The debate surrounding Gatorade Player of the Year candidates returns every single year. Each group has their own list of evidence to support their specific player. While various guys within the independent school ranks would be in contention for this noteworthy award, everyone knows that the committee does not recognize these programs when selecting. So, before asking why there are no names from Liberty Heights (x2), Moravian Prep, Combine Academy, Word of God, Winston-Salem Christian, or others, that’s the only reason. The choices will all come through the NCHSAA and NCISAA, whether fair or not. However, we have a slew of worthy candidates, so let’s take a closer look at each (four at a time, in no particular order) …
6’7 ’22 Cade Tyson (Carmel Christian/Belmont)
What more really needs to be said about Cade Tyson and his incredible senior campaign' His status as the best player on the top private-school team should already be enough to insert his name towards the beginning of any list. Add in his efficiency, production, and leadership on a nightly basis, and his case becomes even stronger. For context, he posted nightly averages of 22.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 1.6 SPG with unbelievable shooting splits of 56/41/80. Tyson eclipsed the 30-point mark on six separate occasions and didn’t finish below double-digit scoring in a single contest. Folks can create their own narratives, but to claim that the smooth, skilled 6-foot-7 wing prospect has been anything short of spectacular would be unsettling.
6’5 ’22 Chase Lowe (Weddington)
Just a few years ago, Chase Lowe would’ve been an easy, no-brainer choice for the prestigious honor. However, he’d also probably hold about ten to fifteen offers at the Division I level. Instead, we are left advocating for his recruitment to improve and folks to start taking his POY case more seriously. Should Weddington remain undefeated through March 3, Lowe will have gone two full years without enduring a loss in high school basketball. Not only is that ridiculous, but it’s also seemingly unprecedented within the greater Charlotte area. The more we delve into his production, the easier it is to clarify the worthiness. Lowe is quite possibly the only player amongst the top-tier programs who actually leads his team in all five statistical categories. It’s easy to be impressed with his per-game averages of 16.8 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.6 SPG, and 1.0 BPG while shooting 55% from the floor. Given their success, Lowe should be a major candidate.
6’2 ’22 Xavier McKelvy (United Faith/Winthrop)
As one should gather from the entries listed above, winning is a major factor in determining who will ultimately contend for his award—and Xavier McKelvy is among the best winners in the state. He’s only lost seven total games between the last two seasons, effortlessly propelling his team to multiple championships as the undisputed two-way leader. Though impressive nonetheless, his production doesn’t even properly explain his value to this team. McKelvy is a high-level athlete with feel, creation skills, and the ability to dictate the action with the ball in his hands. He posted nightly averages of 19.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 2.2 SPG while shooting 55% from the floor. It’s extremely difficult to make a list without including McKelvy towards the top.
6’7 Daniel Sanford (JL Chambers/South Carolina)
Different from the others listed above, Daniel Sanford is among the only candidates who don’t lead their team in scoring, yet still has a case to the selection committee. Everything he brings as a defender and rebounder is clearly valuable, especially to this particular group. Sanford is a strong, explosive forward with the ability to contain three, four, or even sometimes five positions comfortably on the floor. He’s a reliable interior finisher who has continually looked to develop his perimeter skills. Sanford possesses quick second and third bounces, which makes him a nightmare on the glass. He doesn’t require the ball or a ton of touches to make an impact. His nightly averages of 16.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.8 SPG, and 1.1 BPG only further echo this sentiment. Should they continue to win, Sanford will be a name commonly mentioned in the running.