We continue our look at the incoming recruiting classes for programs around the area, this time diving into the 2020 recruiting class at Wingate. Looking like they have wrapped up their class with their most recent commit, the coaching staff did a great job in grabbing players that can help in multiple areas on the floor and will be names to remember in the coming years as they look to make their mark on the program.
Let’s take a look at each player coming in.
Destin Clark (Indian Land HS)
Clark is an unselfish, willing passer that consistently looks to get others involved but has the ability to create his own shot with relative ease. He’s a quality athlete with incredible feel, vision, defensive/rebounding instincts, and the ability to control the tempo. Clark has showcased the full arsenal in high school, including his remarkably efficient scoring prowess last season (averaging 30 PPG), and will only get better going forward.
Kurtis Taylor (Neuse Christian)
He’s a long, wiry, fairly skilled forward/post prospect that can cause mismatches with his blend of size and perimeter ability. Taylor penetrates well and can knock down open jumpers from mid-range and beyond. He rebounds the ball effectively on both ends of the floor and is capable of pushing the break in transition.
Erik Alvey (Johnston CC)
Alvey is an intriguing piece for Wingate, as he is a 6’5 wing that was incredibly productive last year as a freshman at Johnston CC. He averaged 17.6 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, shooting 42 percent from the floor and averaging 1.5 three’s per game. He also started all 26 games and showed that he knows how to create shots for himself. He also earned 1st Team All-Region and Regional Freshman of the Year. With his experience already, he could come and help in being a scoring threat for the program in the coming years.
Taylor Bell (Crossroads Christian)
Phenom Hoops spoke with the most recent commit for Wingate shortly after, and he gave us a glimpse of what he hopes to bring to the program down the road.
“I’d describe myself as a two-way combo guard. I like to drive and attack, which opens up the floor for my teammates. I love the mid-range game also, that usually helps free up lanes when I’m looking to attack. I’m looking forward to just getting to know my new family and providing these attributes to the team to help us win.”
Jem Lowrance (Alexander Central)
Lowrance is a one that can help in many areas, giving the program another option at the wing position. Here is what he had to say in how he would best describe his game and strengths on the court.
“Mainly a wing player, I’ve developed a pretty good three-pointer in the last two years and I feel my strongest shot is my mid-range around the 15-foot area. I hope to be a role player and really just provide whatever it takes to win whether that is scoring playmaking or defensive I believe I could bring any of that to the table and help out with guard and wing rebounding.”
Yassin Mohamed (Furtah Prep)
Mohamed is a 6’4 wing that played at Furtah Prep in Georgia and also played for Egypt’s U17 team in the last FIBA Cup. He was also part of the GISA All-State team and back-to-back state champion. He is known to be a sharpshooter on the floor, as he averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting 44 percent from three.
Justin Johnson (Lake City HS)
We reached out to one of the assistant coaches from Lake City, Stan Adams, and he had this to say about Johnson and what he can provide.
“He is 6’7, 235-pounds and is the defensive player of the year for us 4 years running. Extremely savvy on the defensive end. He plays smart and unselfish. The strongest asset is his ability to protect the rim. Offensively, he has a good mid-range game and is a great passer. Humble kid, great in the weight room, and moves really well.”