2023 In Review – NCHSAA 4A West Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With 2023 in our rearview mirror and conference play approaching, it's time to continue the 2023 year in review for the current season. This edition takes us to the 4A West class, with some major college talent at all levels evident across these schools. There will be some titanic matchups and great basketball being played here for the rest of the season. Read below for the teams and players to monitor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top National Prospects Have Their Teams Rolling</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Mecklenburg</strong> and Myers Park are two of the top teams in both the state and the entire country, chock full of talented players that can take over games and win them in an instant.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings have the top player in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='1154560' first='Isaiah' last='Evans'], one of the best scorers in recent years with his 6'6 frame and ability to be fluid and score from literally any spot on the floor. He's joined by [player_tooltip player_id='1076335' first='Trey' last='Maxwell'], a sharpshooting combo guard and [player_tooltip player_id='1409583' first='Chadlyn' last='Traylor'], a really dynamic playmaker who should be a D1 recruit in the 2025 class. [player_tooltip player_id='1680977' first='Ashton' last='Pierce'] is a younger name to know as a two way guard who defends his yard and has shown an ability to attack the rim and score. Two rivalry matchups remain with Chambers, with the first coming tomorrow night in Huntersville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For <strong>Myers Park</strong>, they boast three high major players in [player_tooltip player_id='1076350' first='Bishop' last='Boswell'], [player_tooltip player_id='1180892' first='Sir' last='Mohammed'], and Sadiq White. Boswell is committed to Tennessee, a physical combo guard that is a really good passer with IQ and vision to hit his teammates. Mohammed could be described as a jumbo PG as well, but has shown he plays outstanding defense, plays with intelligence on both ends and can score the ball well. White is a transition nightmare, and his long 6'9 frame causes problems at the rim on both ends of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='2287768' first='Jacob' last='Paraison'], [player_tooltip player_id='1031081' first='Ashton' last='King'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2127810' first='AJ' last='Jamison'] are all notable contributors in support of this dynamic trio as well. They still have a matchup with Northwood and two games against conference rival South Meck before the end of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lake Norman Is Real</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Hodges has done an outstanding job putting <strong>Lake Norman</strong> firmly in the title race this year, with their only loss coming in a thriller against Weddington. They've got a deep roster who is led by [player_tooltip player_id='1409597' first='Trent' last='Steinour'], a 6'9 forward who is drawing HM interest with his ability to protect the rim, play as a screener and roller, and is skilled at finishing around the rim and in the post. [player_tooltip player_id='1334260' first='Santana' last='Lynch'] is a double double threat from the wing and has played outstanding basketball since his transfer from Myers Park, and [player_tooltip player_id='1226603' first='Tre' last='McKinnon'] is a physical 2 guard/wing who plays above the rim and is explosive getting to the basket. [player_tooltip player_id='1990413' first='Josh' last='Yates'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1907231' first='Nick' last='Arnold'] are a fearsome duo in the backcourt as well, and it looks like this team is deeper than ever. Conference play remains, and the GM4 conference is a tough one, but Lake Norman should be favored every night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Triad Teams Will Surprise</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mount Tabor</strong> and <strong>Davie</strong> are the top Triad teams in MaxPreps, and both have talented guys that have gotten them off to a good start. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Davie, [player_tooltip player_id='1892439' first='Jackson' last='Powers'] is a burly stretch forward who has good ball skills and can step out and shoot the three ball, as well has being a good rim protector. [player_tooltip player_id='2319820' first='Bryson' last='Mickey'] is a gamer who throws people off with his deceptive athleticism and strength, but he's got a great shot from deep and some IQ. [player_tooltip player_id='2319830' first='Coleman' last='Lawhon'] is also a guard who plays similarly to Mickey, and can shoot the ball at a high rate. Those three make up a trio that lead the group, although they have some supporting guys who chip in with buckets and good defense. They got a big win over the Spartans, but will have another clash later in January.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans of Mount Tabor has the highest talented and ranked guy of the two teams in [player_tooltip player_id='1786681' first='Shamarius' last='Peterkin']. He's a dynamic athlete that changes the tempo and pace of the game when he's on the floor, with quickness and burst to be able to burn defenders and get to the hoop. [player_tooltip player_id='2303266' first='Will' last='Koonin'] is a big change of pace guard for them, who runs offense and controls the tempo when the ball is in his hands. Guys like Jadon Blair and [player_tooltip player_id='2454791' first='Amare' last='Robinson'] are big on the glass and interior for them as forwards, while [player_tooltip player_id='2303014' first='Joah' last='Shay'] has one of the quickest and smoothest releases in the country despite his small stature. The Spartans will play similar conference opponents to Davie and be ready for that big time matchup later in the month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other Teams To Monitor</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1890476' first='Grant' last='Hamilton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2292116' first='KJ' last='Younger'] are the highest scoring duo in the entire class at <strong>Weddington</strong>. Both average over 22 PPG and are impact guys at the next level, Hamilton as a shooter and Younger as a scoring forward... <strong>South Meck</strong> is 13-1 with a lone loss on the road to Richmond County and stars one of the best uncommitted prospects left in [player_tooltip player_id='1076364' first='Peter' last='Moye']. He's a true, tough three level scorer that helps his teammates [player_tooltip player_id='2280463' first='Anderson' last='Skelton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2055664' first='Jim' last='Gatehouse'] make big plays for them... [player_tooltip player_id='1490564' first='Richard' last='Goods'] is a nightmare on the interior with his move back to <strong>Grimsley</strong> this season. He's averaging 20 and 14 for the Whirlies as they look to win games and make a run in the playoffs later this year... The trio of [player_tooltip player_id='2287920' first='Caden' last='Caskey'], [player_tooltip player_id='1508752' first='Brett' last='Freeman'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1031096' first='Delani' last='Hammonds'] at <strong>Ardrey Kell </strong>has helped them win lots of games and play Myers Park tighter than many in the area so far this season. Caskey is a perimeter scorer, Freeman can drive the ball inside, and Hammonds can both score himself or set those guys and others up consistently...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->