6’3 ’28 Noah Dulin (Davie County)
It’s easy to see how much Dulin has blossomed as an all-around focal point for this group. The lefty shot-maker is a terrific athlete with ball skills, creation instincts, and the ability to fill it up in a variety of ways. Dulin handles the ball well to generate shots for himself and others, and has the necessary vision to set up others in scoring positions. That being said, he’s more than comfortable asserting himself and applying strong pressure from all levels. Dulin offers a nice mix of threes, pull-ups, and finishes at (or above) the rim. He defends, rebounds, and knows how to play with or without the ball in his hands. Dulin should be poised for an extremely productive season.
6’6 ’27 Avery Hicks (Wakefield)
The appeal with a prospect like Hicks should be fairly obvious, as he possesses a very enticing combination of size, skill, and athleticism. At 6-foot-6, he has the versatility to impact all facets of the game. Hicks can assume ball-handling duties, create for himself and others, or find success without the ball in his hands. He’s able to score the ball in several ways, but doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact. Hicks is also a reliable rebounder and switchable defender with the physical tools to cause problems for opponents in both areas. Although he should already be enticing to scholarship-level programs, Hicks still has plenty of upside remaining.
6’4 ’28 Fleet Payne (Marvin Ridge)
There’s certainly a lot to like about Payne and everything he brings as a highly malleable piece. He’s a very smooth shooter with terrific size and the ability to make his presence felt with or without the ball in his hands. Payne is a useful creator who can initiate the offense, create off the bounce, and make smart decisions with the ball in his hands. He’s a lethal spot-up option who can fill it up, attack closeouts, and make the extra pass. Payne is a capable scorer from all levels and mixes it up enough to keep defenses guessing. In addition to his well-rounded skillset, he’s a solid defender and rebounder with the size and effort to regularly outwork opponents. Expect him to have a notable junior season.
6’3 ’28 Gary Grear (Pine Lake Prep)
Anyone who has watched Pine Lake Prep knows that Grear is the clear and undisputed leader of this group. He’s a big, smart, strong-bodied guard who operates extremely well as the main creator and overall source of offense. Despite his unassuming nature, Grear is a real gamer who always seems to outwork and outproduce his competition. He’s an excellent playmaker who effortlessly penetrates and finishes through contact or locates the open man. Grear is at his best when getting downhill and putting pressure on the basket, but is capable of knocking down midrange jumpers at a quality rate. He also battles for rebounds and offers a scrappy defensive presence. Clearly the offensive hub for this squad, Grear should have another very productive year.