NC Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo: Akiem’s Primetime Performers (Part 2)
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The Hoop State is called the Hoop State for a reason. So one could expect when Prep Hoops would stage its Top 250 Expo in said state that it would be a very competitive occasion – and it was. The…
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Continue ReadingThe Hoop State is called the Hoop State for a reason. So one could expect when Prep Hoops would stage its Top 250 Expo in said state that it would be a very competitive occasion – and it was.
The Charlotte area was hit hard by Hurricane Ian, but the following day, Prep Hoops staged its scheduled Top 250 at Carolina Courts in Concord, just outside of Charlotte. Only one other Top 250 occurred and that was in Illinois at the Romeoville Athletic Center – also where this year’s Prep Girls Hoops 2K22 took place back in July.
Here are more standouts who turned in impressive performances in Concord.
This Bally sport is a real McCoy that made the trek to Carolina Courts from M413 School of the Future HS in New York City’s Manhattan borough. He is listed at an even six feet and fuses together experience as a veteran with playmaking ability and a high basketball IQ. McCoy displays his efficiency with the ball in his hand by attacking the basket and can come through with shooting ability. McCoy can also make things happen in the midrange game. New York (both City and State) are known for putting out top-tier hoops talent and McCoy appears to be another one of those names to watch from the Empire State.
Highlights
Because of Freeman making Hoop State hoops fans forget that he is a freshman, he was a key cog in the Panthers’ first double-digit winning season since 2016-17. The 2A North Johnson bunch won 11 games last season. Among Freeman’s strong suits is what he can get done in the midrange game along with his ability to make tough shots. He is an at-will scorer that can also grab plenty of rebounds by using his six foot frame to his advantage. Defensively, he is a threat to steal the ball and create extra possessions for his team and also comes through as a rebounder and ball distributor.
Highlights
Many a Hoop State basketball talker will likely say the name Stalker in their basketball analysis. He is listed at 6-foot-2 and is a vocal leader for his team. Stalker does plenty of the little things that do not always show up on a stat sheet such as diving for loose balls and looking to save balls from going out of bounds to preserve offensive possessions. Stalker also displays impressive handles and brings an unselfish attitude to every game he plays in. He is an all-around playmaker that can come up big anywhere on the court – including near the basket for high-percentage shot attempts.
One of the oldest basketball maxims continues to be true – there are plenty of elements about the game that can be coached but one that cannot is height. Durham brings a 6-foot-4 height advantage to every game he plays in and uses it excellently to his benefit. In addition to his skills as a rebounder, he gets set perfectly near the rim to convert on high-percentage shot tries. Durham regularly finds himself at the right place at the right time and consistently converts his offensive boards into two-point putbacks. He also thrives as a shot blocker. He worked his way up from junior varsity two seasons ago to the big squad last season. Big Nate will be a big name to watch as he takes the court in Vipers green and black this coming season.