HS Team Preview: Wheeler

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wheeler brings back a star-studded roster this season and will compete at a national level once again. Since arriving in 2017, Larry Thompson has done an excellent job with this Wheeler program, maintaining winning traditions and producing high-level talent year in and year out. This year's team will be led by [player_tooltip player_id='820278' first='Isaiah' last='Collier'] and Arrinten Paige, both of which are top-50 players nationally. Behind them will be 6-8 more D1 prospects. Altogether, it's hard to find a team as talent-stacked as Wheeler will be this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Roster</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 6'3 PG [player_tooltip player_id='820278' first='Isaiah' last='Collier']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collier heads into his senior season looking to prove himself as the best player in the country. The playmaking guard loves to push the pace and throws the lob as well as any guard in the country. After adding strength and athleticism in the offseason, Collier will be in for a huge year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 6'9 F/C</strong> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1201530' first='Arrinten' last='Page']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arrinten Paige is the perfect running mate for [player_tooltip player_id='820278' first='Isaiah' last='Collier'], having played together a lot in recent years and building a special chemistry together. The 6'9 big plays well in the pick and role and plays above the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 6'6 G [player_tooltip player_id='820289' first='Jelani' last='Hamilton']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='820289' first='Jelani' last='Hamilton']'s transfer to Wheeler has flown somewhat under the radar but he will be a huge piece of their team, especially competing nationally. Hamilton provides nice size on the wing and can really shoot the ball. Currently committed to Iowa State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 6'11 F [player_tooltip player_id='1559286' first='Josh' last='Hill']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1559286' first='Josh' last='Hill'] is a big time 2024 forward that'll share the front court with Paige. Hill is rangy and athletic at 6'11, runs the floor well, and is a capable outside shooter. Holds offers from Alabama, UGA &amp; more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 6'4 G [player_tooltip player_id='1299498' first='Julian' last='Ormond']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ormond is another perimeter player that can score in a variety of ways. He's strong on the drive where he uses his solid frame well and can also knock down the 3 consistently. Looks like a promising college prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023 6'4 G Damion Mitchell</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Damion Mitchell will provide valuable effort on the defensive end and another scoring option on the perimeter. The senior guard will be a key role-player this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 6'3 G [player_tooltip player_id='1201629' first='Ricky' last='McKenzie']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1201629' first='Ricky' last='McKenzie'] transfers over from Walker and will add more depth to an already loaded backcourt. His wide skillset allows him to do a lot of different things on the court so it'll be interesting to see how he's utilized. Holds an offer from Western Carolina.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2026 6'3 G Kota Suttle</strong> <strong>Jr.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Suttle has been a major stock-riser this summer, playing extremely well for Wheeler while Collier was injured. The freshman guard will likely see some good varsity minutes this year and take over the point when Collier graduates. Holds offers from Howard &amp; Radford.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->