Around the State : Richland County District 2 Underclassmen
The underclassmen in Richland County District 2 have already made great noise with college coaches. Here are some players to watch out for in the years to come.
Omar Cook (2019) – Richland Northeast HS
Cook 6’4 has a nice mid-range game from 12-14 feet. Cook has the ability to slash to the basket and really likes to attack it from the right side every time.
Malcolm Wilson (2019) – Ridge View HS
Wilson 6’11 has really came into his own over the past year for the Blazers. Wilson plays with Upward Stars Southeast 2019 on the AAU Circuit. Wilson has received offers from Clemson, South Carolina and Virginia Commonwealth. Wilson a long and slender athlete can really change a game on the defensive end with altering and challenging shots.
Walyn Napper (2019) – Ridge View HS
Napper a driving guard plays more like a combo. Napper penetrates into the the gaps very well and finds the open man. Napper 6’1 a football player started off his high school career at Westwood HS. Napper played AAU this past summer with Team South Carolina. Napper has received interest from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Crosby James (2019) – Ridge View HS
James 5’10 point guard had a great summer for the Upward Stars Columbia squad. James really likes to attack the basket when given the chance. James should see some quality minutes this season for a very young Blazers squad.
Joseph McKenny (2019) – Ridge View HS
McKenny 5’10 is a left-handed guard that can really defend on the ball. The Blazers have a lot of talent this coming season and a alot of pieces to the puzzle on this roster.
Charles “Tre” Jackson (2019) – Blythewood HS
Jackson has had a great summer for Team South Carolina. Jackson has picked up scholarship offers from the University of Southern Mississippi, South Carolina State and Coastal Carolina this summer. Jackson a guard plays at a great pace on the floor and really can take charges it seems like on command. Jackson has great quicks and keeps the ball on a string. Jackson likes the ball in his hands during clutch situations on the floor.
Jackson averaged 14.2 ppg last season for the Bengals.
Jalen Watson (2019) – Westwood HS
Watson tends to play off the ball with Jones in the back court. Watson a shooting guard must get stronger with the ball in his hands. Watson ran AAU with the Carolina Wolves and Head Coach Major Williamson. Watson is the son of former South Carolina Gamecock Jamie Watson.
Russell Jones (2019) – Westwood HS (pictured on front)
Jones is a water bug on the floor that likes to create havoc. Jones 5’8 has great handles with his ability to keep the ball low to the floor. Jones played this summer with Team South Carolina on the AAU Circuit and Head Coach Bryan Brown. Jones and Jackson were a nightmare for teams at time this summer in the same back court.
Prep Hoops will take a look at more young kids in this school district in the future. The future is very bright here in the Midlands with talent.