Hoke County HS Open Gym/Season Preview
The Hoke County Bucs finished the 2016/2017 season on a solid note, making a nice run in the playoffs before coming up short to Southwest Guilford who would go to win the State championship. Recently we stopped in to check the 2017/2018 version of the Bucks squad and we left the gym very impressed with what we saw. They lost a few players due to graduation but picked up two D1 caliber players that will help them to be just as good, if not better than last year. Speaking with Coach before and after the workout he stated that they are playing a very tough schedule during non conference time and will simply take it one game at a time.
Senior Forward Silas Love: Love is a LM/High D2 prospect that can stretch the floor very well and makes plays above the rim, he’s still raw but will be huge for the Bucks, has 20 & 10 per night potential.
Senior PG Dakari Johnson: Probably the biggest transfer for public schools in the area is Dakari, he’s a legit D1 PG that can score the ball in bunches, defend the opposing teams best player and be a floor general. This offseason he has put in the time to really get stronger and more athletic, D1 coaches should be all over him
Freshman Guard Jaquante Harris: The potential that this youngster has is absolutely scary! He already plays the game with confidence but is coachable, he’s quick and athletic and knows how to score over defenders of multiple heights and lengths. Go ahead and write down this name ASAP, because he will be one to turn heads this season.
Senior Forward Jalen Love: Jalen will be a huge part of the success of this squad as well, he is a solid rebounder and his size helps to clog the paint on the defensive end.
Senior Guard Jaleel Ray: Jaleel has put together a nice overall career at Hoke County, he has a gift for scoring the ball and seems to play better when the bright lights come on. He’s already receiving interest from numerous D2 programs.
Junior Guard Elijah Harris: Elijah is a veteran on this squad and with his work ethic we expect his production to be much better than last year. He can shoot the ball from deep, handle it under pressure and makes plays for others.
Sophomore Forward Angel Dean: Angel is still learning the game but he showed some flashes of how good of a player he can be, he’s physical and brings a workman attitude to the squad.