Porter Guad (SC) Vs. Mt Zion (NC)
There are many reasons why this game is one to watch, if nothing more than it being two incredibly talented teams, who do not normally play one another, facing off. Each of these teams is loaded up with talent, having numerous guys going on to play (and already committed to) division 1 programs. They are off to fast starts, both jumping out to a 12-2 record. They both have very famous alums of the school…All in all, these two teams will be an unbelievably exciting matchup, with high-flying next level players making great plays.
Porter Gaud is widely recognized as one of the best teams, if not the best team, in the Carolinas. They have three seniors already committed to playing in college (Vanderbilt, Yale, New York U) and a junior who is one of the highest recruited players in the country. Senior Aaron Nesmith and junior Josiah James are both ranked among the nation's Top 100 in their respective classes. This two-time defending state champion is very well coached and they are used to winning.
Mt Zion has a storied history, producing player after player who went on to the highest level of Division 1 basketball. They have been finding their footing over the last couple of years, building itself back to national prominence this year. Senior forward Kevin Obanor is committed to Oral Roberts and four other players carry multiple Division 1 offers. They have incredible size and great athleticism across the board.
Looking at these two teams they have good histories, both having notable NBA players as alums. Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks graduated from Porter Gaud in 2009. NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady graduated from Mt Zion (NC) in 1997, where he jumped straight to the NBA
after graduation.
Looking at the individual matchups here, there are storylines across the board. Mt Zion should start 6'1 junior Elbert Ellis, 6'5 junior Mareng Gatkuath, 6'8 senior Cory Boyd, 6'8 senior Kevin Obanor and 6'10 senior Augustine Aminu. All of those players have Division 1 offers. Mt Zion has jumped out to a 12-2 record, traveling across the region playing against a national schedule.
Porter Gaud should start 6'7 junior Josiah James (ranked #31 by Rivals), 6' senior Jack Nutley, 6'6 senior Aaron Nesmith (Vanderbilt), 6'8 Harrison Whatley (NYU), and 6'9 senior Jake Lanford (Yale). Like Mt Zion, they have jumped out to a 12-2 record playing against national level teams and talent.
As you can see, there is not a lack of talent between these two teams. With Mt Zion having seven players who carry Division 1 offers and with Porter Gaud carrying five players who carry Division 1 offers (and two with Division 3 offers). What will open the casual fans eyes is the unbelievable athleticism and above the rim antics between these two teams.
These are the players the casual fan will be watching next year (and beyond) on television. However, not only will the casual fan be able to see these guys now, they will be moved out of their seats by their jaw-dropping explosion and athletic ability.
Both of these teams play so high above the rim. They get up and down the floor like gazelles and seem to walk through the air as they leap for highlight reel finishes. Fans, video cameras and coaches alike will want to get their seats early, this one will be one people will walk away talking about for years to come.