Open Gym Tour: Wakefield High School
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…
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Continue ReadingWakefield 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.
Size will be at a premium
Last season, Wakefield had 6-foot-5 Elijah Shabazz, 6-foot-9 Kharye Cayne and 6-foot-7 Jawon Eddie in their rotation. This season, size will be at a premium for them. It shouldn’t slow down guys like 2020s Brenon Rogers and Vernon Fraley Jr., 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.
Three players to keep eyes on off the wing are 2020s Colby Parcell, Tommy Petruccione and George Hill. 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.
2021 wing Harper Strickland 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.
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.
Underclass men will need to step up
The Wolverines will have some upperclassmen on the team in 2020s Brenon Rogers and Vernon Fraley Jr. but they’ll also have some young players that will need to fill the void. 2022 point guard Carson Cryer 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.
Jaxon Brown 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.
2022 forwards Javarious Neyland 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 Liam Witchey is due for a solid season as he gets back into the swing of things. He played JV last season.
Some freshmen could crack the varsity squad
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 Jalen Yancey. 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.
A few other 2023 prospects who could crack the varsity squad are Cameron Spencer and Nakhi Benjamin. Spencer and Benjamin are two guards that bring their own style of play to the table.
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.