4A Greater Metro Preseason All-Conference Teams
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It’s never too early to start thinking about high school ball, and the fall is the perfect time to take into account our grassroots observations from the summer and determine who some of the best players in each conference are…
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Continue ReadingIt’s never too early to start thinking about high school ball, and the fall is the perfect time to take into account our grassroots observations from the summer and determine who some of the best players in each conference are going to be. Our next issue in the series highlights the Greater Metro 4A conference, with powerhouse Lake Norman, Cox Mill, Mooresville and others being taken into consideration. Check out our picks for their all-conference teams below!
First Team
Last Season Stats – 8.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 4.0 APG
It’s great to have a pass first point guard like Josh Yates Josh Yates 6’0″ | PG Lake Norman | 2025 State NC running the show, and I expect him to have a breakout year. He’s a combo guard in a true sense of the word, focused on making plays with the ball in his hands for his teammates but also able to score at multiple levels as well. Got the ability to shoot the jumper and also finish with finesse around the hoop. Really tough and always ready to play whenever I’ve seen him. Will be excited to watch him with his squad this winter.
Last Season Stats – 19.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.6 APG
Boyd is going to have all the keys to Cox Mill’s offense once again this year, and his performance this summer is going to set him off for a big year. He’s a shot maker of top quality, with an elite game in the mid-range areas and really all over inside 15 feet. Great in isolation and facing up defenders as well. Also is gifted as an on ball defender, with some size to impact wings and also great movement to stay in front of guards. He’s a two way threat that will be assigned to other top guards as well as be tasked to carry the scoring load this season.
Last Season Stats – 14.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.6 SPG
McKinnon should be in line for a breakout year this year, with all the tools needed to be a wing scorer at both this level and the next one. He’s got the athleticism and pop to play above the rim and attack the basket from all spots on the floor. He’s even getting better as a perimeter scorer too, shooting it better over the summer. Also versatile on defense, able to switch and guard multiple positions. He’s a very prototypical Division 1 prospect that should see many more offers heading his way.
Highlights
Last Season Stats – 10.5 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.0 BPG
Steinour is a pretty known commodity these days, but his offers from ACC schools this summer cement his status as a top player in the state. He’s got so many tools as a forward to plug and play, with length and athleticism to impact the game on both ends. He’s nice running the floor in transition, out of ball screens, and developing a back to the basket game. He really impacts the ball as a defender too, blocking shots and aggressively attacking the glass. He should be a candidate for conference POY this winter.
Highlights
Clark is going to be able to compete hard as the star for Mooresville with the departure of Travelle Bryson. He’s a forward that is very physical and mobile, and continuing to develop more skills and feel. He’s tough as a screener, roller and defender and does all the simple things you can ask for in a big very well. He’s starting to work on his floor spacing ability and post-up game, and those will be things I’m excited to monitor this season. He should be able to get involved and impact the game on both ends this year for Mooresville.
Second Team
Arnold and Yates are going to both be impressive floor generals this upcoming season, but the two do have some differences in their game. He’s going to be a defensive stopper counted on to lock up opposing guards, with quick feet and mobility to be a mosquito up and down the floor. He brings a similar playmaking and facilitating mentality as Yates, always looking to set his teammates up and distribute to open shooters/scorers. Another tough, consistent guy, he’ll be a key piece for LN this upcoming year.
Last Season Stats – 14.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.2 APG
Dunn is going to get a lot more looks this year with even more opportunities abound in the Cox Mill backcourt. He’s a smaller guard but that doesn’t mean he can’t finish inside against the defense. He’s got great body control to attack the paint and finish over defenders who may be bigger or stronger. Also good at getting to the mid-range pull-up jumper, making defenses have to guard him multiple ways. He should be primed for another great year at the Mill.
James Wood James Wood 6'1" | CG Hickory Ridge | 2025 NC
James Wood James Wood 6'1" | CG Hickory Ridge | 2025 NC
Wood is going to have the keys to the Bulls’ offense this year, and he’ll be the guy as a two way threat for Hickory Ridge. He’s competent scoring at all three levels on the floor, knocking down shots as well as being able to attack the paint and finish. Defensively is where he’s been known to shine too, using athleticism, anticipation, and quick hands to be able to jump passing lanes, disrupt ball handlers, and contest shots. With some work in the weight room continuing to develop his body, look for him to be a breakout guy for them this season.
Last Season Stats (@Myers Park) – 6.8 PPG, 2.0 APG, 46% 3FG
Lynch is a transfer into Lake Norman from the defending 4A state champions and is going to be able to replace some of their departing shooting and scoring in spades. He’s lights out from deep, especially when there’s talent to space the floor around him and get him open looks. He can act as a facilitator and an on ball scorer as well when asked to, and catches defenses off guard when he decides to do something than shoot. He should gain some more exposure and ability to be a star this season.
Last Season Stats – 2.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 55% FG
Brown is a quickly-developing forward that should have a breakout year at Cox Mill after a good summer on the grassroots circuit. He’s comfortable taking the ball to the bucket, either off his own dribble or from a guard’s dumpoff pass. He’s also a shot blocker who can impact the game around the rim on defense. Also a prolific rebounder that fights hard and uses his leaping ability to beat out others for boards. He should have a legitimate presence for his team this year.