NCISAA 1A Top Performers of Non-Conference
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As we approach 2023, it’s time to discuss the top performers of the season so far as schools begin conference play. This will be part 1 of a multi-part series, so read more below for some of the associations best…
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Continue ReadingAs we approach 2023, it’s time to discuss the top performers of the season so far as schools begin conference play. This will be part 1 of a multi-part series, so read more below for some of the associations best players.
Sawyer Elkins
Sawyer Elkins
Elkins is the second leading scorer in the class, and he can put points on the board from all three levels. He’s consistent and does not back down to competition at a higher level, and still scores the ball at a high clip. His three point shot is solid, knocking down threes at a 42% clip on the year on over 4 attempts per game. His ability as a scorer is a positive in collegiate coaches eyes, and he can definitely contribute at the next level somewhere. Keep an eye on his numbers as Lee Christian heads towards the state tournament.
Zeke Brock Zeke Brock 5’10” | SG Cape Fear Christian Academy | 2024 State NC made my top performers list for our first week, and his roll hasn’t slowed since then. He is a very volume guy, but scores at over 50% on his field goal attempts. The offense runs through him, and his ability to use his shiftiness to both score and playmake really well. His numbers at the charity stripe are good too, shooting 84%. And for someone who scores so much, 6 assists per game is nothing to turn your nose up at. His ability will shine through the year, and playing AAU in the summer against top competition will be important to evaluate his ability against high level size and physicality.
Antonio Perkins Antonio Perkins 6’3″ | SG Northside Christian Academy | 2023 State NC is one of the best shooters in this class, as well as scorers. His numbers aren’t as high as other high level scorers, but his ability on this Northside Christian team shows. He’s scoring at the rim and behind the arc well, especially his ability to finish strong through contact. He’s an over 50% shooter from deep, with a repeatable motion and good sense of finding his spots. He runs off screens well and spots up in the corner a lot for guards to find his shot. As the Knights go deep in the playoffs, keep an eye on him and lead guard Kyrell Shaw (more on him later).
Highlights
UFCA is a team that plays elite team basketball, so there’s not one guy statistically that stands out for them. However, Alex Bates Alex Bates 6’5″ | SG United Faith Christian Academy | 2023 State NC is a guy when you watch them that you can tell makes them go. He’s a strong bodied wing that does a lot of damage in the mid-range and at the rim, using his size and strength to put guys through the rim and off his body as he goes in to score. He can knock down the three-ball when asked as well. However, his importance comes when he just makes the winning play, hustles, leads, and drives his guys to play better. Next year at Fordham he will be asked to do much of the same, which makes him such a great fit at the D1 level.
Highlights
Shane Anthony
Shane Anthony
Crossroads Christian was one of the teams I was looking forward to this year in 1A, and they have met expectations so far. Anthony is a key part for these guys as a shooter primarily, but can also score the rock too. I like his ability to spot up and just knock down shots, playing as a off-ball scorer. He’s great as a volume scorer as well, because he will just get hot some games and be unstoppable. His consistency needs to improve some, but college coaches should look at him as a shooter and scorer depending on some of his skills improving.
Kyrell Shaw
Kyrell Shaw
Shaw shines as a scorer, and many people think of him as a shooter. While he can knock down shots just as well as the aforementioned Perkins, I’ve enjoyed him as a finisher and guy who can get to the rim. He’s got good ball-handling abilities, and his moves allow him to get to the rim where he can finish over bigger guys, and if not, go to the free throw line. His knockdown shooting ability is out there for everyone to see, but he can score at all three levels at a high clip. He and Perkins will be a dynamic duo to watch as Northside advances through their season.