NC Basketball: Standout 2023 Performers

<p>It’s never easy for sophomores to contribute right away on the varsity level, but they’re present. Here’s a look at some sophomore prospects playing well during the 2020-21 season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="854884" first="Bryce" last="Cash"] | 6’6 Wing/Forward | Charlotte Christian</strong></p> <p>Cash is one of the top scorers in the 2023 class so far through the 2020-21 season, producing 24.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.8 rpg and 2.5 spg through the first four contests for Charlotte Christian. He keeps elevating his play with each game this season. He posted 35 points on 15-of-19 shooting from the free throw stripe to power his squad to a double-overtime victory over Wesleyan Christian. His stock will rise as the years progress.</p> <p><strong>Jesse Mitchell | 6’3 Forward/Wing | Grace Christian</strong></p> <p>Mitchell has been a double-double machine for Grace Christian School in Sanford in 2020-21. He’s put up four double-doubles across their first nine games this season and is averaging 20.9 ppg, 9.6 ppg, 1.8 spg and 1.6 apg while shooting 60 percent from the field. D2/D3 Colleges in need of an off-ball threat will want to take a look.</p> <p><strong>Josiah Watkins | 6’1 Guard | Burlington Christian</strong></p> <p>Watkins has been a solid piece in the backcourt alongside [player_tooltip player_id="574410" first="Brock" last="Williams"] for Burlington Christian Academy. He’s produced 16.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.2 spg nd 2.8 apg as they’re 4-1 on the season. He already has two games of 20+ points including one where he went 8-of-11 from the field. He’s got a nice blend of athleticism and length to compete on both ends.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="992925" first="Steven" last="Lassiter"] | 6’6 Forward | Trinity Christian</strong></p> <p>Lassiter has fit in well with the Trinity Christian rotation entering his sophomore season. He’s averaging 12.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg and 1.2 apg in his first year in the rotation for the Crusaders. He’s been a steady double-figure threat in their frontcourt as well as a presence on the glass at 6-foot-5.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1062124" first="Jai" last="Williams"] | 6’2 Guard | Living Water Christian</strong></p> <p>Williams is an athletic, wiry guard with tons of games. He’s averaging 14.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.7 spg and 1.0 apg while showing off his burst to the rim and ability to finish in the paint. He’s got nice length and a solid feel for the game on the defensive end and off the bounce on offense.</p>