Class of 2030 Players To Watch: 336 Area Code Edition

As we continue the offseason getting to know some of the talented freshman in the state, if you are in the 336 area code, we have you covered. There are a lot of talent throughout this area and to help you out on who to watch, here's a few players who are must see TV whenever they're in action.    After being a key contributor for Ben L. Smith after their state championship run, Nick really made headlines as a key contributor for [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'] EYBL. He put together a summer that likely separated him from most freshmen in the state. Recently, he made the move to Greensboro Day where he will reclassify to the class of 2030 and instantly becomes what many believe to be the best in the state and a premier prospect in the country. All the tools you want in a high-level wing, Nick possesses. At 6'8, the two-way upside is unlike many prospects you'll see in the 2030 class. Offensively he can guard every position while being multi-faceted on offense.   More with less is his strength, as during his Ben L. Smith tenure, he was utilized more as a spot up shooter and lock down defender. During the summer he was able to show he had way more to his game. In certain situations, he was used as a point forward, initiating offense, while in other situations he was able to come off screens to get downhill. In transition he's especially dangerous because of his versatility. Whether it's going coast to coast after grabbing a rebound or running the lane hard for a dunk (or spot up three), Nick excels in any situation. In a loaded 2030 class, Nick has a chance to be nationally ranked by this time next year.     He might be just a freshman, but CJ could become one of the best scorers in the state this year. After a breakout season on the Nike EYBL Circuit for [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'], he will look to carry that momentum into his freshman campaign at Westchester Country Day. As an 8th grader, CJ earned significant time on the varsity team. This type of experience is useful for long term development as unlike other freshmen, he's been through a season going against varsity competition. It wasn't just a learning experience for CJ; he was effective in his minutes. During the year, he scored 15+ points four times and scored a career high 35 points in a road game.   The shooting is his biggest strength. Whether it is on the move or in catch and shoot opportunities, he makes them at a high level. Standing at 6'3, there has been an emphasis on adding more to his skillset. This summer, CJ showcased improved ball handling and shot creation which increased his paint touches. Opening that part of his skillset only amplifies the elite shooting ability. Don't be surprised if you look up this year and see CJ in the top of the state in scoring, that's how well he can score the basketball.     Consistent production and winning have been two things that are used to describe the 6'0 guard. After finishing his middle school career without a loss, Weston wasted no time showcasing he could do it at the varsity level. Between playing AAU for the Stokes Celtics and being a focal point for South Stokes High School, the production remained at a high level. With the ball in his hands, it doesn't get much better. He has a tight handle with an array of moves that keeps defenders off balance.   An excellent shot creator that gets to his spots with ease regardless of the defender. When the ball is not in his hands, he is constantly moving without the ball to create advantages for himself and teammates. Although the shot making is a strength, Weston can operate well in pick and roll situations. From a playmaking standpoint, there is still room for growth, but he makes the right play and is always under control. There's no doubt his skillset translates, in fact, in his first tournament as a varsity player he averaged 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. His combination of shot creation, pace, and versatility make Weston must see TV.     You don't get a nickname like “Big Smooth” without having a lot to your game. Kinston is a 6'6 big man that plays well within himself. He's not on the perimeter trying to shoot threes or show off his ball handling skills. The bread and butter for Kinston is from the free throw line to the paint. He utilizes his size well in the paint, bullying defenders with ferocious backdowns. Contact is not an issue, as he often converts through it, even if multiple defenders are around.   It is not all power for Kinston though. The soft touch, agility, and footwork are all aspects of his game that he showcases. When he gets the ball in the paint, the patience is there while he tries to dissect where the double is coming from. If it doesn't come quickly enough, a spin move and finish quickly follow. Even when the double team comes, he's a more than capable passer out of the post. Despite his size, Kinston runs the floor extremely well and has good hands when the guards find him in transition. Not overly athletic but his skill level makes up for it.     After a successful freshman year at T.W. Andrews, the 6'5 wing took his talents to Burlington Christian Academy where he reclassed to the 2030 class. Prior to his departure, he was the leading scorer for the Red Raiders. There wasn't much of an adjustment period as Bryson began his career with five straight double figure games while helping lead the Red Raiders to a 4-1 start. A little bit of a wall in December but he finished strong, helping the Red Raiders to a 20-5 record, the most wins since 2016-2017.   Bryson is a powerful physical presence that is relentless in attacking the rim. Initiates contact and is more than capable of finishing through it possession after possession. No wasted dribbles or movements when the ball is in his hands, he makes quick decisions and can punish defenders with his blend of speed and power. Playing with Burlington Christian in live sessions, Bryson was able to play with the ball in his hands more and show off a little bit more playmaking as a point forward. A true mismatch nightmare with improving versatility, the addition of Bryson to the Royals raises both his and their ceiling.     Silky smooth guard with the ability to score at all three levels. A blur in transition with the ball in his hands and has the craftiness to finish with either hand. While he can score the ball at a high clip, he's also an excellent playmaker with the ball in his hands. When operating out of pick and rolls, his decision making is quick and decisive. Off the ball, he keeps pressure on the defense with his constant movement. Curl actions where he can get the ball going downhill is one of the go to sets when he does not have the ball in his hands.   Coming into a High Point Central team that loses four of its top five players, Zy'mier has a chance to hit the ground running at the guard position. The blend of speed, ball handling, and paint touching that Zy'mier brings will be a breath of fresh air for the Bison. When you have as quick of a first step as Zy'mier, defenses tend to over adjust which allows him the ability to showcase his playmaking skills. Zy'mier is a tone setter who can control a game from start to finish. This High Point Central team may be young, but the talent is there, starting with a big-time freshman in [player_tooltip player_id='3736860' first='Zy'mier' last='Lowe'].

As we continue the offseason getting to know some of the talented freshman in the state, if you are in the 336 area code, we have you covered. There are a lot of talent throughout this area and to help you out on who to watch, here's a few players who are must see TV whenever they're in action.