NCISAA: 336 All-Area Team

<!-- 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>As we enter the Dog Days of summer, high school squads across North Carolina have begun to prepare for the 2023-2024 season. Among them are teams from the Triad, an overlooked, underrated region home to big-time prospects and programs.&nbsp;Let's look at five of the most talented prospects from the 336 representing the NCISAA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1098355"],"_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":"u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1098355' first='Zion' last='Walker']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e is one of the best all around prospects in the state. He's a strong, athletic guard who takes advantage of his frame on both ends of the floor. At 6'2″, 190 lbs, his length and size make him a scoring threat on all three levels. Walker's a gifted driver who has proven he can make big-time finishes at the rim. He's got an automatic mid-range game that forces defenders to play him honestly. Most significantly, he's worked to develop a consistent three-ball that is lethal off the dribble. Walker has a knack for getting to the rim and putting the ball in the basket. He's a dynamic guard who is a versatile scoring threat whenever the ball is in his hands.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eWalker's offensive game gets a ton of hype. What's more intriguing is his commitment to defense. Great defense turns into great offense, and Walker embodies what it means to get after it on every play. What impresses me most about Walker is his willingness to put his body on the line. He's a guy who coaches feel confident matching him up against an opposing team's number 1 option. He plays aggressive, in-your-face defense which is a nuisance to navigate for ball handlers. Walker has control of his body and is disciplined underneath the basket and on the baseline. He keeps his hands up straight on closeouts and avoids contact at all costs. He's a strong, savvy defender who plays with passion and poise.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eWith a Burlington School squad bringing back the bulk of their championship roster, expect u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1098355' first='Zion' last='Walker']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e to make a compelling case for the Spartans to take home another title next spring.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1373705"],"_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":"Last season, class of 2025 combo guard u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1373705' first='Cam' last='Flippen']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e played most of his minutes off the ball in the backcourt with [player_tooltip player_id='1098355' first='Zion' last='Walker']. The two are considered one of the best backcourt pairs in the NCISAA. While Walker's heroics are hard to downplay, he will be the first to admit that the success of the Burlington School had a lot to do with Flippen as his partner in crime. u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1373705' first='Cam' last='Flippen']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e ‘s standout sophomore season enhanced his role as apprentice and sidekick to Walker while on the floor together. While Walker will hold the majority of ball-handling duties for the Spartans in 2023-2024, expect Flippen to have a bigger offensive presence this season.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1373705' first='Cam' last='Flippen']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e ‘s build is quite similar to Walker's, which makes him an elite scoring threat every time the ball touches his hands. Flippen is at his best off the ball. He likes to start from the wing and work his way to the basket. Flippen is a fierce downhill driver and can finish plays at the rim, he's crafty off the dribble in the lane, and he's got a smooth stroke that makes him a versatile offensive player. He's got one of the most polished offensive styles of play in the class of 2025.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eIt must be a Burlington School thing because u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1373705' first='Cam' last='Flippen']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e is that dude on defense. He takes after his running mate u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1098355' first='Zion' last='Walker']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e with his defensive playmaking abilities. His 6'2″ frame allows him to match up with and lock down 1-3 off switches. He's an underrated defensive rebounder who has the handle to just take it off the glass and go. His athleticism accounts for an abundance of blocks and swipes. Flippen is a defensive machine who wastes no time pushing the pace in transition off turnovers.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eMuch of u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1373705' first='Cam' last='Flippen']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e ‘s career has been behind the spotlight of u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1098355' first='Zion' last='Walker']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e . He's handled it exceptionally. It takes a level-headed, emotionally mature player to be in that position. Flippen has one more year as Walker's running mate, and you can believe he'll make the most of it with more of an offensive presence. 2024-2025 will be u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1373705' first='Cam' last='Flippen']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e ‘s year, and this is a guy you'll want to keep your eye on.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["854907"],"_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":"In his first season with Greensboro Day, class of 2024 guard Will Otto was an integral piece in the Bengals NCISAA 3-A state championship. Otto, formerly with Broughton High School in Raleigh, left the Capitals for that very reason, to win a state championship. Taking the title back to Greensboro was the ultimate goal, and he's got one more year to run it back. Will Otto looks to go 2-for-2 ahead of his second season with Greensboro Day, the groundwork for which laid this summer.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAt 6'4″, Will Otto is a big, physical guard who plays with patience and poise. Otto plays with an elite basketball IQ and a feel for the game. As a pass-first guard who can also score the rock, he is a tough prospect to defend. Otto does a great job of attacking the paint and distributing the ball to playmakers. His ability to collapse defenses and find the open man is incalculable. Otto is crafty with the ball and can get to the basket. Although he tends to reserve his outside shooting, he's got a good-looking, consistent stroke that adds another level of versatility to his offensive play.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eI like what I've seen from Otto on the defensive side of the floor this summer. While the plays are not as flashy as a u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1098355' first='Zion' last='Walker']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e , the effort and intent are there. Otto plays a solid, fundamental style of defense that is consistent. His length and size allow him to stand his ground on tough defensive duties off switches and ball screens.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eWith a Greensboro Day Squad looking to capitalize on the return of the core to their championship roster, expect Will Otto and the Bengals to be back competing for the title.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1284842"],"_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":"Another prospect out of Greensboro Day is class of 2025 small forward u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1284842' first='Addison' last='Newkirk']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e . With veteran leadership and experience a cornerstone of Bengals head coach Freddy Johnsons' coaching philosophy, we've seen u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1284842' first='Addison' last='Newkirk']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e ‘s game slowly ascend. Newkirk is currently the 67th-ranked prospect in the state and has started to gain big-time recognition on the grassroots and high school scene. Ahead of his junior season with Greensboro Day, let's break down what makes this guy special.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAt 6″6′, u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1284842' first='Addison' last='Newkirk']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e has a physical presence on the court that can not be overlooked. He's got size, length, and athleticism in every facet of his game. He moves well, has great footwork, and has control of his body. Newkirk is a disciplined wing who uses his size to his advantage. He is a scoring threat on all three levels. He's a crafty downhill driver, can knock down contest shots on the perimeter, and has developed a consistent ball from behind the arc. He's got the size to go to work down low and the ball handling and shot-making ability to cause problems in the open court. Newkirk is a dynamic scorer who is a versatile threat.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAll six-foot-six of Newkirk shows up on the defensive end of the floor. He's got the size to protect the paint and the speed to apply pressure on the ball. Newkirk's athleticism and get-after-it mentality are at the forefront of his defensive abilities. He can get up and grab rebounds and push the pace in transition, turning effort on the boards into an easy two points.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAs u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1284842' first='Addison' last='Newkirk']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e enters his junior season with Greensboro Day, expect him to have a prevalent role in the Bengal's offense. 2023-2024 will be a big year for Newkirk, and he's got the right pieces around him to take command.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2382865' first='Ian' last='Bush']","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Burlington Christian Academy","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"BBA Nets","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"The bread and butter of this Burlington Christian Academy squad is class of 2025 combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='2382865' first='Ian' last='Bush']. This is a kid who flew under the radar his junior year with Burlington Christian Academy, but has shown his game is on an upwards trajectory with his performance this grassroots season. At 6'5″, Bush has the build college programs are looking for. Bush is an athlete in all aspects of the word and knows how to channel these attributes of his game to make big-time plays on both ends of the floor. He attacks the basket with purpose, uses his body to draw contact, and makes big-time finishes at the rim. Bush's perimeter shooting is still a work in progress but has continued to develop alongside the other pieces of his game. Same deal from behind the arc; he's improving. Expect Bush to dedicate the rest of this summer to developing confidence and range with his shot. On defense Bush is a warrior and gets after it on every play. What I like most is that he is not afraid to match up and lock down opposing teams' bigs. Because of a leaner frame, Bush was subjected to a little bully ball under the rim at times last high school season, but expect getting his body right as part of his summer agenda. Keep an eye out for [player_tooltip player_id='2382865' first='Ian' last='Bush'] to make a name for himself this summer and cement his status as one of the most intriguing stock risers in the class of 2025.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64c6a0e7180ff"} /-->