Team Preview: Greensboro Day

<em><strong>Greensboro Day School</strong></em> remains the powerhouse in the NCISAA 3A and on the national level. The Bengals return 7 of their top 8 players, including 4 of 5 starters, from last year's team that went 28-5. 6 of the 7 returning players were all on the 2015 NCISAA 3A State Championship team that made an appearance at the 2015 Dick's Sporting Goods National High School Tournament. Needless to say, they return a lot of experience. 4 Seniors will play pivotal roles for the Bengals during the 16-17 year: Jordan Perkins, JP Moorman, Solomon Smith, and Pearce Landry. 6-1 PG <em><strong>Jordan Perkins</strong></em> '17, has committed to play at North Carolina Central University in 2017 for Coach LeVelle Moton. Jordan has continued to improve his play showing his skills this summer on the Under Armor Circuit playing for Team Felton alongside UNC-commit Jalek Felton. Despite being deep at the point guard position on Team Felton, Jordan showcased his ball handling skills, play making ability and his ability to knock down big shots from beyond the 3-point arc. Jordan is ranked the #27 by PrepHoops. Point-Forward, 6-7 <em><strong>JP Moorman's</strong></em> '17, stock has continually risen over the last year. He received 25+ offers and has narrowed his list down to Richmond, Temple, Cincinnati, UNC-Wilmington and Georgia Tech. He will begin taking his officials this fall. His versatility and play making ability will allow him to lead this deep Bengals squad this year. He will create many mismatches depending on where is playing on the court. JP helped Team CP3 win The Eight in Las Vegas this summer. JP is rated as the #3 by PrepHoops. 6-3 SG<em><strong> Pearce Landry</strong></em> '17, can absolutely light it up from deep. Pearce leads the team in 3-pt field goal percentage. Do not leave him open or he will knock it down! Pearce was named Big Shots Myrtle Beach Tournament MVP in 2015. Pearce's dad played basketball at North Carolina during the mid 90's. 6-5 Forward, <em><strong>Solomon Smith</strong></em> '17 will be a force on the block. Very few are willing to take a charge on the defensive end like Solomon. His soft touch from 15 feet in makes his a force on the offensive end. We expect his recruiting to pick up this year. The Bengals' depth is extended by the Class of 2018: Will Dillard, John Newman, and Alex Michael. 6-3 G<em><strong> Will Dillard</strong></em> '18 has been on everyone's radar since CP3 camp as a 7th grader when his wind-mill dunk was Sportscenter's Top Play. You will not find a better defender in the state, maybe in the nation. No player gets lower and understands defensive principles better that Will, which often lead to his highlight dunks. Will has offers from Wake Forest, UNC-Charlotte, Appalachian State, Old Dominion, and Presbyterian (where his brother plays). He is receiving more interest from Clemson as well as a few others. Will is ranked the #9 player in the state by PrepHoops. 6-6 SG, <em><strong>John Newman</strong></em> '18, who attended the Nike Elite 100 camp in June, had a great summer and his stock continues to rise. He gives teammate, Will Dillard, a tough run for his money as best-defender in the state as he boasts an impressive wing-span. He has offers from Wake Forest, Clemson, Boston College, UNC-Charlotte, James Madison (where his father played), Providence, Cincinnati and Old Dominion. John is ranked by PrepHoops as the #5 player in the state. 6-5 SG, <em><strong>Alex Michael</strong></em> '18 also had a great summer and colleges are starting to take notice. Alex is a knockdown shooter and his range from the 3 point arc have vastly improved in the last year. His understanding of team defensive principles makes it hard for coaches to not have him on the floor. Alex is receiving interest from Wofford, Winthrop, and Radford. Alex is ranked # 55 by PrepHoops for the Class of 2018. Will, John, and Alex's chemistry is furthered by the fact that they have all played on CP3 together for many years. 6-2 SG, <em><strong>Tristan Perry</strong></em> '19, is ranked as The Bengals expect him to make a big impact off the bench this year. Greensboro Day School is again playing a national schedule. Scheduled games include rival Wesleyan Christian, and reigning state champs, Providence Day. They start the season at the Phenom National High School Showcase in Lewisville, NC. For the second consecutive year, they will play in the Chick-Fil-A Classic in Columbia, SC, before returning home and going for their 6th consecutive HAECO Invitational Championship in Greensboro, NC. In January they will head to Springfield, MA to take on La Lumiere (IN) in the HoopHall Classic and will wrap up their national schedule with a trip to Atlanta, GA to play in the Peachtree Corners Invitational. Conference play will be tough in February and then they hope to make their way back to the 3A state championship game where they've been 5 of the last 6 years. Another trip to the Dick's National Tournament would be the ideal finish to their season. 'Tradition' is one word that is often associated with Greensboro Day School. Each year, they graduate players who go to compete at the next level. They've sent over 50 players onto play at the collegiate level including 16 in the last 5 years. They have won the PACIS conference 24 times and have made the NCISAA state championship games 16 times, wining it a record 8 times in the short 46-year history of the school. Coach Freddy Johnson will be in his 40th season as Head Coach of the Varsity Boys' Basketball team at Greensboro Day School. Coach Johnson has amassed 958 wins in his career at GDS and has won 8 NCISAA state championships in 16 appearances. This past May, Coach Johnson was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. Any coach will tell you that the Bengals always come prepared to play. Expect the Greensboro Day School Bengals to stay at the top of the state and national rankings throughout the 16-17 year. Experience and leadership will take this team to another level. They will be a joy to watch