Each year, there is usually constant debate about who should be worthy of claiming the top spot within North Carolina’s high school basketball ranks. Although the NCISAA and NCHSAA are two separate conversations, it seems like Northwood is quietly shaping up to be among the top teams from either discussion.
Well, the Chargers will have multiple opportunities to prove themselves against the best—facing off against Cannon and Carmel Christian. Everyone should already know what Max Frazier, Kenan Parrish, and Drake Powell bring to the table, but guys like Fred Whitaker and Jake Leighton have also stood out as major difference-makers to start the season. Frazier and Parrish form the biggest frontcourt amongst public schools, and each player should have more action within their respective recruitment. The success of this team will ultimately come down to how well guys like Whitaker and Leighton continue to perform.
Regardless, there is another highly attractive subplot within the bigger picture—Powell’s individual matchups with Austin Swartz and Jaeden Mustaf. Currently, we have Powell ranked third, Mustaf fourth, and Swartz ninth, but all of these guys will end up at the high-major level. The matchups are very intriguing, especially due to the contrasting offensive approaches between guys like Swartz and Mustaf. Powell is the best defender in the state, so what better challenge for him to embrace than going against an elite creator and shot-maker in Swartz and a well-rounded, yet seemingly unstoppable downhill force in Mustaf' The UNC commit will have a pair of tall tasks with these two matchups, but it’s difficult to see him being bested in the end. Either way, spectators should have an incredible time watching these games unfold.