We have been hitting the road over the last week, touching base with teams around the state of North Carolina and seeing the talent that will be on display this high school season. There have been new names and rising stars that have caught our attention, as in this article, we focus on a few players that could be in for BIG seasons with their program. If you don’t know them yet, you will soon enough.
2022 MJ Collins (Westminster Catawba)
We spoke about Collins and then did an interview with him… this young man looks to be on a mission this year and he showed it during the open gym. Collins was scoring at will and showing his ability to take over a game. Whether it was rising up over defenders with a hand in his face, creating off the dribble, showcasing his athleticism on the floor, or impacting the game on the boards or defense, Collins displayed that he is ready for a big year at Westminster Catawba and we are thinking the same thing. Hokie fans got themselves a good one.
2023 Silas Demary Jr. (Liberty Heights)
With a new team, Demary is looking to continue to have a big season now with Liberty Heights. The strong, physical point guard has only gotten stronger and will be playing on an even bigger stage under Coach Wright. Demary had a huge season last year at Millbrook and carried that into this season with Team Curry. Now, it is time to help at Liberty. With Demary and Elijah Jamison playing, it is going to spell trouble for opponents, especially with Demary’s ability to create, play physically, create for himself, and absolutely get after it on defense. College coaches came this summer his way and expect more to start rolling through.
2024 6’5 Sir Mohammed (Myers Park)
Mohammed could be one of the prime breakout candidates in the city of Charlotte. If you don’t know his name, you will soon enough. Mohammed is a 6’5 strong and athletic prospect that makes an impact in an array of ways. Offensively, he can play multiple positions, play on and off the ball, create for himself, and either use his strong frame to bully defenders or use his athleticism to finish. He also gets after it defensively as well. When watching him this summer and now in the open gym, Mohammed looks poised and is a vocal leader for this team. He is looking to make his name even bigger this upcoming season as well.
2023 6’5 Jakwon Moore (Word of God)
You want to talk about a player that looks and plays the part of someone much older, Jakwon Moore is that guy. He is one of the strongest prospects in the state of North Carolina at 6’5 and is also one of the most exciting players with his blend of power and athleticism; literally thought he was going to break a rim during the open practice on multiple occasions. And with the work ethic he has put in on his overall offensive game and jump shot from multiple levels, college coaches should be swarming his way. It is just easy to see with this young man.
2022 6’0 Willie Lightfoot (NC GBB)
A newcomer from Sunrise Christian, Lightfoot looks to be a huge difference-maker for GBB in what he can provide on the floor. First off, he provides them a point guard that loves to facilitate and make plays for others. Lightfoot uses his quickness to create off the dribble while also showcasing terrific court awareness to set up his teammates. He also has a strong offensive game in creating his own shot or knocking down jumpers from multiple levels. That doesn’t mention maybe one of his biggest qualities which is his ability to lock down on defense and turn defense into offense for his team. One of the better on-ball defenders I saw in Week 1 and expect Lightfoot to be a terrific addition to North Carolina this season.