The school year is quickly approaching and that just means that high school basketball isn’t far off either. So it got us thinking about teams and players, and there were plenty of intriguing moves from players that will be suiting up in a different jersey this upcoming season. That is why we are taking an early look at a few new faces in a few new places.
2023 Bryce Cash (Carmel Christian)
Carmel Christian is coming off a great season last year, securing a title under Coach Badgett. But it looks like Carmel is not looking to rebuild but only reload, especially with a few new faces that will be looking to lead the charge. One of the key new faces for the program will be 2023 Bryce Cash who comes from Charlotte Christian. Cash brings a tremendous two-way presence to the floor, especially with his frame and strength, finishing strong at the rim and embracing contact. But he also is one of the best two-way guards in the state, making his presence felt on the defensive end as well. Cash instantly looks to come in and be one of the key leaders of this team.
2024 Jaeden Mustaf (Carmel Christian)
Let’s not stop with Cash for Carmel Christian, as they brought in another fresh new face from out-of-state in 2024 Jaeden Mustaf. And even in our limited viewing of his game, it is easy to see that Mustaf and Cash will be an absolute nuisance on the defensive end; both prospects bring size and a defensive mindset to the table, and the team should only feed off their energy as well as others. As far as his offensive game, Mustaf gets downhill and is explosive in finishing at the rim. He can finish strong and has a continuing development in outside shot-making. Mustaf and Cash will be two leaders for this group, to go along with several other talents that return for Coach Badgett and Carmel Christian.
2023 Collin Tanner (Combine Academy)
In Part 1, we talked about two big-time transfers that will be new faces at Combine Academy but the list doesn’t stop there, as one of the most recent announcements for the Goats came from 2023 Collin Tanner. He is one that really elevated his game last year for Wayne Country Day, showing his leadership and ability to impact the floor in a variety of ways. Tanner was full of production for his team but now, he is hoping to bring that same mentality to Combine Academy along with the other talent around him. Tanner should be one that can help lead this program on a national stage, as well as use his 6’6 frame to score and impact the floor in an array of ways.
2024 Will Otto (Greensboro Day)
Greensboro Day lost some key players from last year but also return a few key prospects as well. But one new face for the Bengals this year to watch out for is 2024 Will Otto. He is coming off a season in which he averaged 16 points per game at Broughton but he will now look to be a key piece for GDS, not only helping to replace some offensive firepower but also bring his strong feel/IQ to the team. Otto is a smart, skilled guard that brings a terrific balance to the court, especially with his playmaking ability, his feel and ability to find his teammates, and his smooth perimeter shooting. There is no doubt, he should be a key piece for Greensboro Day as they hope to make another run at a title under Coach Johnson.