NCISAA 2023-2024: Household Players and Programs to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>There's no better time to sign up for PrepHoopsNC! Get 30% OFF payment on your first billing cycle with offer code: JESSEGORDON30. Sign up&nbsp;TODAY!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the dog days of summer are right around the corner, preparation for the NCISAA 2023-2024 season is already well underway. If you follow this association closely, you know the pursuit of a state championship starts in the summer. That's when the real work is done. As we continue our coverage of the NCISAA 2023-2024 season, let's look at some of the household players and programs you ought to know. These will be the guys still playing ball in March, hungrier than ever to take home the title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1046670"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1046670' first='Isaiah' last='Sutherland'], forward for United Faith Christian Academy, will be back in Charlotte in 2023-2024, with the pursuit of a state championship the only thing on his mind. The 6'9u0022 forwards' break-out 2022-2023 ended seven points shy of taking home the title after a gut-wrenching 64-57 loss to the #2-seeded Northside Christian. [player_tooltip player_id='1046670' first='Isaiah' last='Sutherland'] and United Faith Christian cemented themselves as Charlotte basketball royalty last season with a 31-2 overall record and #1 overall seed in the state playoffs. But if you asked anyone in that locker room, #10 especially, he'd tell you last season wasn't a success. A success would have meant taking the title back to Charlotte. And that's what the Falcons intend on doing this year with Sutherland leading the charge.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eSutherland's presence on the defensive end sets him apart. He's got the length and size of a modern-day big that makes him a problem in the post. With perhaps the longest wingspan in his class, Sutherland is well-equipped to make big-time plays underneath the rim and cash in his hard work defending down-low for easy fast break buckets. He blocks shots and pushes the ball out in the open court, putting his team in a position to score. Sutherland is disruptive down low, a nuisance to navigate, and his presence alone pressures opposing players to make bad decisions and turn ball over.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eSutherland's size alone puts him in a prime position to score. In 2022-2023, he took on more of a defensive, rim-protecting role. I don't blame him. That's what his team needed. But, if United Faith Christian wants to get back to the title; and bring this next one back to Charlotte, Sutherland will need to take on more scoring duties while maintaining his dominant presence down low. Expect his touches to dramatically increase and much of this Falcon's offense being ran for him, by him, from the high post. All signs point towards United Faith Christian competing for another state championship next season; expect [player_tooltip player_id='1046670' first='Isaiah' last='Sutherland'] to be the one who gets them over the hump.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1159133"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Looking to run it back in 2023-2024 is class of 2024 small forward [player_tooltip player_id='1159133' first='Joshua' last='Randolph'] and the Burlington School Spartans. The Burlington School cruised by the NCISAA-2A state playoffs, taking home the title in typical Spartan style with a commanding 78-65 victory over the #3-seeded Greenfield Day School. There is no doubt that class of 2024 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1098355' first='Zion' last='Walker'] was in the spotlight throughout this championship run. With that being said, [player_tooltip player_id='1159133' first='Joshua' last='Randolph'] played an integral role in the success of this squad in these state playoffs and the entirety of their regular season. If the Burlington school is serious about going for number 2, they're going to need number 11 to help get them there. And this guy can do just that.rnrnAt 6'7u0022, [player_tooltip player_id='1159133' first='Joshua' last='Randolph'] has the shape and size that enables him to be the big-time scoring threat he is. Randolph is a versatile offensive weapon that can operate inside and out because of his elite perimeter shot-making ability. He's got a high, quick release that enables him to knock down contested, off-balance shots which otherwise look unmakeable. His three-point shooting adds another level of depth to his game that makes him a problem on the offensive end of the floor. Randolph uses his length to his advantage, highlighted by his elite shotmaking and rebounding ability. He is a jack of all trades. He takes on whatever role his team needs in any given game, quarter, and possession. He's a well-versed, seasoned defender who is capable of matching up with 1-5 when need be. He embodies what it means to put the team first, and has an old-school, mature style of play that should attract the right coaches at the collegiate level.rnrnRandolph produced 7.6 ppg in 2022-2023. And that was fine. He did exactly what his team needed him to do. But that was last season. In 2023-204, Randolph will need to elevate his game, specifically his ability to look more toward the basket when the ball is in his hand. He's got the size, length, and shot-making ability to do it. Expect [player_tooltip player_id='1159133' first='Joshua' last='Randolph'] and the Burlington School to attack 2023-2024 with an even greater sense of urgency to bring another state championship to the 336.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1008884"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1008884' first='JJ' last='Moore'] and Concord Academy dominated 2022-2023 with a 28-5 regular season record and the #1 overall seed in the NCISAA-3A state playoffs. Their championship dreams were woken up by Greensboro Day, with a two-point win from the Bengals to take home the title. Concord came up short last season, and class of 2024 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1008884' first='JJ' last='Moore'] will be the first to admit it. With the bulk of the championship Greensboro day roster returning and improvements of big-time programs like the Asheville School, the NCISAA-3A is set to have one of its most competitive seasons yet. 2023-2024 will be a dog fight from November to March, and expect Concord Academy to be a four-legged beast next season. In a scrappy, blow-for-blow division, [player_tooltip player_id='1008884' first='JJ' last='Moore'] is the type of kid you want leading your ball club. The rest of the NCISAA-3A does not want to let this guy unleash.u003cbru003eu003cbru003e[player_tooltip player_id='1008884' first='JJ' last='Moore'] is an overlooked, underrated guard in the class of 2024 who is a picture-perfect prospect in all aspects of the world. He's a consistent shooter and efficient scorer. Moore is a scoring threat on all three levels and finds unique ways to get to his spots. He's unselfish with the basketball and prioritizes getting his playmakers involved early and often. Moore is a true point guard who has a high basketball IQ. He is extremely versatile with skill on offense, a result of his grittiness and get-after-it mentality every possession. Moore is the kind of guy who sets the tone from the jump.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAlthough undersized, Moore is a strong, stocky guard who does not allow his height to be an excuse. He's an underrated rebounder for a guard, can match-up and lock down 1-3 when called upon, and has an active presence on defense that disrupts the offensive teams' rhythm. [player_tooltip player_id='1008884' first='JJ' last='Moore'] and Concord Academy will be back competing for another shot at the NCISAA-3A state championship. In a league as competitive as this, the Eagles are in a great position as long as Moore is in the back-court.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1508752"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1508752' first='Brett' last='Freeman'] and Carmel Christian had a sweet 2022-2023 regular season, finishing with a 25-2 overall record and earning the #1 overall seed in the NCISAA-4A state playoffs. After an extended rest thanks to a double-bye, Carmel started their playoff run on the right foot, cruising past rounds 3 and 4 and on their way into the state championship game. Their season ended with a 53-48 loss to the Christ School.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAfter a heartbreaking playoff exit, Carmel Christian looks to get back to the state championship in 2023-2024. If this is to happen, they will need class of 2025 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1508752' first='Brett' last='Freeman'] at his best all the time. At 6'4u0022, Freeman is a premier point guard who is well-adept and versatile on the offensive end of the floor. Freeman is an elite three-point shooter who can score from all three levels. He's a tough finisher who is crafty in the lane and can get to the rim. He's got an award-winning head-fake and quick first step that allow him to get to the basket on his terms. Freeman is an unselfish ball-handler who plays with poise. He's excellent on the fast break and always seems to make the right play. He's a solid defender and active defense rebounder. [player_tooltip player_id='1508752' first='Brett' last='Freeman'] has a physically dominating presence for his position and seems to have figured out how to use his body to enhance his game.u003cbru003eu003cbru003e48 points in a state championship game simply aren't enough. Freeman knows it, too. Expect him to take on more of a scoring role in 2023-2024 as this team looks to reclaim its status as the best team in this division. If [player_tooltip player_id='1508752' first='Brett' last='Freeman']'s at his best, they have a real shot.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64820f5556727"} /-->