NCHSAA 3A East Preview – Who To Watch?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up is our 3A class, starting with the eastern part of the state. These are five of the schools we believe are the ones to watch this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seventy-First- Xavier Tubbs-Matthews has left but that does not mean anything with regards to the talent that is still at 71st. [player_tooltip player_id='1323453' first='Jared' last='Davis'] is a strong interior scorer that should greatly increase his averages of 13/8 last year. He does a lot of dirty work down low, whether its outmuscling defenders, rebounding the ball, or making energy plays. Expect his name to blow up as they find success. [player_tooltip player_id='1168305' first='James' last='Scott'] is a mobile, rim-running big man who shows great ability in the pick and roll and play above the rim. He is springy, athletic, and can cover the court which helps him on both ends. <strong>DeAndre Nance</strong> is a great quarterback under the lights but will bring that same leadership ability to the court this year, as well as a solid three point shot that will help complement this teams interior scoring ability. [player_tooltip player_id='1130146' first='Randy' last='Dockery'] is a combo guard who prides himself on his defense and his hustle, but an underrated aspect of his game is his playmaking. Expect him to be a key part of the offense this year. This team may have lost its star, but their depth and talent should not change their ability to make a state championship again this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northwood- [player_tooltip player_id='1115509' first='Drake' last='Powell'] is a name every NC hoops fan should know, especially after his in-state commitment to UNC this September. He is a big point guard who is a two-way monster, shutting down players with his length and athleticism on the defensive end and using that on the offensive end to finish strong around the rim and in the mid-range. His biggest weakness still is his outside shot, but if that is improved, this kid is a top player nationally. Supporting Powell will be [player_tooltip player_id='1144259' first='Fred' last='Whitaker'], who is a shifty guard that plays the point a lot outside of Northwood and will continue to for the Chargers. He is a transition nightmare with his agility and quickness, and brings a different kind of defensive acumen than Powell, using his quickness and size to his advantage instead of insane length. [player_tooltip player_id='1489674' first='Kenan' last='Parrish'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1352123' first='Max' last='Frazier'] are two bigs that provide different skillsets and upside; Parrish as a big, strong, rugged guy who can score from 15 feet in, and Frazier is an athletic finisher who uses length as a slashing 4 man. This group is super talented and we should see them finish near the top of the pile once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rocky Mount- The Gryphons were a younger team last year and return almost all of their pieces to make a run once again. [player_tooltip player_id='854919' first='Jamal' last='Townsend'] is a balanced guard who loves playing defense and rebounding the ball on both ends. Offensively, he makes solid plays on the interior and knocks down foul shots with consistency. <strong>Malik Hill</strong> is a shifty smaller guard that attacks passing lanes and is big in transition; he will be a problem for opposing teams. He can also shoot the ball with some consistency as well which is a plus. [player_tooltip player_id='1046009' first='Deandre' last='Lynch'] is a 6'3 mountain who will be a source of physicality down low, both on the offensive and defensive glass. With a bunch of two sport athletes, you cannot complain with a big guy to bully opposing bigs. The Mount's guard play will be key to their success, and Townsend and Hill should be able to provide that with a bang this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southern Durham- [player_tooltip player_id='1225444' first='Jackson' last='Keith'] will be the leader of this Spartans team as he returns for Year 2. He is one of the top prospects in the 2025 class and for good reason; he is so polished as a sophomore and really checks every box. He can shoot it, score it inside, make plays for teammates, and put his above average athleticism to good use. He is going to be a great college player. His running mate is a really underrated name in my opinion in 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1454624' first='Camren' last='Daniels']. He's got great size as an off-ball guard or wing, and he's a lefty that can really shoot it when he gets going and can do it from all over the floor. <strong>Anthony Mebane</strong> is a football player first, but uses his physicality and some skill to be a good rebounder and interior presence for this squad. Keith and Daniels will combine to win this team a lot of games, and even if they aren't title favorites, they will be fun to watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First Flight- First Flight largely has the Dobie family to thank for its contending status this year. Big brother [player_tooltip player_id='854893' first='Isaac' last='Dobie'] is a good sized knockdown shooter that confidence in bundles and is a joy to watch when he starts to feel it. When defenders start to tightly guard him, he then attacks off the bounce with ease. Little brother [player_tooltip player_id='1220133' first='Mason' last='Dobie'] is a bit more of a playmaker, but he too is not afraid to let it fly from deep. Both kids will be a terror for opponents outside the arc this year. Their supporting cast is solid, highlighted by bigger body <strong>Eli Hawk</strong> who will help the brothers rebound and defend the paint. However, this team is going to start and end with Isaac and Mason almost every night; how much of a leap they take will help determine a lot of the Nighthawks season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check back later for the 3A West preview!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->