Noteworthy Athletes Of The Week
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As we kick off the new year, let’s spotlight a few players who made significant contributions to their teams’ success over the past week. Their standout performances are indicative of a promising season ahead. Keep an eye on these athletes…
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Continue ReadingAs we kick off the new year, let’s spotlight a few players who made significant contributions to their teams’ success over the past week. Their standout performances are indicative of a promising season ahead. Keep an eye on these athletes as they strive to maintain their strong form throughout the upcoming games, making a lasting impact on their respective teams.
Hayden Champion is having an outstanding senior campaign, maintaining a remarkable average of 33 points and 11 rebounds. With a height of 6’3 and a robust frame, Champion possesses a natural ability to navigate to the rim and score effectively. He resumed the season after Christmas break with an impressive performance, dropping 35 points against Lee Christian and following it up with an exceptional 43-point game against Lake Norman Christian. Champion’s scoring prowess and consistent rebounding make him a valuable asset for any program at the next level, showcasing his potential impact on the court in the future.
Highlights
Ma’kyi Butler, a senior, appears to be an under-recruited player deserving of more exposure and opportunities. Standing at 6’5, Butler brings a combination of physicality for battling in the paint, athleticism for rim protection and finishing above the rim, and a solid skill set with basketball IQ to contribute effectively. In a recent game against Oak Forest, he showcased his versatility, finishing with an impressive stat line of 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks, ultimately helping lead his team to victory. With an average of 20 points and 6 rebounds per game this season, Butler demonstrates his consistent impact on the court and his potential to contribute to a college program.
Junior player Elijah Kindle Elijah Kindle 5’11” | CG Northwood Temple Academy | 2025 State NC showcased his considerable upside with an explosive performance, scoring 34 points against New Life Christian. Kindle, who has been a valuable role player for Northwood, demonstrated his ability to make significant contributions to the team. His impressive shooting, going 5-8 from three-point range, played a crucial role in securing the win and helping Northwood improve to a 12-6 record on the season. Kindle’s strong performance and versatility on the court suggest that he could be a key factor in the team’s push to finish the season strongly and contend for the conference title.
Senior Caleb Tillman Caleb Tillman 6’4″ | SF Statesville | 2024 State NC from Statesville delivered a standout performance, contributing 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in a closely contested victory against East Lincoln. Standing at 6’4, Tillman brings a well-rounded inside-and-out presence to the court, showcasing good hands, solid footwork, and a strong work ethic. With an average of 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block per game, Tillman has been a consistent contributor. Expect more strong performances from this senior as the season progresses, reflecting his impactful role on the team.