Way-Too-Early Preview: Northern Athletic Conference Power Rankings

<p>The Northern Athletic Conference could see a shift in power during the 2019-20 season. Here's a look at some way-too-early power rankings heading into a new basketball year.</p> <h4>Heritage</h4> <p>With seniors <strong>Tre Waller</strong> and <strong>Alvin Campbell</strong> and juniors<strong> Red Dunton</strong> and <strong>Lucas Taylor</strong> all back, it's hard to pick against the Huskies in the NAC. They beat Wakefield early in February 2019 and return two players that combined for 31.6 points per game in Dunton and Taylor. They'll be fun to watch in 2019-20.</p> <h5>Rolesville</h5> <p>Rolesville could surprise a lot of people this upcoming season if they can figure things out with <strong>Darien Long, Brandon Johnson, Stefon McLeod</strong> and others on the floor. They've got some hidden talent that can be successful with the right chemistry.</p> <h5>Wakefield</h5> <p>The Wakefield Wildcats went 9-1 in NAC play this past season but they'll be without <strong>Trae Smith, Elijah Shabazz, Darius Everett</strong> and <strong>Nyeem Smiley</strong>, key contributors to last year's 23-5 squad. <strong>Vernon Fraley Jr.</strong> and <strong>Brenon Rogers</strong> will be back though, two players that should have big seasons but there are still holes to fill.</p> <h5>Knightdale</h5> <p>The Knightdale Knights will be a young team in 2019-20 but they shouldn't be short on talent with 2021 <strong>Rodney Ellis</strong> and others returning. 2023 guard <strong>Quasim Oden</strong> is a player who could crack the varsity rotation and one to keep an eye on as well. Don't be surprised if they show up a few teams in conference action.</p> <h5>Corinth Holders</h5> <p>The Corinth Holders Pirates went winless in NAC play this past season at 0-10. They could find themselves back at the bottom of the conference, though a few more wins wouldn't be a bad result. Senior guards <strong>Marcus Bland</strong> and <strong>Justin Stephens</strong> are a few players to watch this season.</p> <h5>Wake Forest</h5> <p>Wake Forest posted a record of 2-8 in Northern Athletic play in 2018-19. They'll return just four players from this past season's rotation, making projections a bit gloomy for 2019-20. One player who could contribute mightily is <strong>Andres Prince</strong>.</p>