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<p>There is not a lot of conversation going on about the Chapel Hill Tigers but there should be. If this team was on the stock market, you should be buying as many shares as possible. The Tigers are coming off a 17-10 season and 3<sup>rd</sup> place finish in the Tobacco Road 6A/7A conference. They lose their top six players and on paper it would seem like a down year is loading, but the game isn't played on paper.</p>
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<p>From a program perspective, the Tigers are no stranger to success. Over the last four seasons, they are averaging over 18 wins and have battled toe to toe with some of the best teams in the state. Despite having so much turnover, this team is littered with young talent from top to bottom. With how well Coach Carter can teach and develop, expect this team to get better with each game they play.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Versatile Backcourt Duo</h2>
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<p>He'll be asked to lead the team on and off the floor this year. On the floor Miller is a downhill attacker that finishes well with either hand. He's always under control as a ball handler and utilizes his change of pace to his advantage. After a smaller role last year, this season should be one that sees Miller become an all-conference caliber guard.</p>
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<p>There are no wasted movements with Miller, he does more with less when the ball is in his hands. Adding Caden Bregu will allow him to roam more off the ball. Although Miller prefers to get to the paint, he's a threat as a catch and shoot specialist. That type of versatility in the back court keeps the Tigers multiple in their actions and tougher to defend for a full 32 minutes.</p>
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<p>Returning to Chapel Hill after a stint at Combine Academy, Caden's arrival comes at the perfect time. Joining Miller in the backcourt gives the Tigers a veteran duo that understands what it takes to operate Coach Carters system. While Miller is more of a downhill threat, Caden compliments that well with his offensive skillset. Not only can he finish well around the rim, but his shooting is a big difference maker.</p>
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<p>The shot creation from Caden generally leads to his smooth mid-range jump shot. He diagnoses coverages well once he touches the paint and always makes the right play. Off the bounce, the mid-range is the go-to but when off the ball, he's lethal off the catch from three. The scoring punch between he and Miller will keep the offense balanced, but Caden's playmaking also raises the ceiling for others around him.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Candidate </h2>
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<p>If you are looking for a breakout candidate, look no further than CJ Jackson. Blending athleticism with shot making at 6'5, CJ will be more than capable of pushing to be a double-digit scorer. His shot creation will add yet another ball handler for the Tigers that can put consistent pressure on defenses. Understanding of when to be aggressive and not settle for ill-advised shots is something the staff is working on with CJ. With experience being the best teacher, expect that to be a strength of his by years end.</p>
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<p>CJ explodes off the floor with ease and can finish above the rim with or without contact. Even his below the rim finishes are highlight reels. His body control and willingness to put his body on the line for the team is hard to not appreciate. Defensively he's just as versatile and even more disruptive. If he's able to defend without fouling on top of what he is capable of doing on offense, the Tigers have a wing that compliments their backcourt for the future.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Freshman Frenzy</h2>
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<p>It didn't take long for Brody to make a ferocious first impression. During drills, his energy and athleticism were high level and consistent. Immediately I asked Coach Carter who this young man was and his classification. To my surprise, he's a freshman and by far one of the most explosive athletes I've seen in the region. When live action started, it seemed like Brody was going to rip the rim off the backboard. Being a constant lob threat and someone who runs the floor hard every possession, it's going to be hard for opponents to keep Brody out of the paint.</p>
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<p>Although the athleticism is the super-power, Brody showed a capable jump shot, especially off the catch. Still developing his overall offensive skillset, once he can knock that down consistently, watch out. Defensively is another part of Brody's game that will impact the Tigers immediately. With his size, speed, and length, he'll be able to guard multiple positions and be a rim protector. The potential is off the charts for the young freshman who I believe will be a social media darling with his highlight reel plays throughout the year.</p>
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<p>During the summer I first saw Carter playing for Garner Road's National Team. The belnd of size and skill was undeniable for an eighth grader at that time. He was mostly used on the block where he showed a nice jump hook and soft touch on offensive rebound putbacks. Occasionally the Garner Road staff would put him at the nail, and he'd knock down a mid range jumper or make a nice backdoor pass to a cutter. All these things are what Coach Carter hopes will translate during his freshman season.</p>
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<p>As I walked in the gym, I had to look twice at Carter because his body had transformed. He looked leaner, stronger and more explosive. I asked Coach Carter about that noticeable change, and he credited Carters consistency and willingness to work on his game and his body. Carter will be a day one contributor and be asked to anchor the interior for the Tigers. His tremendous feel for the game and overall skillset will translate, it just needs to be consistent.</p>
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<p>During our conversation, Coach Carter praised the work ethic and togetherness the team has shown. The depth and athleticism are something that will be a huge advantage for the Tigers. From observing and discussing the team, I believe around 90% of their production will come from non-seniors. Along with the two mentioned above, Tyler Tisdale Williams is someone expected to contribute. The two-way upside is off the charts with Tyler and his athleticism at his age is superb. More importantly than the skillset, he's a player that impacts winning when he's on the floor. Even as a freshman, expect to hear Tyler's name a lot for the Tigers.</p>
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<p>Deuce Geer will be expected to take a leap as well. With the loss of Makhai Manning, I believe Deuce can raise his level of play to help fill some of Makhai's void. He's a three-level scorer with a smooth handle and disruptive defensive skills. With guards like Miller and Caden, Deuce is the perfect change of pace guard that can play multiple roles. His shooting off the ball will be huge for the Tigers and help keep driving lanes open. If Deuce can stay consistent, the trio of guards for the Tigers could be one of the best in the conference.</p>
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<p>Coach Carter has a big task on his hands with how he and the staff will construct these lineups. The pipeline from middle school to the JV team has been a big factor in how well prepared these players are. The JV team is coming off an 18-4 season and are expected to be even better this year. As these guys gain experience and development, the ceiling rises even higher. While I think this team will be good this year, teams better get them now, because in a year or two, they'll be really tough to beat.</p>
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<p></p>
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There is not a lot of conversation going on about the Chapel Hill Tigers but there should be. If this team was on the stock market, you should be buying as many shares as possible. The Tigers are coming off a 17-10 season and 3rd place finish in the Tobacco Road 6A/7A conference. They lose their top six players and on paper it would seem like a down year is loading, but the game isn't played on paper.
From a program perspective, the Tigers are no stranger to success. Over the last four seasons, they are averaging over 18 wins and have battled toe to toe with some of the best teams in the state. Despite having so much turnover, this team is littered with young talent from top to bottom. With how well Coach Carter can teach and develop, expect this team to get better with each game they play.
Versatile Backcourt Duo
Miller Upchurch
HEIGHT6'3"
POSCG
CLASS2028
Miller Upchurch
School:Chapel Hill High School
This evaluation is available to subscribers.
He'll be asked to lead the team on and off the floor this year. On the floor Miller is a downhill attacker that finishes well with either hand. He's always under control as a ball handler and utilizes his change…
Returning to Chapel Hill after a stint at Combine Academy, Caden's arrival comes at the perfect time. Joining Miller in the backcourt gives the Tigers a veteran duo that understands what it takes to operate Coach Carters system. While Miller is more of a downhill threat, Caden compliments that well with his offensive skillset. Not only can he finish well around the rim, but his shooting is a big difference maker.
The shot creation from Caden generally leads to his smooth mid-range jump shot. He diagnoses coverages well once he touches the paint and always makes the right play. Off the bounce, the mid-range is the go-to but when off the ball, he's lethal off the catch from three. The scoring punch between he and Miller will keep the offense balanced, but Caden's playmaking also raises the ceiling for others around him.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Highlights
Breakout Candidate
Christopher "CJ" Jackson
HEIGHT6'5"
POSSF
CLASS2028
Christopher "CJ" Jackson
School:Chapel Hill High School
This evaluation is available to subscribers.
If you are looking for a breakout candidate, look no further than CJ Jackson. Blending athleticism with shot making at 6'5, CJ will be more than capable of pushing to be a double-digit scorer. His shot creation will add yet…
It didn't take long for Brody to make a ferocious first impression. During drills, his energy and athleticism were high level and consistent. Immediately I asked Coach Carter who this young man was and his classification. To my surprise, he's a freshman and by far one of the most explosive athletes I've seen in the region. When live action started, it seemed like Brody was going to rip the rim off the backboard. Being a constant lob threat and someone who runs the floor hard every possession, it's going to be hard for opponents to keep Brody out of the paint.
Although the athleticism is the super-power, Brody showed a capable jump shot, especially off the catch. Still developing his overall offensive skillset, once he can knock that down consistently, watch out. Defensively is another part of Brody's game that will impact the Tigers immediately. With his size, speed, and length, he'll be able to guard multiple positions and be a rim protector. The potential is off the charts for the young freshman who I believe will be a social media darling with his highlight reel plays throughout the year.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
During the summer I first saw Carter playing for Garner Road's National Team. The belnd of size and skill was undeniable for an eighth grader at that time. He was mostly used on the block where he showed a nice…
During our conversation, Coach Carter praised the work ethic and togetherness the team has shown. The depth and athleticism are something that will be a huge advantage for the Tigers. From observing and discussing the team, I believe around 90% of their production will come from non-seniors. Along with the two mentioned above, Tyler Tisdale Williams is someone expected to contribute. The two-way upside is off the charts with Tyler and his athleticism at his age is superb. More importantly than the skillset, he's a player that impacts winning when he's on the floor. Even as a freshman, expect to hear Tyler's name a lot for the Tigers.
Deuce Geer will be expected to take a leap as well. With the loss of Makhai Manning, I believe Deuce can raise his level of play to help fill some of Makhai's void. He's a three-level scorer with a smooth handle and disruptive defensive skills. With guards like Miller and Caden, Deuce is the perfect change of pace guard that can play multiple roles. His shooting off the ball will be huge for the Tigers and help keep driving lanes open. If Deuce can stay consistent, the trio of guards for the Tigers could be one of the best in the conference.
Coach Carter has a big task on his hands with how he and the staff will construct these lineups. The pipeline from middle school to the JV team has been a big factor in how well prepared these players are. The JV team is coming off an 18-4 season and are expected to be even better this year. As these guys gain experience and development, the ceiling rises even higher. While I think this team will be good this year, teams better get them now, because in a year or two, they'll be really tough to beat.
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