Open Gym Tour: Apex Friendship High School

<p>On Monday, I stopped by Apex Friendship High School to get an early glimpse at a team that I consider to be a contender for the 4A State Title. They posted a record of 22-7, making it to the second round of the 4A State Championship playoffs before falling to the Wakefield Wolverines. </p> <p>Now, they're back and stronger than ever with NC State commit <strong>Nick Farrar</strong> leading the way. They've got length, defense and depth, which are all things that should carry them a long way in 2019-20.</p> <h4>Potential Starters</h4> <p>Farrar is big-time forward that's a double-double machine that's due to damage in the South Wake Athletic Conference. 2020 guards <strong>Jayden Beloti</strong> and <strong>Jeremiah Baker</strong> are right behind him with their abilities to get to the rim and knock down outside shots. </p> <p>Beloti is lengthy guard at 6-foot-4 that creates turnovers on the wing with his length and quickness on defense. He's attacking the rim looking to finish above it nine times out of 10. So far, he's drawn interest from Barton, UNC-Pembroke, Lander, Young Harris College and SMU. </p> <p>Baker is an explosive point guard prospect due for a breakout senior season. He can get to the rim whenever he wants and is in position to be the best point guard in the SWAC. He's going to be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders all season long. He's drawing interest from Barton, Catawba, Lander, Mount Olive and North Carolina Central.</p> <p>That's not all for their backcourt, either. 2021 guard<strong> Kenny Noland</strong> is another prospect drawing interest from college programs with his ability to create off the dribble, score on all three levels and get to the rim. He's heard from Wyoming, New Mexico and Appalachian State. </p> <p>2020 guard <strong>Jackson Spencer</strong> is the epitome of big things coming in small packages. He's listed at just 5-foot-9 but is a scrappy defender and quite the sharpshooter with the ball in his hands. </p> <h4>Potential Reserves</h4> <p>As far as potential reserves, 2020 guard <strong>Tyler Gilbert</strong>, 2021s<strong> Luke Proctor, Trey Scheckler</strong> and <strong>Cole Ganim</strong> are due to contribute mightily to their stacked rotation. Gilbert is a heady sharpshooter that can handle the basketball and turn things up on defense. Proctor is a backup point guard that uses pump fakes and pass fakes well to get shots off. He's another lights out shooter that teams don't want to leave open. </p> <p>Sheckler is a scrappy guard that isn't scared to get his nose dirty on defense. He defends at a high level and can get to the rim off the dribble with his aggressive style. Ganim is an underrated athlete that's really emerging as a slasher and a sharpshooter. He can knock down the 3-ball but isn't afraid to play above the rim using his length at 6-foot-3.</p> <p>There's sure to be some additions to the lineup but the Patriots already have a strong nucleus returning that's focused and hungry to get back on the hardwood with the high school season approaching. </p>