Triad Preview Series: The Burlington School

<!-- 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. 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 the Burlington School, reigning NCISAA-2A state champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Burlington School, located in the heart of Alamance County, has been a staple to high school hoops in the Triad. Through years of success, the Spartans have set a new standard for excellence the entire region aspires to reach. Last season was no different. Despite a 15-loss season, an uncharacteristically high number for the program, the Burlington School brought a state title back to campus. The state playoff run tested this team's maturity and ability to perform when it mattered most. The Spartans were able to get it done, and luckily for them, will be returning the bulk of last year's championship roster. Let's meet, or reintroduce, four core pieces to this Burlington School team that will play an instrumental role in the success of this ball club in 2023-2024.</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.rnrnWalker'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.rnrnWith 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 [player_tooltip player_id='1373705' first='Cam' last='Flippen'] played most of his minutes off the ball in the backcourt with u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1098355' first='Zion' last='Walker']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e . 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.rnrnu003cspan 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.rnrnIt 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.rnrnMuch 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":["1159133"],"_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":"At 6'7″, u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1159133' first='Joshua' last='Randolph']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e has the shape and size that enables him to be the big-time scoring threat he is. Randolph is a versatile offensive weapon that can operate inside and out because of his elite perimeter shot-making ability. He's got a high, quick release that enables him to knock down contested, off-balance shots which otherwise look unmakeable. His three-point shooting adds another level of depth to his game that makes him a problem on the offensive end of the floor. Randolph uses his length to his advantage, highlighted by his elite shotmaking and rebounding ability. He is a jack of all trades. He takes on whatever role his team needs in any given game, quarter, and possession. He's a well-versed, seasoned defender who is capable of matching up with 1-5 when need be. He embodies what it means to put the team first, and has an old-school, mature style of play that should attract the right coaches at the collegiate level.rnrnRandolph produced 7.6 ppg in 2022-2023. And that was fine. He did exactly what his team needed him to do. But that was last season. In 2023-204, Randolph will need to elevate his game, specifically his ability to look more toward the basket when the ball is in his hand. He's got the size, length, and shot-making ability to do it. Expect u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1159133' first='Joshua' last='Randolph']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e and the Burlington School to attack 2023-2024 with an even greater sense of urgency to bring another state championship to the 336.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1059735"],"_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":"Ty Outlaw is one of the fastest-rising names in the state. At 6'8″, his size and athleticism are the foundational pieces of his game that set him over the edge. One of the first things you notice about Outlaw is his comfort with his body. One of the most graceful bigs in N.C. Moves his feet exceptionally well for someone with his build. Is disciplined when defending down low. Doesn't let opposing players draw fouls. Gets a ton of easy second-chance buckets off the glass. Comfortable with creating plays from the high post. Shot still needs work and maybe a bit of tweaking with mechanics, but has improved to the point where defenders can not defend a few feet behind. A problem on defense. His length attributes for an abundance of easy blocks and rebounds that turn into fast break offense. One thing that needs to be cleaned up is sticking with plays. Tends to get beat off the dribble. Would love to see him work on his ability to react and recover in time to still make big-time plays on the defensive end of the floor.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64b3f996b9509"} /-->