Grassroots Stock Risers: Standout Guards in Central N.C.

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With grassroots ball in full swing, let's take a look at some of the up-and-coming, stock-rising guards who are taking advantage of this summer to elevate their game. These guys play in the 336, an overlooked, underrated region in N.C. that produces some of the most talented guards in the state. Let's dive right in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["854907"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Otto began his varsity career with a two-year stint running the point for the Broughton Capitals in Raleigh, N.C. Following an early exit in the NCHSAA 4-A state playoffs in 2021, Otto made the move to Greensboro Day to play  under North Carolina icon, head coach Freddy Johnson. Otto's first year with the Bengals did not disappoint, as Greensboro Day was crowned the NCISAA 3-A state champions, the programs 12th title, all with Johnson at the helm. Despite the success the Bengals had in 2022-2023, both Otto's individually and the teams as a whole, there is a lot of work to do if this squad has any aspirations of running it back in 2023-2024. And knowing Freddy Johnson, they sure do.rnrnThe success of this team in 2023-2024 starts with Otto. It is as simple as that. If this squad is going to maintain and build upon the success they had last season, Otto's game has got to be elevated with it. Luckily, this guy has got the  tools and the mindset to do it. At 6'4u0022, his size attributes to an abundance of advantages in all aspects of his game. What I like most about Otto's game is his composure on the court. Doesn't get too high. Never gets too low. Just lets his game speak for itself. In today's basketball landscape, that's hard to find. Don't get me wrong; despite a calm demeanor, this guy is a warrior on the floor. Otto is fundamentally sound, mechanically gifted, and competes on every possession. A lethal part of his game is his ability to shoot the basketball. He's got a really consistent mid-range game and is a problem from three. When defenders step out to contest his anticipated deep ball, a quick first step allows Otto to get to penetrate the lane and make big-time plays. Otto puts the same amount of work into his craft on defense, too. He's the type of guard who is never afraid to get down and dirty and fight for every possession. I've seen a steady, consistent grind from Otto regarding putting on weight and getting after it in the gym, which has elevated his confidence to attack the rim and make tough finishes. As grassroots season continues and the start of high school ball is just around the corner, expect to see Otto's stock rise with a level-headed, competitive, and fundamentally sound style of play.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1284842"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Sticking with Greensboro Day, another intriguing prospect on this roster is class of 2025 combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='1284842' first='Addison' last='Newkirk']. While Newkirk did not have as much of a consistent offensive presence as many expected, he showed flashes of his ability to make big-time plays that accounted for big-time buckets. Newkirk is one of the most lethal scoring threats in the class of 2025. He has got a multitude of offensive weapons in his arsenal that can be taken out when the time is right. He attacks the basket with purpose, has proven he can make big-time finishes in the lane, and consistently shoots a great ball from deep. At 6'5u0022, Newkirk can get to his spots and let it fly. He's got a high release that accounts for a deadly step back, crafty off the dribble, and has a nice handle that creates space for himself and his teammates. With a highly anticipated grassroots season for [player_tooltip player_id='1284842' first='Addison' last='Newkirk'], expect this guy to take that next step going into his Junior year. Newkirk's moment is here, and trust me, he's ready for it.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["854889"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cspan class=u0022pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='854889' first='Jordan' last='Durham']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e is a guy I've watched play a lot of basketball this season. And it never gets old. Simply put, Durham is a gifted scorer. Has a smooth stroke. Real athletic finisher at the rim. Knows how to get to his spots. Although 2022-2023 did not entirely reflect his ability to score, do not underestimate the weapons this guy has in his arsenal. The moment you do, he'll drop a smooth 20 and call it a day. Similarly to Walker, I've seen development with Durham's three-point shot. As he becomes more comfortable taking threes off the dribble, his game will immediately elevate to the next level. He uses his frame to his advantage on both sides of the floor, especially on defense. At 6'3″, he can put really solid ball pressure on the opposing team's guard. He's also not afraid to get down and dirty underneath the rim, which is not something you can teach. Some guys have it, some guys don't. Durham embodies what it means to be aggressive on the boards. With this Burlington School squad having to navigate 2023-2024 with a couple of key departures, expect Durham to have an even bigger impact this upcoming season.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1892440"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1892440' first='Cam'ron' last='Jones'] is a guy I've already seen rise in the stocks this year, and I know he's nowhere near done yet. The class of 2025 combo guard was the heart and soul of a rebuilding Williams High School team in Burlington, N.C. last season. In 2022-2023, Jones proved he was able to show up and show out for a Bulldog squad that desperately needed it. Simply put, he was that dude all season. That showed real maturity for only sophomore. Jones is one of the toughest, scrappiest guards I've seen in the state all season. At 6'3u0022, he uses his frame to his advantage on offense. He attacks the rim with a crazy look in his eye that guys on defense can only dream to defend. Has a consistent yet still improving three-point shot that makes him a threat from behind the arc. On defense, Jones plays his man up close and personal. His long wingspan and attention to detail account for a lot of well-timed blocks down low and steals in the lane. Great team player on defense. Does a nice job of moving his feet and staying straight on closeouts. Plays aggressively without fouling. As the leader of a rebuilding Williams team during his sophomore season, Jones was forced to grow up fast. Now that he is settled into his role as this team's primary scorer and go-to guy, expect Jones' game to take a huge leap this summer. This guy's stock has and will continue to rise.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1098355"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Coming off an NCISAA 2-A state championship with the Burlington School in Burlington, N.C., [player_tooltip player_id='1098355' first='Zion' last='Walker'] is one of the hottest guards in the class of 2024. This is a guy who has gradually climbed up the stock and has cemented his place as one of North Carolina's premier point guards. With a highly anticipated, standout senior season on the horizon, expect Walker to take advantage of this summer's grassroots run to help prepare him to run it back in 2023-2024. Although listed at 6'2u0022, Walker has the heart of a big on both ends of the floor. He is not afraid to catch the ball at the high post and work his defender down to the rim for an easy two points. He shoots the ball consistently everywhere on the floor. One of the most notable parts of Walker's game is his pace. He plays aggressive but disciplined, quick not fast, and has a unique basketball I.Q. that sets his game apart. [player_tooltip player_id='1098355' first='Zion' last='Walker'] is a guy I would not be surprised to see listed as the best point guard in North Carolina this time next year. He's that good. Keep your eye on Walker this summer. It doesn't seem possible, but this guy's game is going to elevate even higher. His stock will, too.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646a8b7d4dc0e"} /-->