Burlington School/Central Cabarrus – Recap/Standouts
In this article:
With the opportunity to attend the Ish Smith Showcase presented by Phenom Hoops last weekend, I was in the building for the Friday nightcap between TBS and Central Cabarrus. Central Cabarrus won the tip, Desmond Kent Jr Desmond Kent Jr…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith the opportunity to attend the Ish Smith Showcase presented by Phenom Hoops last weekend, I was in the building for the Friday nightcap between TBS and Central Cabarrus.
Central Cabarrus won the tip, Desmond Kent Jr Desmond Kent Jr 6'5" | SF Central Cabarrus | 2024 State NC hit a floater, then had a monster block on the other end leading to an Emare Russell layup. TBS called timeout 50 seconds in with the crowd jumping. The game became frenetic with press/run and jump D. Chase Daniel Chase Daniel 6'1" | PG Central Cabarrus | 2024 State NC had a huge and 1, while King Gibson King Gibson 6'4" | CG The Burlington School | 2027 State NC had a few crazy layups to keep the game tight. Jordan Durham Jordan Durham 6'3" | CG The Burlington School | 2024 State NC knocked down a 3 and Cam Flippen Cam Flippen 6'2" | PG The Burlington School | 2025 State NC had a layup to tie the game at 16-16 at the end of the first quarter.
Durham hit a corner 3 to give TBS it’s 1st lead @ 19-16. Kent hit a very contested middy to get the lead to 27-24 at 3:30 in the second quarter. With the game tight, a sequence that included a Cayden Smith 3, a hustle jump ball, a Carson Daniel Carson Daniel 6'1" | PG Central Cabarrus | 2024 State NC charge, another Cayden Smith 3, then a Daniel to Daniel alley-oop gave CC their largest lead at 37-26 and almost brought the gym down. Zion Walker Zion Walker 6'2" | PG The Burlington School | 2024 State NC ‘s 2 FT and layup made it 37-30, but a Kent putback 39-30 at half.
Chase Daniel Chase Daniel 6'1" | PG Central Cabarrus | 2024 State NC hit a big time transition 3 as part of a up and down 3rd quarter, where it was 48-38 at 4:25. However, a 15-0 run that was sparked by a Durham foul and tech helped push to 53-38, followed by a Carson Daniel Carson Daniel 6'1" | PG Central Cabarrus | 2024 State NC layup, steal, +1 forced a TBS timeout. At the end of the 3rd, it was 63-38 CC.
Walker had an and one to start the 4th quarter, but a Kent lob off the backboard brought the house down. 76-46 halfway through the quarter and Coach Baker decided pulled the starters. The final score was 84-55 Central Cabarrus.
Both Daniel brothers played excellently this weekend, but Carson had a flawless night Friday. His playmaking, dogged defense on many guys bigger than him, and overall leadership were highlights of the game, as well as the passion and emotion he played with. Catawba is getting two great players, and I’m excited to see how many games they can win the rest of the year together.
Walker got his in the second half as the game opened up and he had more opportunities to isolate and go 1 on 1. He’s a downhill playmaker that either sprays passes out or finishes well around the rim. Decent three point shooter as well when left open and has time. His frame allows him to guard with physicality as well, and be able to switch and guard taller/bigger guys if he has to. Will be a contributor at Mt. Saint Mary’s immediately next year.
As I said before, both Daniel brothers were excellent, and it was nice to see Chase do a lot of similar things to Carson but also score the ball very well. He had great composure and ability to attack the defense every night, highlighted by his transition three that got his team really going in the second half. I’m a fan of both of their games, and expect them to be great for Catawba next season.
Durham made some big shots that helped keep TBS around in the first half, and his absence due to foul trouble was especially felt in the second half. He’s a capable perimeter shooter, and can also bring defenses in with his interior finishing and driving ability. I felt like he should be someone that ends up at the D2/D3 level and makes an impact next year. He’s got the offensive ability to make things happen.
Kent is a known commodity at this point, and we’re still waiting to understand why coaches haven’t jumped on his recruitment. His length and commitment to playing hard at both ends of the floor make him an essential cog to the Central Cabarrus team. He has range out to the mid-range area of the floor right now, and finishes powerfully around the rim. With a more refined perimeter jumper and some weight room work, he will be a bonafide Division 1 player.