As we get closer to the playoffs, there’s no better time to take a closer look at what teams are shaping up to contend or emerge as darkhorse candidates. One could argue that this year has some of the most loaded private school classifications ever. Each classification has its own grouping of teams that would’ve been odds-on favorites in years past. However, the newly realigned classifications have made public school playoffs a bit different from what we’ve come to expect. Currently sitting at 19-2, it feels like Huss should be considered the top team in NCHSAA 5A. Let’s take a closer look…
It probably goes without saying, but Jaleel Smith is a massive reason why this team has ascended to new heights. His production speaks for itself, but it doesn’t encompass his incredible combination of IQ, leadership, and competitiveness. Smith is a legitimate all-around player who dominates the game in a variety of different ways. He scores the ball at an efficient, yet nonstop rate from all levels while actively creating for others and making intelligent decisions with the ball in his hands. Smith displays phenomenal pace and a crafty handle, which allows him to basically generate clean looks from anywhere on the floor. He’s a quality athlete with a sharp change of direction and more explosiveness than initially meets the eye. Furthermore, Smith defends with intensity and toughness, and forces turnovers at a quality rate. He truly wants to destroy opponents. Add in his strong rebounding, especially for his position, and it’s easy to see all the things that should make him a nationally recognized prospect.
Although his cohort above receives a lot of the headlines, Zii Phillips continues to solidify himself as an extremely valuable piece to the Huskies’ success. He embraces a lot of the playmaking duties and operates as an interchangeable floor general alongside Smith. Phillips is a smart, tough, well-rounded guard who does a healthy amount of everything on the court. He knocks down jumpers at a high percentage, applies pressure as a penetrating threat, and sets up others exceptionally well. Phillips is a reliable defender with the physicality and instincts to cause a ton of problems for opponents. He also rebounds his position well. Expect scholarship-level coaches to get involved sooner than later.
Rounding out their core grouping, guys like Zach Anderson, Ametrius McCoy, OB Lockhart, and Antonio Griggs each play vital roles for the Huskies. Anderson is a glue-guy who provides a valuable scoring punch and does a little bit of everything on the court. McCoy is a tough, athletic forward who excels at doing the dirty work and making hustle plays on both ends of the floor. Lockhart and Griggs both find success through their ability to fill in the gaps within the flow of the action. Ultimately, this team has the star power and depth of talent to win it all. They’ve been tested with several notable opponents throughout the season, which should only prepare them for the upcoming month