WNC’s Top Returning Guards
Western North Carolina is slowly becoming a hot bed for players that have the ability to play college level basketball again. Here is a look at some of the top returning guards in the western part of the state.
Isaiah Pruett– 5’9 2018 PG-Pruett came onto the PrepHoops radar after a huge night against one of the state’s top senior point guard prospects Quay Kimble. Pruett scored 26 points on the Lees-McRae commit. Pruett was selected as a All-WNC selection this
Isaiah Pruettpast season as a junior at Reynolds High School in Asheville. He is starting to get some low-level Division One and Division Two looks. He is a quick floor-general that sees the floor well and knows how to get to the paint and either score or make the right pass.
Deacon Heath-6’0 2018 SG-Heath, a rising senior at Avery County High School was named All-District 1st team this past season. He is a scoring guard who has a college level shot. Lees-McRae has already offered Heath who is playing with EA Prep Stars this spring/summer. He scored 36 points earlier this season in a win over Hayesville High School. He helped Avery County High School to a record 48 straight conference wins.
Jake Smith-6’2 2019 SG-Smith is a gym rat, he plays hard on every possession and was the best player on the floor for Enka High School this past year. He has a streaky shot and can get hot in a hurry. He has as high basketball IQ and is fundamentally sound. He does not make mistakes with the ball in his hands. With his size at 6-foot-2, Smith should be able to play at the Division One level.
Tyrese Thompson-6’1 2020 SG-Thompson had a great freshman season at Asheville High School this past season. He was a double-figure scorer for the Cougars throughout the season. He is a skilled guard with good size for his age. He will be a player to watch over the next three seasons in the Asheville area.
Raishaun Brown-6’0 2019 PG-Brown is one of those players that makes you take a second look at because of how hard he plays. He goes at it on both ends of the floor and is just a winner. He knows how to score the basketball when he has it in his hands. He is a good shooter and has great court vision and instincts that allow him to be a great passer. He has transferred to Asheville Christian Academy and will team up with one of WNC’s top recruits, Caleb Mills at his new school.