Stars Shining in the 828

The Western part of North Carolina is home to a lot of talent that is often overlooked simply due to lack of exposure and media coverage. With rankings updates beginning next week, we want to make sure that there is proper representation out west. There is a ton of talent out on that side of the state that is really shining bright this season. Let's take a deeper look at some of the guys in the 828 really showing out this season!    Rogers has made the move to Asheville Christian and shined bright in his role alongside UNCA signee [player_tooltip player_id='1672480' first='Ian' last='Bailey']. With Asheville Christian enjoying another winning season, Rogers outside shooting and selflessness have been a major key to this teams success. Rogers continues to develop physically as he gets taller, grows into his frame, and is becoming a more well rounded athlete. There's no doubt about the fact that his shooting is what is his true calling card on the floor. He is more than capable of attacking closeouts and finishing at the rim as his confidence in his overall game continues to grow. As Rogers continues to gain experience and confidence, he should undoubtedly develop into a next level player!     Suttle is a fast rising big man in NC's 2027 that has helped propel East Rutherford to a 15-2 start on the season with an 8-0 record in conference play. Suttle is averaging 14.8 Points, 8.8 Rebounds, and 1.4 Blocks thus far in his junior season. He's also shooting 64% from the floor on the season. Suttle is a double double threat every single time he steps on the floor with the ability to help anchor a defense by protecting the rim. Suttle finishes with purpose at the rim, he embraces the physical element of being a big man that operates on the interior. He shows flashes of touch that can be further developed, he also does a great job timing his cuts to the rim, making himself available for easy baskets. Suttle has a chance for a big spring/summer but he's also got a chance to put a ring on his finger with the way East Rutherford is playing this season.     With the 2026 rankings being finalized and hopefully released next week, Martin will not find himself on the watch list much longer. He has simply been one of the top scoring guards in North Carolina this season at Owen High School up in Black Mountain. Owen is 11-8 with a 4-4 record in league play and that is largely due to the work that [player_tooltip player_id='2521104' first='Asante' last='Martin'] has done. The senior is averaging 26.3 Points, 6.3 Rebounds, 2.6 Assists, and 0.9 Steals, all leading his team. Martin has a pure pull up in the mid range and a great first step that allows him to blow by defenders for paint touches or stop on a dime and pull up. He's a high academic as well, Martin should accrue some next level interest as his senior season wraps up.     Petty continues to let everyone know that he's one of if not the best available senior in North Carolina. He's a true downhill specialist that is dynamic when in attack mode, especially in transition. He just plays so hard all of the time and it's probably his best skill. His motor is simply elite and then when you combine that with his physical gifts, emerging skillset, and overall approach, you get a potentially instant impact freshman at the division one level if he goes to the right spot. There is 0 doubt in my mind that Petty is a division one prospect, anyone that has spent anytime watching him this year can say that with a high level of confidence. As Christ School continues on in EYBL Scholastic play, I fully expect Petty to get what he deserves and some division one coaches to swoop in late for the talented and athletic wing guard.     Johnson is one of WNC's most productive guards that possesses great positional size at 6'2". Avery County is 10-7 on the year with Johnson averaging 20.5 Points, 6.1 Rebounds, 3.0 Assists, and 1.2 Steals. He's doing all of that on 50/30/74 splits. Johnson attacks the basket with purpose and finishes in traffic at a high level. He can finish with either hand on either side, is capable of making outside shots, and is comfortable operating in ball screens. Johnson can play in the open floor or find a way to produce when the game slows down. He recently announced his commitment to Gardner-Webb to play golf which is a huge accomplishment. I have little doubt that Johnson could at the very least be a great addition to the scout team on the basketball side if he wants to. He's a definite college level basketball player and is enjoying a special senior season.

The Western part of North Carolina is home to a lot of talent that is often overlooked simply due to lack of exposure and media coverage. With rankings updates beginning next week, we want to make sure that there is proper representation out west. There is a ton of talent out on that side of the state that is really shining bright this season. Let's take a deeper look at some of the guys in the 828 really showing out this season!