NCHSAA 2023-2024: Household Players and Programs to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>There's no better time to sign up for PrepHoopsNC! Get 30% OFF payment on your first billing cycle with offer code: JESSEGORDON30. Sign up&nbsp;TODAY!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yesterday we covered the NCISAA, an association that houses independent schools across the Tar Heel State. Today, our attention turns toward the NCHSAA. This is public school ball, and next season will be a dog fight from October to March. As preparation for the NCHSAA 2023-2024 season begins, let's look at some household players and programs you ought to know. These will be the guy's battling for a state championship at the Dean E. Smith Center this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1743445"],"_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":"Eastern Randolph had an impressive 2022-2023. The Wildcats finished the regular season 24-2, earning the #3 seed in the West region of the NCHSAA-1A state playoffs. Eastern Randolph cruised past the preliminary rounds of the playoffs, putting up a season-high 95 points in their first game against Cherryville. The 'cats clawed past #2 seed South Stokes to win the West and advance to the state semifinals. A three-point win over Bishop McGuinness propelled Eastern Randolph to the state championship against Wilson Prep. The Wildcats came up short, losing by double digits. Despite the 11-point loss that has haunted Eastern Randolph the entirety of this spring, this team will be back in business in 2023-2024, ready to take home the title for real this time. And class of 2024 combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='1743445' first='Nicah' last='Taylor'] is the main reason why.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAt 6'2u0022, [player_tooltip player_id='1743445' first='Nicah' last='Taylor'] is a big, physical guard who displays the ultimate level of toughness on both ends of the floor. Taylor is one of the most versatile in his class, evidenced by his ability to excel as a primary ball handler or sharpshooter on the wing. Simply put, Taylor is a gifted scorer. His length, size, and athleticism have a lot to do with it. Taylor shoots it well from three, has a consistent mid-range pull-up, and can attack the basket from anywhere around the perimeter. He is crafty with the ball in his hands and plays equally as efficiently without it. He is the type of player who gets after it on the boards and is an excellent rebounder. Taylor has the right amount of swagger and grit that make him a good teammate and tough competitor. With an Eastern Randolph squad that will navigate next season with some key departures, expect [player_tooltip player_id='1743445' first='Nicah' last='Taylor'] to step up and be at the helm of this Wildcat team looking to bring a title back to Ramseur.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1774403"],"_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":"Farmville Central will be back in 2023-2024 to take home their fifth state title in the last six years. Jaguar head coach Larry Williford has built this program into a powerhouse that has produced some of North Carolina's most elite players in recent memory. As the #1 seed in the East region, Farmville dominated the NCHSAA-2A state playoffs from start to finish. Despite last season's success, the Jaguars are already back to work, securing the program's 9th state championship the sole thing on their mind. If Farmville is to run it back, it won't be without the help of class of 2024 forward [player_tooltip player_id='1774403' first='Jayden' last='Daniels'].u003cbru003eu003cbru003e[player_tooltip player_id='1774403' first='Jayden' last='Daniels'] is a 6'3u0022 forward who plays with passion, purpose, and energy. He had a breakout season in 2022-2023, capped off with his nomination as the Most Outstanding Player in the NCHSAA- 2A Championship game. Daniels is a prospect who has flown under the radar, but stock is on the rise following a handful of noteworthy playoff performances. He is a versatile player who impacts the game with or without the ball in his hands. Daniels is well-equipped to score the rock. He excels off the dribble, knows how to get to his spots, and has proven he can knock down big-time shots when his team needs it the most. Daniels plays with poise and has an elite basketball IQ. With a Farmville team whose expectation is to win another state championship, expect [player_tooltip player_id='1774403' first='Jayden' last='Daniels'] to orchestrate another masterful playoff performance to help them get there.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1743939"],"_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":"Central Cabarrus had a program-best 2022-2023. The Vikings finished the regular season undefeated, the #1 seed in the West region of the NCHSAA-3A state playoffs, and brought the title back to Concord. Despite being crowned as kings of the division, there is work to be done this summer if they desire to reclaim the throne. Class of 2024 forward [player_tooltip player_id='1743939' first='Desmond' last='Kent Jr'] is the key.u003cbru003eu003cbru003e[player_tooltip player_id='1743939' first='Desmond' last='Kent Jr'] is an intriguing wing prospect who can make things happen on both ends of the floor. Kent Jr. is a playmaker. He's never afraid of the moment and capitalizes on opportunities to give his team an edge. He runs the floor exceptionally well for someone his size. At 6'5u0022, Kent Jr. has a physical advantage that makes it tough for others to defend. His athleticism enhances his game at every level. Kent Jr. thrives in transition and driving downhill. He can push the pace, turning fast breaks into easy two points. He is an active defender whose presence alone disrupts an offense's rhythm. Kent Jr. can play uptight, in-your-face defense without getting caught in foul trouble. Central Cabarrus is in a prime position to get back to the state championship next season. And with [player_tooltip player_id='1743939' first='Desmond' last='Kent Jr'] having the entire summer to polish his game, the NCHSAA-3A should not overlook just how lethal he can be.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1076335"],"_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":"North Mecklenburg saw themselves in an unfamiliar spot at the start of post-season play, as the #3 seed in the West region of the NCHSAA-4A state playoffs. This unprecedented seeding was courtesy of the Viking's 25-2 overall record heading into late February. A year prior, they were the #10 seed and rode that underdog wave to the state semifinals. 2022 was not a fluke. The Vikings found their way back to the final four, this time in a match-up against Meyers Park. A pound-for-pound match in the first half was all North Mecklenburg had, and Meyers Park ran away with the game in a blow-out second-half win. They would go on to win the title. North Mecklenburg has been to two semifinals in two years. Once as a 10, the other as a 3. They know how to get there. The question for the Vikings in 2023-2024 is whether they can execute down the stretch. Class of 2024 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1076335' first='Trey' last='Maxwell'] gives them their best chance yet.rnrnAt 6'4u0022, [player_tooltip player_id='1076335' first='Trey' last='Maxwell'] is a premier point guard whose game has the necessities to attract big-time coaches and programs. Maxwell is a tough, scrappy guard who is first and foremost a competitor. He is one of the most versatile wing threats in the class of 2024. His length, size, and ability to shoot the basketball make him a threat from anywhere along the perimeter. He's crafty off the dribble, can create off screens, and has an elite offensive mind. His size enhances his ability to rebound and push the pace. Maxwell plays with poise and is a leader on and off the floor. Expect [player_tooltip player_id='1076335' first='Trey' last='Maxwell'] to have a standout senior season with North Mecklenburg and get this team over the hump once and for all.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-648786be4db4f"} /-->