Team Preview: Cary Academy Chargers

The Chargers off coming off doing something they have not done in school history. They finished conference champions after going 5-1 in the TISAC. From starting 1-5 to finishing 5-1 is a full circle moment and a testament to how much better they got within that season.   Despite going 14-13, the Chargers were a few bounces away from nearly pushing 20 wins. Nearly half of their losses were by two possessions or less, including a three-point loss to the eventual State Runner up. They should see some positive regression in close games this year along with the players getting better.   Coach Cloce is drilling ball and player movement into this group during the off-season. Putting more emphasis on allowing the team to initiate and dictate the offense rather than calling plays is a high priority. Down the stretch when the Chargers were rolling, that is a tactic that was utilized by the staff.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dynamic Duo Returns</h2>    Headlining the returnees is the TISAC Conference Player of the Year. Add an All-State accolade and you have one of the best players in the state. Julian possesses a rare skillset for his size that not many in the state can match up with. He's an effective inside-out scorer that punishes people in the post with an array of moves as well as have an efficient perimeter game. He led the team in points, rebounds, and blocks while being atop the scouting report. A feat not many would be able to sustain throughout the year, being the focal point of opposing teams' scout.   The next step in the development is to consistently dominate on a nightly basis. It's almost as if he's too unselfish, which is a hard thing to decipher as a young prospect. During the live session, he showed that won't be an issue this year. Julian was as dominant as I've seen him imposing his will on both ends of the floor. That bled into the AAU season with Sw15h Elite where he was just as successful, helping secure a championship and being named to the all circuit team. He has gotten bigger, faster and stronger throughout the process but kept the same high skill level. One of the scariest sentences opposing teams who will face Cary Academy will read.     The perfect running mate for Julian Tweedy returns and is expected to take a massive jump. Positional size is a huge asset as Marcus is a bigger guard that has all the tools to become a successful guard beyond high school. He was able to give people a small taste of the potential last year but this season the world will get to see just how good Marcus Cadet is. He scored double figures in seven games and had multiple big moments in games without just scoring. This landed him on the 2nd team all-conference as a freshman.   Depending on who you ask, the position Marcus is classified under changes. Point Guard is what I feel he is and will play at the next level. However, he's not just effective on the ball. The off-ball versatility puts him in a completely different category. This versatility prevents teams from double teaming him so much and allows his playmaking to take over the game. At his size, the way he can pass the ball is easy to appreciate. Already making waves with his play during the summer, he's still only scratching the surface of what he can be.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sophomore Surge</h2>    A pivotal piece in the teams success this year, Zalan should be poised to take a leap. He had moments in certain games last season, but his minutes and production should double this year. Playing off Julian Tweedy and Marcus Cadet frees him up to get wide-open attempts and not get the best or second-best defender on a nightly basis. He has a good size and strong frame that helps him be a two-way presence for the Chargers.   Contact doesn't bother him when he's getting downhill, which he does at an effective and efficient level. The athleticism jumps off the screen when watching Zalan perform, especially in transition or off slot cuts in the half-court. His on-ball defense I believe will truly be the biggest asset to this team. The blend of speed, power, and IQ on both sides of the ball makes him a perfect co-pilot to the big two.    The team is extremely young, but the talent level is high throughout the roster. One of the veteran guards, Max Shearin will be an ex-factor for the Chargers. His playmaking and shot creation allow the Chargers to be more versatile in the backcourt. Max has made strides year over year but this season his improved skillset will help take the Chargers on a deep playoff run.   Kaden Murphy is a name to monitor as someone who will be able to knock down shots consistently. His connectivity on that end is also a positive and can relieve the pressure off the other guards. The depth is something Coach Cloce is excited about and even though he has two of the best players in the state, needing those ancillary pieces is critical. If they can get consistent bench production, the Chargers can be a scary team to face in the playoffs.

The Chargers off coming off doing something they have not done in school history. They finished conference champions after going 5-1 in the TISAC. From starting 1-5 to finishing 5-1 is a full circle moment and a testament to how much better they got within that season.