PH North Carolina Top 250 Expo – Senior and Sophomore Sensations
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It was North Carolina Top 250 Expo day in the Charlotte area as a number of the area’s top talents from across the state and region converged on Cox Mill HS for a day of scintillating basketball. North Carolina’s Top…
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Continue ReadingIt was North Carolina Top 250 Expo day in the Charlotte area as a number of the area’s top talents from across the state and region converged on Cox Mill HS for a day of scintillating basketball.
North Carolina’s Top 250 Expo was one of several that took place around the nation. Similar events also occurred in South Carolina, Minnesota, Colorado, Kentucky and New England.
Many of those who raised eyebrows that Sunday are those looking to finish their high school careers off with an exclamation point (and could be close to commitment decisions). Others are establishing that they are just getting started. We shout them out here.
If one were to look up the definition of “playmaker,” one may very well find a picture of Haynes. That photo could be simply one of his face, or one of his entire 6-foot-5 frame that gives opposing teams and coaches fits. If he has the ball on the perimeter, he is very likely to take and make his tries from behind the arc. He will also come through with rebounds on the offensive end of the floor and those boards can turn into two-point putbacks. Attacking the rim is another way he makes an impact on the game. Haynes is one of many 2024s throughout the Hoop State who will be looking to conclude their high school careers with an emphatic exclamation point.
Highlights
Gianni Vines Gianni Vines 6'4" | CG West Cabarrus | 2024 State NC
Gianni Vines Gianni Vines 6'4" | CG West Cabarrus | 2024 State NC
Vines did not have that far to travel to get to Cox Mill HS, but he is very familiar with the Chargers given he plays for one of their region rivals. The region rival in question is 4A West Cabarrus. Vines fuses together a 6-foot-4 frame with a wingspan that can affect an opposing team’s passing lanes. He is also very quick and can handle the ball while operating at a high rate of speed. The ability to rebound the ball is another strong point to his game and it compliments his skill for scoring and shot blocking. When thinking about upperclassmen in the Hoop State, Vines has to be near or at the top of one’s list.
Boush is a 6-foot-4 veteran standout, and this one out of Southside Christian School is another upperclassmen who fits that billing. He understands the art of drawing contact and giving his team a chance with free throw opportunities. He also understands how to connect from long range. Boush was the lone representative from Southside Christian to take part in this year’s Prep Hoops North Carolina Top 250 Expo. He is not shy about taking opportunities from behind the 3-point arc and maintains a level of activity even when the ball is not in his hands. Another area of his game that he has excelled at – running the floor efficiently.
Leighton is another of the litany of multi-sport athletes across North Carolina. The bulk of his athletic schedule occurs during the winter and spring months. When his campaign on the hardwood concludes, he puts away his basketball and picks up his baseball, bat and glove as he takes to the diamond. Leighton primarily plays on the frontcourt as either a three or a four. While he can certainly place the ball through the basket from midrange, he particularly can get it done from deep. He is listed at 6-foot-5 and can also spend time playing as either a wing or in the backcourt as a two. Last season’s 3A Chargers rendition finished with a 28-3 record along with a 12-0 mark in conference play.
There are freshmen who play as if they are veterans and veterans who play as if they are the stereotypical freshmen. Long is a veteran who plays like a veteran. As accurate as he is with his 3-point shot, one can tell it has been an emphasis of his game over the years. Long stands at 6-foot-2 and can throw defenses for a loop as they are unsure as to if he will attempt a long jumper or penetrate to the rim. His finishes at the basket can be creative or emphatic as well. While he may currently play at Carolina International, his high school career also included a stint playing at 3A Ashbrook.
Highlights
Julius Garner
Julius Garner
Garner was one of the taller participants at this year’s Prep Hoops North Carolina Top 250 given he stands at 6-foot-5. For many of said stature, they are able to fuse together height with wingspan. That proves to be a useful trait – particularly when looking to make plays at the rim. This year’s get-together at Cox Mill HS was another that was rich in veteran talent and Garner was no exception to that rule. While he was listed as “undeclared” on the event roster, his talents and skillset will prove to be a valuable asset to any team at any classification.
Ryker was one of two who were on hand at Cox Mill HS representing the North Carolina Leadership Academy which is located in the Piedmont Triad. He can be very accurate with his 3-point shooting capabilities. Ryker will throw defenses for a loop as he can attack the rim from the open floor or elect to shoot a mid- or long-range jumper. He also places plenty of emphasis on taking care of the ball and limiting turnovers and he has no problems drawing contact to give him and his team a chance at the free throw line. Ryker will also get creative from time to time with how he finishes at the rim.
Highlights
Kwame Withrow, Jr.
Kwame Withrow, Jr.
Prior to taking to the court at Cox Mill HS for this year’s Prep Hoops North Carolina Top 250, Withrow ran with Ace SD Elite Smith on the travel circuit. He is looking to translate what was a productive AAU campaign into more good fortunes with the 4A Knights. Hustle may not be something that will show up on the stat sheet, but it is one of the little things that can make a big impact in a team winning or losing. Withrow brings plenty of that. He will find driving lanes to the rim and has no problems drawing contact and taking his chances at the free throw line.