Underclassmen Post Players to Watch

<p>These talented post men will dominate the painted area as they continue to rise up the ranks. </p> <h4><strong>Jamylan Blakeney – 6’7”, 185 lbs – Forest Hills High School - 2021</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jamylan has a chance to be special. He’s long, athletic, and comfortable on the perimeter. He’s got a good feel for his age, can defend multiple positions, and is a presence inside defensively. He’s got a tendency to make himself small when finishing inside – double clutching instead of using his length to finish over defenders, which may be a product of being on the lighter side. However, with his mobility, ability to catch a rebound off the rim and push it in transition, see the court and make the right pass – coupled with his size and athleticism as well as the quality of program that Forest Hills offers (2018 2A State Champions and currently in 5</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> round of NCHSAA playoffs) – Jamylan is well on his way towards the rarified air of high major-dom. </span></p> <h4><strong>Justus Shelton – 6’9”, 190 lbs – Mountain Heritage High School - 2020</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Shelton could be a steal for the right program. Mountain Heritage has a strong program, but hasn’t been a traditional stop on the recruiting trail for many D1’s. Justus has a chance to change that, however. He’s got a good feel for establishing early post position and getting his defender on his hip, and he has the soft hands needed to catch and finish in traffic. What’s more, he’s mobile and can step outside a bit. He does a good job of remaining vertical while contesting defensively. His limited athleticism may scare some programs away – he’s not coming from the weakside to put shots on the glass – but if I’m a low major coach, I’m heading to Burnsville to check him out. </span></p> <h4><strong>Dontrez Styles – 6’7”, 205 lbs – Kinston High School – 2021</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Styles is next up among Kinston’s long line of homegrown hoopers. He can score at three levels, with tremendous athleticism, good length, a muscular frame and a fundamentally sound shooting stroke. He shows a pace and feel for the game beyond his years. He’s got a high level face-up game, playing off jabs, quick rips, and step backs – he knows how to get his shot off. It’s immediately obvious that Dontrez has spent a lot of time working on his craft – hopefully he gets more comfortable banging and finishing through (or over) contact. This guy is a special player – I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on Tobacco Road before too long. </span></p> <h4><strong>Zyun Reeves – 6’8”, 210 lbs – East Forsyth High School – 2021</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here’s a hot take: Zyun Reeves will be an ACC recruit. While he may not be on any rankings lists just yet, Zyun has tools that can’t be taught. He has pace with his back to the basket, can finish with either hand, good feet and a variety of moves and finishes inside. At a solidly built 6’8”, he is a difference maker on both ends. He’s got soft, reliable hands, the ability to pass out of the post, and a willingness to mix it up inside. Zyun is a DUDE – playing for former Wake Forest assistant Mike Muse, he has just begun to touch his potential. </span></p> <h4><strong>Jakob Moore – 6’6”, 215 lbs – Mount Tabor High School – 2020</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jakob is a PLAYER. Physical, good hands, good size, finishes well above the rim – I love his game. He is a pogo stick, too – gets up fast! Attacks the ball, whether it’s a pass or a rebound in traffic, he is going to get it. Versatile, can handle it enough to push it in transition, athletic and has a high motor – he will likely add to the storied tradition at Mount Tabor under Coach Andy Muse. Winston Salem has a bevy of talented young guys – Jakob stands out as someone to know if you’re a mid-major coach. </span></p> <h4><strong>Omarion Bodrick – 6’6”, 180 lbs – Independence High School – 2021</strong></h4> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A contributor off the bench to one of the top teams in the state regardless of classification, Omarion is always around the ball. He’s long as can be, a high flyer, and plays with a sense of urgency. He’s shown the ability to make passes and reads off penetration, block shots and rebound at a high level. While he may have played behind Murray State-bound Matthew Smith to this point in his career, he’ll have the opportunity to expand his game in his final two seasons. I’m betting he will do just that – ensuring Independence remains a force with which to be reckoned in NC basketball. </span></p>