NC Hoops: 2021/22 Talent on the Rise, Pt II

<p>The state of North Carolina continues to carry on the game of basketball through strict Covid-19 protocols. Here’s a look at Part II of some prospects in the 2021 and 2022 class in the North Carolina.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="838045" first="Trae" last="Benham"] | 6’3 Guard/Wing | Concord Academy | 2021</strong></p> <p>Concord Academy has already taken two early losses but it hasn’t slow down Lipsomb-bound guard [player_tooltip player_id="838045" first="Trae" last="Benham"]. He’s still producing 22.8 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 1.8 spg as they boast a 3-2 record on the season in the early going. He’s a three-level scorer that gets after it at all times when he’s on the floor. He’s going to be fun to track at the next level.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="838054" first="T.J." last="Mills"] | 6’3 Guard | Quality Education Academy | 2021</strong></p> <p>Mills has shown no sins of slowing down since joining the Quality Education rotation. He’s a prospect that can operate on all three levels and create for himself with no issue on the floor. He’s a quick and shifty guard that finishes in traffic and creates havoc on defense. App State has offered him.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="932116" first="LJ" last="Johnson"] | 6’2 Guard | United Faith Christian Academy | 2021</strong></p> <p>Johnson has grown into quite the combo guard at United Faith Christian as they’re 6-2 in 2020-21. He’s putting up 10.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.0 apg and 1.1 spg in their backcourt and showing he can create and get to the free throw line to be a factor on the court. He’s been one surprise in the United Faith rotation.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="838062" first="Glynn" last="Hubbard III"] | 6’2 Point Guard | Northside Christian Academy</strong></p> <p>Hubbard is an exciting guard to watch that doesn’t try to overdo things with the ball in his hands. He does well to find ways to score but will also look to be unselfish and get teammates going in order to get a victory. He’s an under the radar guy that’s slowly growing into more. UAB, Florida Atlantic and Samford have offered him.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="932129" first="Xavier" last="McKelvy"] | 6’2 Guard | United Faith Christian Academy | 2022</strong></p> <p>McKelvy is an explosive guard that likes to drive to the paint and finish in traffic. He leads the way for his squad with 21.6 ppg to go along with 7.8 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.8 spg and 1.4 bpg. He’s a dynamic athlete that loves to play above the rim and use his length to make an impact on the game. He’s a prospect college coaches want to get eyes on.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="945050" first="D.J." last="Cuttino"] | 6’1 Guard | Hickory Grove Christian | 2022</strong></p> <p>Cuttino has shown that he can fill it up from deep and then some this season for Hickory Grove Christian. He’s putting up 21.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.4 spg and 2.2 apg entering his junior campaign. He’s shown he’s more than prepared to take on a leading role on the offensive end, with his shot selection coming along as well.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1062097" first="Malachi" last="Travis"] | 6’1 Guard | New Life Christian Academy | 2022</strong></p> <p>Travis has been a familiar face from the grassroots stage and has shown he’s developing with 17.0 ppg and 3.0 rpg this season with New Life Christian. He put up 19 points and knocked four 3-pointers in their 78-74 victory over Grace Christian in their most recent win, showing his consistency as a three level scorer from the grassroots scene over to the high school season.</p>