Kent started the strongest of the Central Cabarrus group that went on a Cinderella run in the same tournament last season. A bouncy wing at 6-foot-5, he got to the rim and dealt with contact well. He also plays hard on the defensive end and could turn into a high level defender in time.

The question will continue to be talked about throughout the Hoop State – can anyone beat Central Cabarrus? DJ Kent made sure the answer to that question would not be Seventy-First. Kent tallied 20 points to not only ensure back-to-back 3A championships for the Vikings but back-to-back undefeated seasons. Kent brings efficient scoring, rebounding and defense to any team he plays for. He will wear similar colors in his college days as he will suit up for Division II Lees-McRae at the NCAA level. The last time Central dropped a contest was at the close of the 2021-22 season when the Vikings fell to West Charlotte in that year’s 3A state tilt.

Desmond Kent’s outstanding performance against Ben L. Smith highlights his prowess on the court. The Lees McRae commit played a pivotal role in Central Cabarrus’ 84-58 victory, contributing an impressive stat line of 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 blocks. Kent has consistently demonstrated his abilities both in high school and AAU settings, showcasing skills such as running the floor, providing rim protection, and being a threat in various areas. With his capacity to guard effectively and contribute offensively, including spacing the floor and excelling at the free-throw line, Kent is anticipated to make an immediate impact at the college level.

Kent is a known commodity at this point, and we’re still waiting to understand why coaches haven’t jumped on his recruitment. His length and commitment to playing hard at both ends of the floor make him an essential cog to the Central Cabarrus team. He has range out to the mid-range area of the floor right now, and finishes powerfully around the rim. With a more refined perimeter jumper and some weight room work, he will be a bonafide Division 1 player.

Last Season Stats – 12.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.3 BPG

Fresh off picking up his first Division 1 offer, Kent is gearing up to take Central Cabarrus towards a second state championship along with the Daniel twins this season. He’s a springy wing that offers enormous length even with a thin frame. His ability to make difficult shots in the mid-range and provide a dynamic threat from multiple levels of the floor keeps defenses off balance, especially when they scheme to take away his drives. Defensively he can play as a small ball forward and affect the rim with his length and toughness.

In a day that showcased some of the region’s most talented and highest recruited players, Desmond Kent Jr Desmond Kent Jr 6'5" | SF Central Cabarrus | 2024 State NC was by many accounts the most impressive. He has somewhat of an old-fashioned game: smooth as can be with the ball in his hands and a maestro from the mid-range. In a matchup with EYBL’s Team CP3 on Saturday, Desmond led all scorers with 21 Points and protected his own basket with 2 blocks, both of which came against a much taller forward.