Charlotte Hoops Challenge – Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While some other events are going on around the state, there's nothing like the Charlotte Hoops Challenge, which returns once again today and tomorrow. With the most games and teams involved out of all Thanksgiving events in the Hoop State, there are plenty of notable names that are worth getting an eye on. Check some out below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Guards</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2144770' first='Alex' last='Dauska'] - 2027 who is really coming on strong as a shooter and overall combo guard. Has the physical tools to compete at this level already and shows them off on the defensive end of the floor. Hard to keep track of as a sniper and scorer on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1029968' first='Amare' last='Bethel'] - Two way guard who is really quick and has good burst/change of pace when he's moving. Up in your jersey on defense and then blasting past you the other way on offense. Should be effective in leading his CCDS team this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1410267' first='Chris' last='Rivens'] - Athletic initiator on offense that just makes things happens when he needs to. Can get to his points either through driving the ball or pulling up and hitting jumpers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1154669' first='Liam' last='Gates'] - Knockdown outside shooter that knows his role. Plays more point in school ball and shows a solid ability to facilitate and create. Good at reading penetration and spacing the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1968872' first='JD' last='Bowden'] - Really shifty playmaking point guard that is one of the best pure passers of his class. Excels in traffic and having to make reads, as he seemingly always makes the defense pay. Capable of taking the open shot too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wings</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1276940' first='Jonah' last='Lawrence'] - Big time scorer that is adjusting to a new role with PDS. Strong finisher around the hoop and can get going in transition if opposing teams lose him. College level size on the wing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2235113' first='Arael' last='Jones'] - Scrappy, do it all kind of guard that plays both the off ball guard and on the wing. Good rebounder, defender, and rim scorer. Knows his role and plays it well for the reigning state champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1682357' first='Markus' last='Kerr'] - West Charlotte transfer that's already making a huge impact. Super bouncy and takes off in transition or on downhill drives. Can handle the ball well and take guys off the dribble too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Forwards</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2280601' first='Tosh' last='Alberga'] - Super vertically athletic and physical forward. Immense rim protector and shows off length to alter shots and passes on defense. Hoovers up rebounds on both ends of the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1487713' first='Osvaldo' last='Haynes II'] - High motor, athletic forward who really can man the paint well. Dunks in traffic and runs the floor hard looking for easy buckets. Rebounds at a high rate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2268798' first='Cannon' last='DeBerry'] - Thinner forward but already 6'9 as a freshman. Plays really hard on both ends of the floor, and can't say that about many. Still developing touch and skill but the physical tools are showing up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1286838' first='Chris' last='Eagan'] - Skilled, high post big man that should be on the way to D1 basketball. Has acumen to get the ball played through him and he can spray passes out. Able to finish around the rim from back to the basket or face up situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->