NC Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo: Akiem’s Primetime Performers (Part 1)
In this article:
The calendar has shifted from September to October. It is almost time for the stars of the prep basketball realm to take to the court for their high school teams, but not before they engage in one more tune-up prior…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe calendar has shifted from September to October. It is almost time for the stars of the prep basketball realm to take to the court for their high school teams, but not before they engage in one more tune-up prior to the start of the season.
This year’s Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo emanated from Carolina Courts in Concord – just outside of Charlotte. The event still took place despite the after effects of Hurricane Ian on the southeast. Only one other state hosted a Top 250 – Illinois at the Romeoville Athletic Center (also site of this year’s Prep Girls Hoops 2k22).
Who were a few of the standouts who made great impressions in the Charlotte suburbs? Here is a look at a few.
The locals in Concord are used to seeing stellar performances from a No. 18. It was the number he wore for Saturday’s event and Tyler kept his motor going all day at Carolina Courts. He is an efficient player who always keeps his heads up on the defensive end. He can switch on who he is defending and never lets who he is guarding out of his sight. Offensively, he can shoot the ball from long range and also attacks the rim with tenacity. Tyler can be described in many ways as a pure point guard. He played his middle school basketball at Princeton MS and will be part of a 2A Bulldogs team that finished 12-7 last season.
Highlights
It may be easy to get the South Brunswick HS in North Carolina confused with the South Brunswick HS in New Jersey where Antoine has played at the preps level. Listed at 5-foot-8, he is skilled with his ball handling capabilities and can make things happen when he attacks the basket. Antoine plays the game on contact and is willing to take his chances at the free throw line. He can get creative with how he finishes at the rim and also will haul in rebounds. Antoine, an at-will scorer, will be one to watch in the coming season as his high school career nears what is poised to be an exciting conclusion.
Perry has experience balling out in both Carolinas as he previously wore the uniform of Comenius School in South Carolina. He excels as a passer and also has a midrange jumper as part of his overall offensive arsenal. He primarily plays in the backcourt as a guard and can be described as an efficient playmaker whenever he is on the court. He has no problems getting his arms out to throw off an opponent’s shot as well. Defensively, opposing ball carriers have to watch out for him as he is a threat to steal the ball and create additional possessions for his team.
Highlights
During the AAU months, Quick has worn the uniform of Underrated Athletes. He has also worn that of Lake Norman Christian and is bringing his solid talents to a Knights team that finished 23-9 last season. Quick brings a heads up mentality to every game he plays and can attack the rim with a great deal of tenacity. He can make plays from anywhere on the court included near the rim and thrives as a mover and distributor of the ball. His scoring prowess includes the ability to make shots in the midrange game, drain his 3-point attempts and make tough shots close to the basket against a defender. He also has no problems absorbing contact and getting to the free throw line.