Freshman making a early impact
Prep Hoops takes a look at some freshman playing in the SCISA State Tourney on the opening day.
Amere Cherry – John Paul II (Ridgeland) (pictured on front)
Cherry is a military kid with his father serving in the Marines in the Beaufort, SC area. Cherry has lived in Japan before arriving in the Lowcountry. Cherry 6’0 guard has crazy long arms for his size and already wears a size 13 shoe. Cherry averaged 18 ppg, 7 rebounds and 3.2 steals this past season for the Golden Warriors.
Cherry and his teammates ran into a buzz saw in Trinity Byrnes in the SCISA State Tourney.
TJ Merritts – The King’s Academy (Florence)
Merritts a left-handed guard plays off the ball for the Lions. Merritts a confident shooter wasn’t afraid to shoot the ball when given the green light.
Chris Rhone – Northside Christian (Lexington)
Prep Hoops hadn’t seen Rhone before until today. Rhone 6’2 has good size and seems to play on the perimeter for Crusaders. Rhone for sure is a player to keep tabs on down the road especially if he keeps on growing.
Caninon Norris – Conway Christian (Conway)
Norris we saw back in the November and he has seem to grow few inches. Norris now 6’2 plays shooting guard for the Eagles. Norris averaged 15.3 ppg this season for the 11-19 Eagles. Norris scored 24 points in a tough opening round loss to South Aiken Baptist Christian 67-64.
Lawton Fulford – Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach
Fulford believe it or not has already played varsity basketball 5 years. Fulford arrived at Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach last fall from nearby North Myrtle Beach Christian. Fulford played 4 years at North Myrtle Beach Christian and came over to the Saints. Fulford came off the bench today vs Spartanburg Christian and knocked a few three pointers. Fulford is more of a one-trick pony and that’s strictly a shooter on the floor.
Sam Wheeler – Shannon Forest Christian (Greenville)
Prep Hoops hasn’t seen Wheeler yet but will see him this evening vs Palmetto Christian Academy. Wheeler 6’5 is averaging 5.2 ppg and 5.8 rebounds this season for the 22-3 Crusaders.
Will even take a look at the first 8th grader (2022) here at the SCISA State Tourney.
Kylic Horton – Clarendon Hall (Summerton) (2022)
Horton 6’3 plays multiple positions for the Saints. Horton can handle the ball in transition and can really see the floor well and has a great wingspan. Horton is best suited playing on the perimeter and not in the post. Horton finished with 15 points in the Saints opening win vs Laurens Academy.