyth Country Day School. This season Head Coach BJ Jackson brought in a new assistant coach, James Simpkins who came from Chowan by way of Genesis Academy. New players, new coaching staff additions, and nice facilities things are looking up for Legacy
The Stud
Without question, Junior Nick Claxton has taken a major step forward. Over the last year, he has grown from 6’7” to pushing 6’10”. He has also grown in aggressiveness and confidence around the rim. So far the likes of South Carolina, Georgetown, Baylor, Temple, NC State and many others have been through to see him. He picked up Southern Cal, Temple, and Murray State offers. The lefty is very long, he is very skilled, and he is very thin. He is a Top 100 type, who will continue to get better with the upside of Top 50 and beyond.
The Athletes
There is no question this team has elite athletes on the wing. The point guards here will have a lot of fun throwing the ball toward the rim and letting these guys go get it. 6’5” Senior Jashaun Smith carries an explosive 40” vertical. When he gets downhill, he can put his head on the rim. Smith carries offers from Longwood, Toledo, Norfolk St, NC A&T, and Alcorn St.6’2” Senior Deshaun Leftwich is one to watch as a potential breakout. He had a great summer with Team Charlotte, the explosive SG also has deft touch with deep, confident range.
The Leader
5’10” Junior Iziah James participated in the Virginia Top 80 this year, as he played for state championship winning Cape Henry. James transferred to Legacy Charter for his senior year and will be tasked with the job of running the team. James is up for the task, he is a dogged on ball defender and very vocal in practice. While others may post better numbers, don’t overlook the leadership of James on this team.
The Glue
A new that we came across in this open gym is 6’5” Senior Miguel Priest. A transfer from Michigan, Priest is a versatile wing, who puts up stats across the line. Priest, a left, has a thick frame and is a willing rebounder. He has good straight line athleticism and is a very good passer. While he probably won’t lead the team in any one category, he will be among the team’s leaders in most categories.