Triad Preview Series: Grimsley
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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. Welcome to the Triad Preview Series, a five-part, in-depth look at the best basketball the Triad has to offer. Today’s piece will feature Grimsley, located in the heart of Greensboro.
Grimsley has been a staple of Greensboro high school basketball for decades. Here is a program that prides itself on consistently putting a competitive roster on the hardwood year in and year out. 2022-2023 was no different. The Whirlies finished the regular season 23-4, 13-1 in the conference, and as the #4-seeded team in the West region of the NCHSAA 4A state playoffs. An early playoff run, highlighted by wins against Marvin Ridge and Audrey Kell respectively, came to a halt with a heartbreaking 44-43 loss to Charlotte Catholic in the third round. With a Grimsley squad that will return the bulk of their championship roster, the expectations in the Bob Sawyer Gymnasium will be high. Class of 2025 forward Zacch Wiggins Zacch Wiggins 6'5" | SF Wesleyan Christian | 2025 State NC will be the first to embrace them.
At 6’5″, Zacch Wiggins Zacch Wiggins 6’5″ | SF Wesleyan Christian | 2025 State NC is one of the most dynamic wings in the class of 2025. His game is all over the place in the best way possible. Wiggins is an elite scorer, premier defender, and obsessive competitor. Rarely do you find a prospect that is as committed to the process of perfecting their craft as Zacch Wiggins Zacch Wiggins 6’5″ | SF Wesleyan Christian | 2025 State NC . This is a guy who loves to work. And it shows up in every facet of his game. Wiggins poses a lethal threat to score with and without the ball. That’s what makes him dangerous. He’s crafty in the lane and can make tough finishes, shoots a knock-down mid-range jump shot off balance, and has a sniper for a three-ball that goes in more often than not. Off the ball, Wiggins has the patience to wait for plays to develop and find his spots. His raw athleticism provides a quick first step, a sharp cut to the basket, and the ability to absorb contact and finish big-time plays. Wiggins is a force on the defensive end of the floor. He’s got the build, reach, and grittiness that makes him a big-time defender. His size and length allow him to match up with and lock down 1-5, winning most of them. He’s got an active hand in the passing lane that accounts for swipes and steals that set him up for fast-break success. Wiggins has just the right amount of competitive fire and a little swagger that make him a fierce prospect to match up against. With a Grimsley team looking to take home the title in 2023-2024, expect Zacch Wiggins Zacch Wiggins 6’5″ | SF Wesleyan Christian | 2025 State NC to be front and center
DJ Howerton Jr.
DJ Howerton Jr.
DJ Howerton Jr. is an up-and-coming prospect who’s gained a ton of momentum in the class of 2026. And for good reason. At 6’5″, Howerton Jr. is one of the premier wing prospects in his class. His size, length, and athleticism separate this guy from the rest. Howerton Jr. is one of the best athletes I’ve seen take the hardwood this year, and he’s found a way to channel these traits into elevating his game. Howerton Jr. is dangerous off the ball. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to create open looks for himself. He’s got speed that accounts for sharp cuts to the basket, strength that allows him to bully his way to the rim, and a competitive fire that gives this team a spark. Howerton Jr. is a versatile scoring threat in both the fast break and half-court setting. He’s a strong driver who has proven he can finish tough plays, can create off the dribble and attack the basket, and has worked to develop a consistent jump shot that forced defenders to play him tight. Howerton Jr. has a quick first step, an excellent handle for a wing his size, and a knack for finding little cracks to the basket. He’s an explosive player who plays quick but with poise. Howerton Jr. is an unselfish teammate who plays with an elite basketball IQ. Defensively, this is a kid who takes pride in matching up with opposing teams’ number 1 scoring threats. He’s a tough, gritty defender who does it all. Howerton Jr. plays in-your-face defense that is a nuisance to navigate, he’s got an active hand in the passing lane that accounts for swipes and steals and can battle on the board with the best of him. Howerton Jr.’s got a win-first mentality that is rare to find. With a big year ahead for Grimsley, expect DJ Howerton Jr. to have a standout sophomore season and build on the momentum set last season.
Jaylon Bumpass Jaylon Bumpass 6’2″ | CG Ben L. Smith | 2024 State NC is a guard from the class of 2024 that has been a stock riser I have kept my eye on for a while now. Every season this guy impresses me more. At 6’2″, Bumpass is a strong, physical combo guard who is an elite two-way player. He’s a dynamic scoring threat, can create open looks with the ball in his hands, and has that dog mentality that lets him take over games. Bumpass is an all-around elite prospect who impacts the game in more ways than one. His athleticism sets him apart. Bumpass is an elite athlete with the hops and speed to prove it. He’s an explosive player who plays under control simultaneously. Defensively, Bumpass can defend 1-3 given his frame. He’s a valuable piece of this team’s defensive identity and his energy is one of the cornerstones of their defensive success. Heading into his senior year, Jalen Bumpass is a name to know. This is a prospect who will continue to see his name rise in the rankings and start to earn the big-time attention he deserves.