Heritage High School
Wake Forest, NC
2017-18: 25-5 (10-0) – Lost in NCHSAA 4A State Championship Game
Northern 4A
The Future
Even though most of the fire power was lost off the team who made it to the 4A state championship game, they return a Top 10 player in North Carolina’s 2021 class in 6’6” Redford Dunton. Dunton is ready for a breakout year and for the state to take notice. As a freshman, Dunton averaged 7 points on 50% shooting from the field and 40% from 3. Look for those scoring totals to multiply by 2 to 3. He is tracking as a high major recruit and his confidence is absolutely taking off. He needs to take on a leadership role here, but the sky is the limit for this explosive wing.
The Breakout
6’5” 2021 Lucas Taylor played in all 30 game last season, as a freshman. He was only 6’2 at that time. This year, he is playing a big role on the varsity team and has grown 3 inches. Taylor is a noted shooter, with deep range and a quick release. He is also a good athlete and carries some toughness with him. Taylor jumps from bench player to the second option this year’s team. But he has the look of a guy who is ready for that role. Watch closely here.
Who Has to Step Up
Dunton and Taylor are known commodities, but in order for Hertiage to have the type of season they expect, a transfer and a point guard will have to step up. Look for 5’10” 2020 Trey Waller to be that point guard. Waller has the look of a leader, a captain type, that has everyone’s ear. He is also the player who hit the game winning 3-pointer last season against Garner, to advance to the state championship game. Waller knows no fear, plays with a great pace and absolutely carries a flame thrower with him. Look for his 6 points per game to double.
Also, they received the good news of a transfer from Wake Forest High School when 6’5” 2019 Quandre Bullock showed up. Bullock is athletic, lengthy and can shoot the ball. He will play great along side the current crop of players as a two way, 3 & D type guy. Watch for his recruitment to pick up as well, he is one that D2s should be looking closely at.
Outlook
Heritage High School went on a pretty magical run last year. It was the culmination of a group of players who had been together since their freshman seasons. This year, the team got younger (no we did not say less talented, we said younger). Head Coach Tilden Brill is a great young basketball mind and will have his guys ready. They have a brutal early schedule but will be ready come conference.
If these young players can step up to the plate and knock down shots like they are capable of, this team could be one of the surprises in 4A come playoff time. They will need games and minutes, they will learn, but the talent level is there with multiple D1 and other scholarship level guys on the court. This year they will be interesting, next year they should be favorites.