2023 In Review – NCISAA 2A Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the calendar year winding down, it's time to take a look back at the action we've already seen so far in the season. While TBS captured a trifecta of state titles last year, everybody is looking to give them their best shot whenever they see them on the schedule. Read below for a review of the non-conference season for 2A teams, including squads and players to take note of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Burlington School is Rolling Again</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the one chance I had to see them in person had the Spartans suffering two losses, TBS is a force to be reckoned with as they look to capture their fourth 2A title in a row. [player_tooltip player_id='1098355' first='Zion' last='Walker'] is the engine that continues to make them go, as he's averaging almost 22 PPG and been really efficient in his time on the floor. Surrounding him is a balanced cast of supporting characters, chief among them [player_tooltip player_id='2238210' first='King' last='Gibson']. The freshman is extremely athletic and talented and should be the next star in Burlington. [player_tooltip player_id='1373705' first='Cam' last='Flippen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1374129' first='Devin' last='Sims'] and [player_tooltip player_id='854889' first='Jordan' last='Durham'] are all names on the wing that contribute varying levels of slashing and shooting off the ball, while Tymaureon Outlaw and [player_tooltip player_id='1131338' first='Kaden' last='Hammond'] are the rim protectors, screen setters and rim runners for this group. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a 14-5 record that includes a title at the Phenom Holiday Classic, wins over Davidson Day, Weddington and a 40 point drubbing of UFCA, this group has shown it can and will play anyone. Games against almost every top program in the state still await in January and February, and we'll truly know who is who for this group by then. Still are my odds on favorite to win the 2A title with their depth of talent and great coaching staff.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Multiple Teams in the Contending Tier</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While TBS would be considered the clear favorite, there's a clear second tier of teams that will be involved in the title chase and want to play spoiler to the Spartans quest for four in a row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davidson Day came close to upsetting them but fell just short in the Holiday Classic, 65-60. At 8-5 with all of those losses coming to quality teams, this group has shown it will come to play night in and night out. The Patriots are led by Isaiah Dennis, an electrifying 2025 combo guard that has elite size and will be a bonafide D1 player. [player_tooltip player_id='2043210' first='Mason' last='Smith'] is a sharpshooter committed to Mercer, while [player_tooltip player_id='2238223' first='Brady' last='Kester'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2055540' first='Will' last='Stevens'] are both mobile bigs that have been impactful to start the year. Stevens is a 2026 who could be an elite prospect when all is said and done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fayetteville Academy has also lived up to the preseason billing, sporting a 13-3 record with the only blemishes being tight decisions to Richmond, Cannon, and Greenfield. [player_tooltip player_id='1365506' first='Jossiah' last='Johnson'] has been the team's leading scorer as a powerful slashing wing, while [player_tooltip player_id='1959683' first='Xavier' last='Johnson'] has played a lot of jumbo point guard so far, showing some promise as a playmaker aside from his incredible shotmaking. [player_tooltip player_id='2046230' first='Derrick' last='Green'] will also be a necessary addition to a college program due to his sheer size and above average touch in the post.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Greenfield has a win over Fayetteville Academy, and the Knights are 11-3 heading into their holiday tournament in Richmond, VA. [player_tooltip player_id='1277989' first='Matt' last='Kirby'] has been the heart and soul of the team so far, leading them in scoring and assists. [player_tooltip player_id='1280938' first='Kobe' last='Edwards'] has also been a great playmaker and scorer, and his undeniable talent makes the 2026 look like a high major prospect in the coming years. His brother [player_tooltip player_id='1739830' first='Nik' last='Edwards'] has been impressive as a bigger, study wing for the group, while [player_tooltip player_id='1330894' first='Gabe' last='Marquis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1602914' first='Tyler' last='Barnes'] are other names to know as off ball guards or wings in the offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Who Could Play Spoiler in Feburary?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Outside of those four teams already mentioned, it's hard to envision anyone else taking home the title at this point. However, there are teams that could make a deep run or pull off a big time upset in the middle rounds of the tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caldwell Academy would be the top team of this group, boasting some high level talent and an 11-5 record, with every loss being tight and coming to good teams. [player_tooltip player_id='1030026' first='Jaylen' last='Cross'] had an explosive summer and has been an explosive scorer so far, but [player_tooltip player_id='982144' first='James' last='Swindell III'] has had a coming out party as a fill-it-up scorer and defensive stopper. [player_tooltip player_id='1454560' first='Ayden' last='Johnson'] has continued to be a shifty playmaker, and Ahmed Jawo has rapidly developed offensive touch and flow which has made him a viable college prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trinity Christian could also be dangerous due to their size and guard play. [player_tooltip player_id='1900239' first='Justin' last='Caldwell'] is a skilled, mobile 2026 forward, and is joined by 2024 wing [player_tooltip player_id='2075116' first='Linwood' last='Rowe'] who is dangerous getting downhil and in transition. DeVaughn Brown is also a capable guard that can both set himself and others up to score the basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other Names to Monitor</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1365507' first='Karsten' last='Swinney'] is the leading scorer in his class at 28.4 PPG, scoring 46 in his groups most recent contest. Smaller guard who is capable of filling it up every night... [player_tooltip player_id='1428704' first='Kenny' last='Vera'] has made a massive jump and become a 21.8 PPG scorer at Northwood Temple this year. Able to do it all for his group, posting a triple double earlier in the year and over a 2.9 AST/TO ratio... [player_tooltip player_id='1280878' first='Antonio' last='McKoy'] has taken a sophomore climb this year, posting 20.8 PPG and 8.4 RPG at Harrells Christian. Athletic nightmare in the open court and takes pride in his defense as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->