Taking The Next Step: Point Guards With Big Shoes to Fill
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The 2022-2023 high school season saw some elite point guard play by guys across the Tar Heel state. Additionally, it saw a couple of guys who exceeded in their role off the bench and are ready to make an immediate…
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Continue ReadingThe 2022-2023 high school season saw some elite point guard play by guys across the Tar Heel state. Additionally, it saw a couple of guys who exceeded in their role off the bench and are ready to make an immediate impact in 2023-2024. These are the guys who are ready to take the next step. From year 1 as a backup to year 2 as a starter, let’s take a look at some of the hottest up-and-coming point guards in N.C.
Coming off a breakout freshman year with Enloe High School in Raleigh, Jamyr “Juice” Coleman returns to the Eagles for what is expected to be a standout sophomore season. Coleman spent this season backing up senior guard Darian Chamblee Darian Chamblee 6’1″ | PG Enloe | 2023 State NC and ran the second unit for head coach Emanuel Chapman. With two of Enloe’s top scorers, Darian Chamblee Darian Chamblee 6’1″ | PG Enloe | 2023 State NC and Fisayo Adebimpe Fisayo Adebimpe 6’2″ | PG Enloe | 2023 State NC leaving the program, expect Coleman to be at the helm of the Eagle’s offense.
Coleman is that dude. He’s got confidence, just the right amount of swagger, and is a leader in the huddle and on the floor. One of the best ball handlers I’ve seen all season. Lighting fast with the rock. Real explosive when breaking the press. In the half-court setting, he plays with the right amount of patience. He knows when to attack and when to set up the offense. Real mature for a freshman. Does a great job of attacking the basket. Great footwork under the rim. And despite a smaller frame, uses his body well to draw contact and get to the line. He’s a leader and prides himself on being an extension of his coach on every possession. Juice Coleman is the future of this Enloe program, and it’s looking bright as long as number 1 is bringing the ball up.
Elijah Deifer
Elijah Deifer
As the only freshman on a top-heavy Ravenscroft roster, Elijah Deifer saw the floor sparingly in his first year with the Ravens. That does not diminish the fact that the kid can play. With senior guards Brian Corrigan and Dakota Gordon Dakota Gordon 6’1″ | CG Ravenscroft | 2023 State NC leaving the program, expect Deifer to take on ball-handling duties for the Ravens and head coach Kevin Billerman.
The thing that is most intriguing about Deifer is his build. It is evident at first glance that he has a lot more growing to do. Combine that with some serious time spent in the weight room, and he has the potential to elevate his body to another level. Deifer is long, athletic, and fundamentally sound. He shoots well from three, has a pure mid-range game, and knows how to get to the basket. Plays aggressive, in-your-face man defense without fouling. Has a good handle. And most importantly, is the type of guy who can be, and wants to be coached. Everything is in place for Elijah Deifer to make an immediate impact on a Ravenscroft squad that is looking to make another deep run in the state playoffs.
Brock Hoggard
Brock Hoggard
Staying with Ravenscroft for a second, another guy who has the potential to step up is Brock Hoggard. Similarly to Deifer, Hoggard took the court minimally this season for the Ravens. With the programs starting 1 and 2 out the door, it’s Brock’s time to show up and show out. And everything I’ve seen from the kid indicates he’s ready.
Hoggard is one of the scrappiest defenders I’ve seen. Moves his feet well running the floor. Gets through screens. Has an active hand in the passing lane. Makes great decisions with the ball out in transition. The type of guy who understands where his spots are and knows how to get to them. Plays with the perfect amount of patience and poise. Doesn’t force anything with the ball. Rarely turns it over. Like Deifer, Hoggard is the type of kid who loves to be coached. Excited to see this duo get after it in this new era of Ravenscroft basketball.
McCoy Williams
McCoy Williams
With the TISAC Conference as wide open as it may ever be with the departure of three of Ravenscroft’s starting five, expect Cary Academy and McCoy Williams to be right in the mix of things.
Williams puts on a show every time he steps out on the floor. Seeing this guy play in person is just different. One of the most gifted scorers in the class of ’25. Sharp shooter from behind the arc, uses all his 6’2″ frame to attack the basket, and is consistent from the foul line. Real vocal on defense. Leader on that side of the ball as well. Can guard 1-5 when need be. One of the things that stands out the most about his game is his energy. It’s infectious on the other four guys on the floor and gets the entire lineup in unison. Excited to see the leap this guy takes next season.
Zy’ione Callaway
Zy’ione Callaway
Broughton High School, located in the heart of Raleigh, has brought up some of the best point guards North Carolina has to offer. I see the same potential with Capital’s guard Zy’ione Callaway.
Despite seeing the floor little this season, expect Callaway to have a big presence on this Cap’s squad in 2023-2024. Has a great first step. Plays quick yet under control. Has a knack for finding the right man at the right time. Holds his own on defense. Great in transition. Developing into a consistent three-point shooter. Vocal on both ends of the floor. Type of kid who gets after it regardless of what his stats are. Expect Callaway to have a big impact on a Broughton team that will navigate its first season without senior guard Hayes Carlin.
Motsinger had an impressive freshman campaign for East Surry High School in Pilot Mountain, N.C. He’s long, athletic, and is a leader on both ends of the floor. Excellent from behind the arc. Consistent from the line. Sweet mid- range game. Plays aggressive defense with his hands up. Great out in transition. Expect Motsinger to have an even bigger impact for East Surry this season.