Nation Ford (Fort Mill, SC)
SCHSL 5A
330 PM vs. Hartsville at Ben Lippen School in Columbia, SC
Nation Ford got better this season, that is a fact. They picked up one transfer, but their development came in the improvement of their current players. They return everyone from last season's team with their best three players now being juniors.
Zeb Graham, a 6'1 junior, has always been their best player. But now 6'8 junior Khydarius Smith and 6'3 senior Eric Moulds have each jumped up leaps and bounds in their games and confidence. They have a pair of 6'9 seniors with Travell Crosby and Landon Murray and they have junior Sean McCabe all back. When you add in 6'4 junior transfer Shamon Alston, it makes sense why this team has so much hype behind it.
Heading into this week, Nation Ford is the second ranked 5A team in the state of South Carolina. Their talent level is off the charts (as laid out in the paragraph above) and their depth is profound, on down the bench.
Here are the players to watch for.
6'1' 2019 Zeb Graham
Graham is one of the most productive players in the entire state of South Carolina. He plays with an unwavering confidence that pairs great with his skill set and jet-quick speed. Six games into the year, Graham is averaging 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals per game. He has deep range and the ability to create shots all over in the half court. Graham is a tireless worker and also a great student (3.7 GPA). He currently carries offers from Hampton and Presbyterian, that list should expand greatly as he is seen. Fans should pile in for this show as Zeb is worth the price of admission.
6'8' 2019 Khydarius Smith
Smith may be one of the most improved players across the South Carolina landscape this season. The lefty has always had the tools, great length, very bouncy and advanced ball skills, however now the light has seemed to come on. He now stands a sturdy and lengthy 6'8'. He is able to face up from the wing of the high post and attack. He is a good rebounder and shot blocker, already gathering a triple/double this season. He is averaging 12 points, 12 rebounds, 6 blocks and 3 assists per game. Smith has an offer from Hampton, his trajectory is going straight up.
6'3' Unsigned Senior Eric Moulds
Moulds comes from an athletic family as his father played for 12 season in the NFL. Moulds has taken a big step forward this season and is looked to as a big scorer for the team. Moulds has a strong build and the ability to score the ball, confidently and multiple levels. In order for Nation Ford to make the run that they are expecting to make in the playoffs, Moulds is a key factor. With no offers in hand, look for his recruitment to make a jump as well.