After nearly six months of summer basketball, the travel season has ended and the yearly shift towards high school hoops has finally begun. Although there is still a lot of basketball going on between camps, fall leagues, and other preseason jamborees, this is typically the quietest time of the year for the grassroots community. Which, in turn, means there’s no better time to start highlighting individuals who have the tools and ability to be breakout players over the next eight months. While this notion could certainly apply to a variety of prospects, the emphasis is primarily on younger guys with an increased role, new school situation, or those who simply take the next step in their progression. Let’s take a closer look at Jeremiah Harper (Trinity Christian/Team Loaded) and everything he brings to a team…
Perhaps due to untimely injuries or being overshadowed by other players in bigger areas, Harper continues to quietly solidify himself as one of the more underrated prospects throughout North Carolina. Between his quality athleticism, smooth scoring polish, and rugged defensive prowess, it’s easy to see all the ways he impacts the game on both ends of the floor. Harper handles the ball effectively as a main creator, sees the floor very well as a passer, and fills it up as a scorer from all levels. He’s quick and crafty enough to consistently attack defenders off the bounce and put pressure on the basket. Harper finishes well through contact and above the rim, but also knocks down jumpers at a strong rate and locates open teammates whenever available. He’s a quality threat in transition, both with and without the ball, who picks his spots well. Harper’s malleable skillset allows him to effectively initiate the offense and create for others or find scoring opportunities from either guard spot.
Although it’s easy to be entranced by his offensive abilities, Harper’s impact ranges beyond his polished skillset. He’s a very capable defender with the size, physicality, and instincts to cause problems for opposing guards. Harper plays with nice energy and puts himself in position to make his presence felt. He rebounds his position well and knows how to reliably push the break as needed. Harper’s steady emergence combined with the team structure at Trinity Christian should make him one of the more likely breakout candidates in the state. Expect college coaches to start laying groundwork over these next few months.