Arendell Parrott Academy: Open Gym
Coach Wells Gulledge is building a strong basketball program at Parrott Academy in Kinston, NC. His current group of guys have been playing together for a few years now, so a leap could be expected soon. At their most recent…
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Continue ReadingCoach Wells Gulledge is building a strong basketball program at Parrott Academy in Kinston, NC. His current group of guys have been playing together for a few years now, so a leap could be expected soon. At their most recent open gym, I was able to see how much further along his team was from last season. This current team didn’t lose many to graduation. Many players have improved skill, experience, bodies and mentalities. Should turn out to be quite an exciting season. Some key standouts from their latest open gym are listed below.
2018: Kris Wooten is a 6’2” deadeye marksman both off the catch and off the dribble. Extremely underrated scoring guard in Eastern North Carolina. Wouldn’t be shocked if he was to pick up a couple of D2 offers this season. Showed an improved handle to go along with his already accurate jump-shot from mid-range and long range. Surprisingly shifty off the dribble and keeps defenders reeling with step-back moves, hesitations and crossovers. Will not surprise me in the least if he averages well over 20 points per game. A solid defender, with improved defensive intensity college coaches will swarm him.
2017: Patrick Mayo is a 5’9” point guard that has everything it takes to run a team at the next level. Whether it’s protecting the ball while running a play or getting into the paint, he gets it. Very savvy point guard with a high basketball IQ. D3 schools will love him. Works extremely hard, doesn’t make a ton of mistakes, protects the ball and makes shots from every level of the floor. Converts acrobatic finishes at the rim and has great pace.
2019: Harrison McLawhorn is a young 6’7” post player that has a nose for the ball. He always seems to be in position to rebound the ball. Has visibly shed a few pounds since his freshman season. Runs the floor, crashes the glass and in transition he can now play above the rim. Loads of potential with this kid. Was all over the floor in the open gym workout. Intriguing young big with room to grow.
2018: Andrew Banker is another 6’3” shooting guard for this Parrott team that can flat out stroke the basketball! Showed a much improved handle and ability to create off the dribble. Is getting to the rim at a higher rate than he did as a sophomore and could be primed for a breakout junior season. His combination of good size, shooting ability and improving ball-handling could make him combined with Wooten quite a dynamic duo for Parrott Academy these next two seasons. D2 and D3 should make their interest known before long.
2020: JJ Williams is a 5’7” freshman point guard with a lot of promise. In the open gym setting, he played with much poise, great pace and under control. If you didn’t ask, you would have thought he was a senior playing at the point guard spot. Makes sound decisions, has a smooth array of hesitations and rarely turns the ball over, even under immense pressure. Will be one to watch over the next couple of years.