NCHSAA Games of the Week - Week 2

With public schools in line for a full week of games due to no holiday breaks, we're expected to see some great matchups. With plenty of fun mid-season tournaments going on this weekend, we'll cover those soon, so the games covered are just one off matchups across teams non-conference schedules. With two occurring in the Triangle and one in the Triad, read below for our three games of the week, and the players/teams expected to shine.   Millbrook (0-1) @ Garner (1-1)   Millbrook dropped their first game of the year last weekend against a strong Richmond team, and it doesn't get any easier with a trip to Garner on deck Thursday. The Wildcats are led by 2025 [player_tooltip player_id='1272558' first='Colt' last='Langdon'], the sharpshooting combo forward that will have his pick of HM schools. [player_tooltip player_id='1030027' first='Alex' last='Olander'] will slot in as a great shooting transfer from Ravenscroft in the frontcourt, and [player_tooltip player_id='1761401' first='Kyrie' last='Heredia'] is an unsigned senior to know playing on the wing. In the backcourt, heart over height guy [player_tooltip player_id='1062157' first='Jacob' last='Lawton'] and two-way threat [player_tooltip player_id='1785531' first='Brandon' last='Callahan'] man the backcourt. This group is deep and talented, and should get back on track soon.   For Garner, they're led by the sibling duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1280954' first='Darius' last='Whitner'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1596874' first='Tayshaun' last='Whitner']. Both play great, intense defense and know how to facilitate for their teammates. [player_tooltip player_id='1281016' first='Kingston' last='Beale'] is one of their go-to scorers who continuously attacks downhill and puts pressure on the rim, and Cam'ren Reyes does the same except he can also get to his mid-range spots for jumpers. [player_tooltip player_id='1585789' first='Ghab' last='Scott'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1585788' first='Keaton' last='Bloms'] are both good additional pieces, Scott as a high intensity point guard and Bloms as a screening forward.   This should be an absolute dogfight, and it will be a tight contest for all 32 minutes. I'm going to refrain from making a prediction on the score here, instead predicting Langdon and Reyes to have big nights for their respective squads once again.   Orange (2-1) @ Jordan (0-2)   Jordan is still looking for the first win of their young season, and Thursday's game will not be an easy win as Orange comes to town. For the Panthers, [player_tooltip player_id='1281015' first='Cole' last='Cloer'] is one of the most dynamic players in his class and the state as a whole, and should be expected to play a large role in the outcome due to his scoring prowess and ability to impact the game defensively with his length. [player_tooltip player_id='1682372' first='Kai' last='Wade'] has been a great complementary scorer so far and excels at getting to the free throw line, and [player_tooltip player_id='1725012' first='Ryan' last='Honeycutt'] provides a post presence they need down low with a sturdy frame and great rebounding traits.   [player_tooltip player_id='1990412' first='Derek' last='Ross Jr']. has continued to run the show for Jordan just like he did last year, as the pint-sized point guard continues to really attack defenses and either score the ball or hit his teammates for open looks. [player_tooltip player_id='2349878' first='Zion' last='Wells'] is the other part of their great back court, with long arms which allow him to finish well around the rim as well as knock down perimeter jumpers. He'll also probably draw the defensive assignment on Cloer. [player_tooltip player_id='2268825' first='Julian' last='Lowe'] has also been performing well as a complementary scorer.   This is going to be another tight game, with Jordan playing a gauntlet of a schedule that includes this game. I bank on the Falcons pulling out their first win of the season here, led by great efforts from all three aforementioned players.   West Forsyth (1-0) @ Atkins (0-1)   West Forsyth picked up a big win against Mallard Creek to open their year, but will now face another road test and have to take on a feisty Atkins team led by new coach Kishon Bishop. The Titans are led by ever-present point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1409584' first='Jacari' last='Brim'], who's interior shot making ability, facilitating, and dogged on ball defense have earned him offers from multiple Division 1 programs in the last few months. Cameron White and [player_tooltip player_id='1837061' first='Max' last='Skillman'] will also be tasked with taking on larger roles for this group, White as an off ball secondary scorer, and Skillman is a versatile offensive weapon who can switch all over the floor on defense.   For Atkins, it all runs through [player_tooltip player_id='2284306' first='Kaleb' last='Roope'], the shooting guard who is beginning to pick up recruiting steam across the region this year. He's able to score it from all parts of the floor, especially from deep. Laithan Atkins is another guy who had a strong first contest of the year, and should be expected to keep it going as a secondary scorer for this Camels group.   I expect West Forsyth to get to 2-0 on the road because of their superior point guard play, but don't expect Atkins to go down without a fight. Roope should have a big game for them.

With public schools in line for a full week of games due to no holiday breaks, we're expected to see some great matchups. With plenty of fun mid-season tournaments going on this weekend, we'll cover those soon, so the games covered are just one off matchups across teams non-conference schedules. With two occurring in the Triangle and one in the Triad, read below for our three games of the week, and the players/teams expected to shine.