On the inaugural edition of “Brandon’s squads on the rise” we’ll look at a program on the come up based out of Winston- Salem, North Carolina.
Team Winston- Has been on fire this spring they’ve claimed a pair of tournament championships and most recently won the 17U title in the Phenom Hoops Tip-off Classic. They competed in arguably the toughest bracket assembled in the showcase, and went undefeated through pool play on the way to an impressive first place finish. The squad is a mix of talent from various areas around the triad where basketball roots run deep.
Star Watch– Daivien Williamson leads a loaded backcourt the Winston Salem Prep star is explosive, a true game changer he’s one of the top guards in the state hands down. His partner and running mate 6’5 Ant Hicks is also a stud in his own right, probably the most versatile kid on the team he can guard four positions. Hicks is naturally a point guard but with his size Coach Mike Russell utilizes him all over the court. Hicks puts on a show he’s a gifted passer, absolutely saucey with the handle, and a pretty solid athlete. This two point guard lineup is a tough matchup with an extra ball handler in at all times trapping and pressing them is difficult.
Biggest Strength– (Versatility), On the wings they have a combination of knockdown shooters and athletic slashers the coaching staff does a good job playing to each player’s strengths in situational lineups. Corey Rutherford is the top three point threat on the team, he’s truly a gunner but Rutherford will also use the pump fake to freeze defenders and blow pass them for easy points in the paint. Off the pine Deante Petree gives them a different element he’s really broken out in the live period.
Petree is a strong finisher at the rim he uses his stocky frame to fight off defenders and score through contact. This guy had quite a showing Petree’s biggest game came against the Sharp Shooters he dropped 24 points and snagged 10 boards to lead his side.
In the front court David Russell is the top scoring threat he’s the complete package, Russell has a reliable jumper, he’s good facing up, but will also put in on the floor and earn trips to the charity stripe. Defensively Brandon Hanna anchors the paint for Team Winston he has natural shot blocking instincts that a player can only be born with. Hanna is the toughness of the group he isn’t afraid to do the dirty work this man knows his role and embraces it.
X- Factor– Darrian Oates is very important because he’s the only true “pass first” floor general on the roster, when Oates is in the lineup their offense flourishes the ball never stops; the perfect distributor to compliment all these scorers. Oates the young facilitator also saw his offense really come alive he put the team on his back and dropped 24 in a big dub when they needed him most.
Looking Ahead– Right now this team is firing on all cylinders Team Winston has a very competitive travel schedule heading into the summer months. With a team full of legitimate D1/D2 prospects there is enough talent here to make some noise on a national level.