From the Sideline
Five Impact Freshman
One thing is for certain, the state of North Carolina is loaded with tremendous basketball talent at every level and class. This year, the freshman class of 2021 is no exception. Today, we take a closer look at five impact freshmen.
6’0 KJ Garrett (Caldwell Academy)
Back in November at the Phenom High School Jamboree, we wrote the following.” KJ Garrett is definitely one to put in your SIM CARD.” The talented freshman caught our attention at the Phenom Southern Jam Fest at the July NCAA Live Period. We’re talking about a strong frame point guard that has all the tools. He plays with poise, maturity, not to mention excellent court vision. Coach McDuffie stated, “KJ is a quick on quick point that plays beyond his years” KJ is crafty with the dribble and around the rim as he is able to finish with contact. He is one to keep on your radar.” This season, he is averaging 18.5 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.0 RPG, and 2.9 SPG. To say the least, these are impressive numbers and
his play has been instrumental in Caldwell’s 10-6 record.
5’11 Breon Pass (Reidsville HS)
Breon has advanced ball handling and passing skills for his age/grade. He has the ability to score from all three levels. He’s crafty, cagey and competitive. Breon has excellent quickness, but changes speeds exceptionally well. For the season, Breon is averaging 15.9 PPG, 3.3 APG, 5.6 RPG, AND 3.0 SPG. In addition, he is an excellent rebounder for his size and is a tough/scrappy defender. Breon’s father stands close to 6’4 so we expect further growth and development. He has a long slender frame with good length for his current height. More importantly, Breon is a tireless worker and one that will just keep getting better and better.
6’4 Chris Ford (North Mecklenburg)
Coach Duane Lewis has developed a juggernaut in Huntersville and has enjoyed an endless pipeline of division one players. Currently, North Mecklenburg is ranked number one in the Phenom Hoop Report NCHSAA Sweet 16 poll dated 1-8-18. While North Mecklenburg has two high major upperclassmen in 6’8 junior Jae’lyn Withers and 6’2 super sophomore Tristian Maxwell, they are getting great contributions from 6’4 frosh Chris Ford. Simply put, Ford is having a monster year and is in line for the next top prospect out of North Mecklenburg. He is constantly putting up big time numbers and his
most impressive performance was against nationally ranked Huntington Prep where he
tallied 22 points and seven rebounds. He’s a tough as nails competitor and his blue-collar
approach on the court will quickly win over the hearts of collegiate coaches.
6’3 Carson McCorkle (Greensboro Day)
To say Carson McCorkle is advanced for his age/grade would be a gross understatement. Playing for legendary coach Freddy Johnson, McCorkle is as good as advertised. Sporting offers from Iowa and NC State, look for his stock to continue to climb on the national level. What’s even more important to understand is McCorkle is a high IQ player that simply knows how to play the game the right way. He’s a consummate team player and his smarts/wits will help win a lot of games. In our opinion, he’s in the perfect situation, he is playing beside the likes of Johnny Newman (Clemson) and Will Dillard (Georgia Southern)
and has blended in quite well.
6’1 Cole Sinclair (Durham Academy)
Last year as an eighth grader, Cole Sinclair got key minutes for a very good Durham Academy team. This season, Durham Academy sports a 12-3 record and is now ranked in the Phenom Hoop Report NCISA Sweet 16 rankings. First of all, we’re talking about a physically mature/strong frame point guard. He has always played with a high motor and competitive nature. He is relentless in attacking the rim and has also embraced the idea of being the team’s floor general. This season, Sinclair is averaging 7.5 PPG, but brings countless intangibles and attributes to the table