NCHSAA 3A: The Contender Series, 2nd Edition

<h5>The New Year rolls on and brings us a new brand of contenders to keep eyes on in the second half of the season. Here’s a look at the 2nd edition of The Contender Series for NCHSAA 3A squads.</h5> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5>Central Cabarrus High (13-0)</h5> <p>Central Cabarrus High has high hopes on their season as they remain unbeaten heading into the New Year, boasting a 3-0 conference record already. Their guard trio of [player_tooltip player_id="1218085" first="Jaiden" last="Thompson"], [player_tooltip player_id="1154633" first="Chase" last="Daniel"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1158774" first="Carson" last="Daniel"] has proven to be a formidable one as they continue to fill up the stat-sheet and continue to do damage as they did this past grassroots season. Thompson is putting up 20.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.2 spg and 2.8 apg as an instant-offense threat at the lead guard role. The Daniel twins have been playmakers of their own as they’re averaging a combined 9.4 apg along with roughly 28+ ppg. They’re a dynamic duo that makes an impact on both ends of the floor.</p> <h5>South Central High (10-1)</h5> <p>South Central High returns in 2021-22 looking to return to their winning ways after Covid slowed things down. They’re off to a 10-1 start led by [player_tooltip player_id="577851" first="Omar" last="Harris"], [player_tooltip player_id="848081" first="Joe" last="Thompson"] and [player_tooltip player_id="848084" first="Neeko" last="Taylor"], a trio of talented unsigned seniors. Thompson is a strong lead guard, averaging 15.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 2.0 apg. Harris is an emerging wing prospect that’s shown his growth as a scorer and rebounder, putting up 12.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 2.7 apg. Taylor is averaging 11.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 3.7 apg as a threat on the wing. They’re a sizeable bunch with the ability to overwhelm teams on defense. They’re due to make a deep run in this year’s state playoffs and certain a squad to keep an eye on. On Jan. 26, they’ll square off again against JH Rose, the one loss on their schedule already, which should make for an exciting matchup. This Saturday, they’re a featured squad in the 252 vs. 919 Winter Classic at Washington High when they’ll face Word of God Academy.</p> <h5>West Carteret High (10-2)</h5> <p>West Carteret is a talented bunch that returns looking to make another deep run in the state playoffs after making last year’s Final Four. Big man [player_tooltip player_id="1032848" first="Jaxon" last="Ellingsworth"] is an impressive inside-out threat that’s put up solid production as a rebounder and presence around the rim. [player_tooltip player_id="1049154" first="Dylan" last="McBride"] (2023) and Shane Graves (2022) are two other prospects to keep eyes on as well. Graves is a 6-foot-4 forward that can operate in the paint. McBride is a crafty guard that makes plays with the ball in his hands. They’re a well-coached bunch due to make their presence felt in 2021-22.</p> <h5>Seventy-First High (7-2)</h5> <p>Seventy-First High has a number of 2023 prospects that re playing strong as they’re off to a 2-0 start to conference action heading into 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="1168305" first="James" last="Scott"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1323453" first="Jared" last="Davis"] are leading the way in the frontcourt while [player_tooltip player_id="1130146" first="Randy" last="Dockery"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1068193" first="Xavier" last="Tubbs"] are their leaders in the backcourt. Scott is averaging 15.3 ppg, 12.6 rpg and 2.9 bpg. Davis is producing 14.3 ppg and 6.6 rpg. Tubbs has fit in nicely in the backcourt with 12.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.2 apg. [player_tooltip player_id="1323454" first="Jakoi" last="Hassell"] leads the way with 3.3 apg. The chemistry is there for this squad to be a very strong one when the playoffs arrive.</p> <h5>Enka High (11-1)</h5> <p>The Enka Jets have been a pleasant surprise on the 3A stage and with an 11-1 record and a 3-game winning streak on the horizon, they enter the New Year on the up and up. Junior guards Jacob Tiller and [player_tooltip player_id="1027996" first="Jacob" last="Adair"] are two names that are playing well for them in the backcourt. Ian King is the frontcourt name to know as he’s putting up 14.8 ppg, 9.7 rpg and 1.1 apg, using his 6-foot-6 frame to make an impact on the floor. They’re an under-the-radar squad that could be a strong playoff squad very soon.</p> <h5> </h5>