NCHSAA 1A: The Contender Series

<h5>The high school basketball season is underway in the state of North Carolina. Take a look at the NCHSAA 1A contenders in the first edition of the Contender Series.</h5> <h5> </h5> <h5>East Wake Academy</h5> <p><strong>Charlie Whitley</strong>, <strong>Bryant Pierce</strong> and <strong>Tanner Pate</strong> are a senior trio off to a 3-0 start to the 2021-22 season over at East Wake Academy. Whitley has been a double-double machine and paint stopper on the defense end while Pierce and Pate have done their own thing in the backcourt. They’re an early squad to keep an eye on with games against Neuse Charter (12/10) and Franklinton (12/15) coming up which should keep them unbeaten.</p> <h5>Bessemer City</h5> <p>Growing pains have worked out for the Bessemer City Yellow Jackets. After going 6-6 in 2020-21, they’re 5-0 on the young season, well on pace to trump last year’s win-total and then some. 2023s [player_tooltip player_id="1326638" first="Keyshawn" last="Adams"] and <strong>Randall Pettus</strong> are a few names to keep an eye on for them this season.</p> <h5>Wilson Prep</h5> <p>Last year’s NCHSAA 1A champion is back and ready for more with 2022 guard Christian Battle leading the charge. They’re 1-0 on the season with games against North Edgecombe (12/7), Rocky Mount Prep (12/10) and Camden County (12/11) in a busy 3-game week. 2024s [player_tooltip player_id="1220103" first="David" last="Ellis II"], [player_tooltip player_id="1104960" first="Brandon" last="Anderson"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1076358" first="Daidien" last="Sutton"] are some early young names to track for them.</p> <h5>Chatham Charter</h5> <p>Chatham Charter got their first real test this past Friday in a 53-52 loss to Uwharrie Charter. 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="1257290" first="Adam" last="Harvey"] leads the way for a squad that’s already 8-1 in 2021-22. They’ve got a blend of old and young names that should gel by season’s end. 2025s Brennan Oldham and [player_tooltip player_id="1225618" first="Beau" last="Harvey"] are also one’s to watch.</p> <h5>KIPP Pride</h5> <p>2023s [player_tooltip player_id="955855" first="Chicale" last="Ward"] and [player_tooltip player_id="854922" first="Khyelle" last="Ingram"] are quite the dynamic duo back at KIPP Pride High. Ward is a 6-foot-5 prospect that’s still coming into his own on the hardwood as a two-way presence. Ingram is a lot more deliberate with the ball, looking to make plays for himself and others and also boasts a strong frame allowing him to defend inside and out. They’re off to a 2-0 start in 2021-22.</p>