Being a freshman in high school basketball is an exciting journey filled with a heavy learning curve and tempered expectations for each individual. Some guys are required to develop whereas others are capable of contributing right away. Take someone like Cole Cloer, for example, and we see what it looks like for a freshman to lead the charge immediately upon entering campus. It should come as no surprise to anyone who has watched him over the last six to eight months, but Cloer is certainly a notable prospect. He showed flashes of absolute dominance throughout the spring/summer and has effortlessly transitioned that production into the high school season. Closer isn't putting up hollow numbers, as the Panthers have already won more games (11) than during the previous year (8).
Granted, Orange has improved beyond simply adding their star freshman. Xandrell Pinnix has expanded his production, Kai Wade is a quality young piece, and Ryan Honeycutt has asserted himself as a key cog. Add those three to the aforementioned Cloer, and the makings of a highly intriguing squad are quite evident. That being said, Cloer is already posting nightly averages of 17.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.8 BPG, and 1.4 SPG while shooting 45% from the floor and 78% from the line. His three-point shooting hasn't been up to his usual consistency, but the rest of the numbers speak for themselves. He's leading the team in three statistical categories (points, assists, and blocks) and ranks second in two (rebounds and steals). Again, this is incredible production for a freshman. Furthermore, he's shown the ability to run the team for extended stretches and regularly operates as a point guard for this squad despite being 6-foot-6. Taking it another step, Cloer has scored at least 13 or more points in every game except one (against Northwood). He's also secured double-digit rebounds in four contests, shot above 40% from distance twice, and even had an 11-assist game in a triple-double effort earlier last month.
General discussion should continue to swirl surrounding prospects in North Carolina's Class of 2026, but it seems quite clear that Cloer should currently be regarded as the top player and prospect. The appeal of a 6-foot-6 freshman wing who can reliably run a team, score in a variety of ways, and conduct himself as a leader on both ends of the floor should be self-explanatory. He's smart and skilled, but also possesses the necessary blend of toughness and athleticism to make it far. Cloer is already an extremely versatile piece with the ability to produce and be utilized in a slew of different ways. He's an excellent passer with a high IQ, polished scoring prowess, and the ability to consistently create for himself and others off the bounce. He's very impressive, but the fact that he's only in his first year of high school (no reclassification) should strike legitimate fear in the rest of the state over the foreseeable future.
