Opportunity is undeniably important. Each year, we see various coaches and players take a leap of faith, embrace a new situation, and parlay it into success. While glory is far from guaranteed, those who put in the work and correctly approach the process tend to yield positive results. As the high school season nears closer, we will be taking a closer look at some up-and-coming programs throughout North Carolina. Although they are getting somewhat overlooked by the masses, first-year head coach Rae Villines and his new collection of talent at Cresset Christian is definitely a group worthy of attention. Let’s take a closer look at some of their core pieces…
The Eagles will receive valuable veteran leadership from seniors Jalen Sheppard and Cassius Lee. Sheppard is long, wiry, and athletic with nice size and creation skills. He’s able to mix it up from all levels, showing the ability to hit jumpers from midrange, beyond the arc, and attack the basket at a healthy rate. Sheppard scores the ball with consistency, but also displays vision and a willingness to make the extra pass when available. He’s a scrappy defender with anticipation for forcing turnovers and making plays in transition. Sheppard should have a very productive year. Meanwhile, Lee should be able to impact all facets of the game as a connecting piece and glue-guy. He understands how to play hard and naturally fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Lee displays feel, unselfishness, and an adaptable identity.
Given our viewings of Adrian Long, he should definitely shine as a key piece for this group. He’s a big, strong, physical wing with the size, motor, and low-maintenance identity to do a lot of different things on the court. Long is capable of defending multiple positions, outworking opponents on the glass, and making hustle plays as needed. He finishes well through contact and knows how to make his presence felt in transition.
Rounding out their core, young guys like Cavion Stokes and JT Williams have the makings of foundational pieces for this program. Stokes is entering his sophomore year as a smart, unselfish floor general with nice vision and quickness. He’s a heady guard with open-floor speed and the desire to make the right decision with the ball in his hands. Stokes defends the point of attack with energy and toughness. The lone freshman, Williams, has a chance to rapidly trend upward over these next few years. He’s a dynamic guard with the quickness, creation skills, and scoring polish to be a legitimate focal point for this group. Williams is a crafty ball-handler, useful passer, and aggressive scorer from all levels. He knows how to break down defenders to consistently generate clean looks for himself and others. Though Williams is more than capable of filling it up as a scorer, he’s also a capable rebounder and pesky defender with great instincts. Expect this group to surprise folks over the next few months.