NC Grassroots Recap – Additional Breakout Candidates
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With the AAU live period now finished for the summer, it’s now a good time to start recapping the grassroots season as a whole. From some outstanding squads, to some serious stock risers, to some new names we need to…
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Continue ReadingWith the AAU live period now finished for the summer, it’s now a good time to start recapping the grassroots season as a whole. From some outstanding squads, to some serious stock risers, to some new names we need to get eyes on, there’s a whole lot to cover. The great news is, with the drop in events, we’re going to be starting a new series to discuss the season as a whole. To finish off the series, we’ll be taking a look at some more of the players we saw who are poised for breakout seasons at the high school level. They may not be the names everyone’s talking about, but their play and skills suggest they’re going to make serious noise this upcoming season.
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Williams has been a defensive pest for a long time, but his continued offensive development is lining up for him to become a leader of his Cary Academy squad this year. Defensively, he’s still doing what he’s always done, showing off active feet and hands and jumping opposing guards whenever they touch the ball. However he’s looked a lot more impressive on offense, which is where his game still had to improve. He’s been playing well off the dribble, knocking down perimeter shots and looking more confident taking ball screens. With the departure of Chance Gladden Chance Gladden 6’4″ | CG Ravenscroft | 2025 State NC , Williams will have to be much more present as a creator and scorer, and his advancement this summer certainly looks to have done that.
Sanders is rapidly improving and got a big boost in visibility this summer with playing for Boo Williams. He’s got the prototypical big guard body for colleges, and his playmaking ability is real. Posting gaudy stat lines this summer shows how involved he gets within the offense at both ends of the floor. He has great feel and vision, able to read defenses quickly, and uses his mental and physical advantages to exploit holes and weaknesses. As a slasher he can play above the rim and really terrorize defenses with his size and mobility. His perimeter game and defense will continue to come along, but with a team at Berean Baptist deferring to him, he should have a big time year.
Highlights
Fannon had a great year last year but seems to be ready to capitalize on another good summer and tear up his conference even further. He’s a real stretch forward at 6’6/6’7 who lights it up from deep, off catch and shoot threes and even out of a ball screen and pop. His mobility is really smooth, which makes him a threat on offense and defense. He can guard multiple positions, the perimeter or the post, and is overall just so versatile. There’s not really a whole lot of holes in his game, but a lot of upside to still tap into. With his shooting skillset and sizable frame, it shouldn’t take much for him to have a huge high school season and attract college attention.
Highlights
Haynes is a smooth forward that is really going to be able to show what he can do at Providence Day this year, after a summer where he impressed all across the region, especially at the NCAA Basketball Academy. He’s got a high motor and a willingness to do whatever it takes on both ends, playing with poise and IQ constantly. On offense he’s comfortable handling the ball and driving perimeter to post, making plays on his own. He still effectively plays within a team system though, getting post touches and knowing how to use them. Defensively he plays hard, rebounds well, and can get up to protect the rim. Keep an eye on him during the upcoming season.
Highlights
Kam McKnight
Kam McKnight
McKnight was one of the biggest studs for NC Spartans all summer, and should blossom into North Surry stardom this coming year. He’s a steady point guard who looks comfortable with the ball in his hands, as well as operating as an off ball threat when required. His team saw him knock down plenty of shots all summer, especially from deep as he torched the nets with precision shooting and movement, going 67% from behind the arc in AAU play. However, he got his reps in as a ball handler as well, being the primary playmaker and leading his group in assists. With a breakout year on the horizon in high school play, coaches will soon find him and begin to reach out.