Team Preview: West Charlotte’s Quest for Back To Back Titles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions are coming off a 23-win state championship season. This was their first 20+ win season since 2021, and they did it with a young inexperienced group. I think the depth and versatility the Lions possess this year has improved. Led by 4-star, top 35 player in the country, [player_tooltip player_id='2619645' first='Kaharri' last='Coleman'], there won't be any complacency in this group. They're all hungry and eager to prove themselves again in the quest for back-to-back titles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is likely not going to be a more conditioned and disciplined team in the state than the Lions. An aggressive emphasis put on strength and conditioning this off-season will have the Lions well energized late in games. I've visited a lot of schools and not many of them run four miles AND stairs BEFORE going through a full practice. The fact there wasn't any loafing or lack of energy let me know that this is something they've adapted too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From a discipline aspect, the coaching staff is drilling in ball movement, ball security and defending without fouling. Not fulfilling those demands will earn you ten push-ups and a little trash talk from the teammates. Some of the drills being run by the staff, there wasn't any dribbling allowed for the offense, forcing them to be patient as well as read and react to the defense. This teaches extreme attention to detail and communication which I think the Lions exemplified well throughout practice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2619645"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac6dc71893f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The highest rated recruit in Charlotte, regardless of class is back. A consensus top 35 nationally ranked recruit, the reigning District 9 Player of the Year and State Championship MVP. [player_tooltip player_id='2619645' first='Kaharri' last='Coleman'] enters the season with as many accolades as anyone in the state and will be depended on to deliver at a high level consistently. His resume shows that he's more than capable of doing so and after a successful summer at several elite camps and the EYBL Circuit for [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'], the confidence is through the roof. Kaharri is a walking triple double threat that impacts the game without scoring. The numbers back that up as he averaged eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals. All of those led the Lions by a decent margin and if you filter just conference games, those numbers increase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The off-season for Coleman consisted of getting bigger, stronger and faster on top of improving his outside shooting.&nbsp;After seeing him in this practice, those boxes have been checked with how much more explosive he's gotten despite enhancing his physical attributes. Often, some kids become comfortable in who they are and what they've become, especially if success follows. That is not the case with Kaharri as he is more motivated than ever to prove he's still not getting the respect he deserves. A Team USA invite this week helps but the quest to be the best point guard in the nation is still the standard. That motivation mixed with the on the court prowess is a dangerous combo for opposing teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2307198"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac6dc7189457"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Janon had an injury plagued year last season but when on the floor, it's easy to see the long-term projection. Janon has good positional size with the ability to score in the paint or from the perimeter. As he's ramping back up and getting ready for the season, there will be a high expectation level for him. Not only will he be expected to dominate alongside Kaharri Colemn, but as one of the lone seniors, his off the court leadership will be pivotal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The explosion in which he showcased prior to injury is still there and he's refined a lot of his weaknesses. More consistency from outside would be one of the things Janon has grown in. Being versatile in his scoring will be key in a state championship run for the Lions. All signs point to a big senior year for Janon as he steps into a new role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Carter Sullivan","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"West Charlotte","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac6dc71894ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He won't get the headlines or the fancy highlights (all the time), but Carter was a driving force in the Lions state championship run. Scoring timely baskets, defending, and being a secondary playmaker helped the Lions stay afloat early in the state championship game. There won't be an opposing player who will outwork Carter and that type of feistiness was consistent throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While there wasn't a lot asked of him last year, do not confuse that with him not being able to do it. Carter is an electric scorer when asked to do so and excels as a shot creator. Shifty, balanced, and good change of pace are elements that help Carter's scoring prowess. Sneaky athleticism, so don't be shocked if you see him put through several dunks this year. He's had an excellent summer, highlighted by dropping 40 points in an event in April. Carter is the ultimate glue guy with proven production, and you can expect even more from him this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3665751"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac6dc7189556"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Definitely a name you want to write down and remember. A new addition to the Lions who will immediately raise the floor and ceiling for the Lions. Battling injuries for the last season or two, Zion is back and better than ever. The first thing you notice, even in drills, is how skilled and fundamental Zion is. Nothing is flashy or overzealous about his game, but the effectiveness is off the charts. Strong, physical frame that he utilizes to get downhill and finish with either hand. The below the rim finishing will be breathtaking with how well he utilizes angles and contorts his body in the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once you think you need to back off him to prevent his driving ability, he's more than capable of knocking down shots. Scoring will come even easier with how much attention Kaharri and Janon draw. Defensively there won't be a dropoff from how effective he is on offense. Zion has quick hands, long arms and good anticipation when he's off the ball. Get familiar with the name, will be on big time radars soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're keeping count, you have read about four critical pieces in that rotation, but it does not stop there. The duo of Major Cross and Sean Johnson Jr return after a successful season and huge production in the state championship game. Sean scored the game winning layup against Hoggard and will be asked to anchor the paint. Expectations are for him to be flirting with a double-double nightly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Major is one of the more disruptive defenders in the region and his ability to defend at such a high level can swing a game in minutes. He's also a capable shot maker and distributor which alleviates some pressure from the other members of the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is no doubt that the Lions have the talent to bring another state title back to West Charlotte. The continuity is there and having one of the best point guards in the country as your leader is a cherry on top. Role identification and role acknowledgement are big factors in what makes a good team great. West Charlotte has both of those covered and should continue being one of the top schools in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->