Open Gym Tour: Wakefield High School

<p>Wakefield High School was one of the top teams in North Carolina this past season. They posted a record of 24-5 while going 9-1 in the Northern Carolina Conference. They made it to the third round of the 4A State Tournament as well before falling to South Central High School but 2019-20 will look a lot differently. Here's an early look at some things to keep an eye on for the Wolverines.</p> <h5>Size will be at a premium</h5> <p>Last season, Wakefield had 6-foot-5 <strong>Elijah Shabazz</strong>, 6-foot-9<strong> Kharye Cayne</strong> and 6-foot-7 <strong>Jawon Eddie</strong> in their rotation. This season, size will be at a premium for them. It shouldn't slow down guys like 2020s <strong>Brenon Rogers</strong> and <strong>Vernon Fraley Jr.</strong>, both of whom can create off the dribble and score from anywhere on the floor but with a majority of their production gone from 2018-19, it will be interesting to see who will step up.</p> <p>Three players to keep eyes on off the wing are 2020s <strong>Colby Parcell, Tommy Petruccione</strong> and <strong>George Hill</strong>. They were reserves this past season but are expected to step in and play key roles. Parcell can shoot the cover off the ball as can Petruccione. Hill is a solid slasher that can play above the rim and should also be one of their best defenders in 2019-20.</p> <p>2021 wing<strong> Harper Strickland</strong> is a player that can play big when needed, so he may be another player that's expected to play inside and out. He can rebound and get to the rim as well. </p> <p>With a different lineup in 2019-20, Wakefield will have some adjusting to do but they still have some experienced returners ready to make noise.  </p> <h5>Underclass men will need to step up</h5> <p>The Wolverines will have some upperclassmen on the team in 2020s<strong> Brenon Rogers</strong> and <strong>Vernon Fraley Jr.</strong> but they'll also have some young players that will need to fill the void. 2022 point guard <strong>Carson Cryer</strong> will be one key prospect to look out for for them. He's a small guard but plays big with his confident handles and shot-making ability. </p> <p><strong>Jaxon Brown</strong> is another 2022 prospect due for a strong year in the backcourt. He's a strong guard that defends and scores at a high level. He had a strong summer with CEBA alongside Cryer on the AAU circuit.</p> <p>2022 forwards <strong>Javarious Neyland</strong> is one of the bigger players so he's one player who could be thrown in the fire in the frontcourt. He's got nice size at about 6-foot-4 or so. 2022 <strong>Liam Witchey</strong> is due for a solid season as he gets back into the swing of things. He played JV last season.</p> <h3>Some freshmen could crack the varsity squad</h3> <p>Don't be surprised if Wakefield has some freshman on the varsity squad, either. One player that could potentially make waves on varsity is 2023 wing<strong> Jalen Yancey</strong>. Yancey is a player that's well beyond his years with his ability to handle the ball and make plays. He has the potential to crack the rotation on varsity.</p> <p>A few other 2023 prospects who could crack the varsity squad are<strong> Cameron Spencer</strong> and <strong>Nakhi Benjamin</strong>. Spencer and Benjamin are two guards that bring their own style of play to the table.</p> <p>Spencer is a guard that leads with his play. He has a shot at being a key role player in the Wakefield program. Benjamin is a prospect that can get to the rim with his athleticism and plays with confidence. He's got a bright future as well.</p>