It is time to start talking and recognizing the loaded class of 2024 in North Carolina. Many may know some of the top names in the class but the class runs much deeper, that is why we are taking a look at the sophomores that have been impressive early on in high school. Today, we take a look at 2024 Frederico Whitaker from Northwood high school.
We recently saw Whitaker at our Phenom 150 camp, where he put on a tremendous show and caught the attention of many. He was averaging 17.3 throughout the camp and we had this to say after his performance:
He’s a smart, quick, heady point guard prospect with excellent vision, toughness, and three-level scoring ability. Whitaker is a suffocating on-ball defender and displays the ability to break down opponents and touch the paint at will. He thrives in transition but is more than capable of running a team in the half-court… Coach Doughty on Whitaker: “Fred is a star. He makes his presence felt. He’s a scorer, passer, penetrator, finisher, shooter, and defender. He makes the team go. He has the ability to guard his man for the length of the court and shut him down. Fred can shoot it from deep, both off the dribble or as a spot-up threat. He’s a terrific finisher in the lane with contact. Keep an eye on his progress.”
Whitaker has only continued to play well into the high school season at Northwood, as he is averaging nearly 14ppg, 4.4rpg, 3.8apg, and 4.0spg. He has been able to really elevate his game this season but he has really embraced his role with this team.
“The season has been going well,” Whitaker said. “Overall, I’m just excited to be playing once again. Stepping up as only a sophomore on a predominantly sophomore team made me become more of a leader and more assertive on and off the court. The role that I’ve embraced is becoming a leader and learning how to communicate on and off the floor. I embraced becoming a true point guard by expanding my game and learning ways to be the best me in order for me and my team to succeed.”
Playing alongside a player like 2024 Drake Powell has also really helped make the game easier on the court, as he and Whitaker really feed off each other.
“It has been amazing (playing with Powell), he does it all,” he said. “He makes the game easier for everyone around him and he is very talented. Both of us, in our own way, have stepped up and we really compliment each other well on the court.”
Whitaker is one of many sensational sophomores that are performing well this season in North Carolina.
