Cox Mill “X Factors,” They’re more than just role players
For head coach Jody Barbee and Cox Mill, they have won back to back NCHSAA 3A state championships and will once again be in the conversation as favorites to repeat. They have Duke signee Wendell Moore returning and ever improving Charlotte signee Caleb Stone-Carrawell. Moore has secured the lofty number one ranking in the state since he was a freshman and ranked number 18 nationally by ESPN. Carrawell is the son of former Duke player and current assistant coach Chris Carrawell. While Moore and Stone-Carrawell have been Cox Mill’s 1-2 punch, their success runs much deeper and that so evident at the Bojangles Bash where 5’11 senior Khalid Davis and 6’2 senior Cody Cline proved their worth and value. Here is recap from the Bojangles Bash https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/2018/12/09/bojangles-bash-saturday-standouts/
6’2 Cody Cline
In the game against highly touted Trinity Christian at the Bojangles Bash, 6’2 unsigned senior was without question the X factor for Cox Mill. Cline finished with 10 points going 4-9 from the floor and 2-2 from the free throw line. More importantly, he dished out five assists and only committed one turnovers against the quick, athletic and pesky defense of Trinity Christian’s guards. We were impressed with his athleticism, skillset, but most of all his poise and maturity. He set the pace and tempo in allowing Cox Mill to secure a tough 81-78 win. Head Coach Jody Barbee stated, “Cody Cline is a phenomenal two-sport athlete, always playing the game with a chip on his shoulder. He is a true point guard in every aspect of the game. Cline will defend the other team’s best player and at times giving up inches in size. While he is only 6’2, Cline has a sneaky bounce and quickness to his game. He controls the pace of the game for the Chargers that is very up tempo and does so without turning it over. In addition, he is able to make shots from all three levels and is legit high D2 to a low D1 recruit.” See highlight video from Baller TV https://twitter.com/BallerTV/status/1071820276252467200
Phenom scout Miles Masercola recently watched Cox Mill in an earlier game and his evaluation dovetails nicely with our previous comments along with Coach Barbee. Masercola wrote, “Cody Cline continued to play his role at the high level for this Cox Mill team, as he’s done for going on three seasons. He’s been an integral piece for two consecutive state titles, with his willingness to do the dirty work, help run the team, and make life difficult for the opposition every night out. He’s a high level athlete with some crazy explosiveness and does a great job of scoring the ball at all three levels when needed. Mid-high level D2s should watch closely throughout the year due to his tenacity, willingness to do whatever it takes to win.”
For three seasons, Cody Cline has flown under the recruiting radar. He is the epitome of a true student athlete. He is a two-sport star that also has an impressive 3.8 GPA and has scored a 31 on the ACT. Lower tier D1 schools and high level D2 schools should take a serious look at the upside and potential of Cody Cline. Winning matters and he has played a vital role in the success of Cox Mill. If any play after the Bojangles Bash is further indication, his recruitment should accelerate sooner rather than later.
5’11 Khalid Davis
Khalid Davis demonstrated toughness, grit, poise, and maturity in the win over Trinity Christian. In addition, he was highly efficient. Davis finished with 16 points going 5-8 from the floor, 2-4 from the 3-point line, and 3-4 from the free throw line. More importantly, he also did other things that often don’t show up in the box score, however he did collect three rebounds, dished out two assists and even had three steals. Coach Barbee stated, ” Davis is an athlete with sneaky bounce. He brought the house down last year at the CHC8 Tournament with a thunderous break away dunk. Davis is a tough hard nosed guard who is a great on ball defender. He can rebound wit the bigger guards and make shots from all three levels on the floor. He continues to improve this game and works hard on and off the court. Give Davis an inch and he will go by you and finish amongst the BIGS. He is definitely a high D2 prospect.” In addition, Davis sports an impressive 3.4 GPA thus illustrating he too is a strong student athlete.
While Wendell Moore and Caleb Stone-Carrawell will get the lions share of media attention and rightfully so, however it will be the play of Cody Cline and Khalid Davis that will determine if Cox Mill can 3-peat as NCHSAA 3A state champions. Cody Cline and Khalid Davis understand the big picture. They understand if the team is successful, they too will be successful. They are excellent teammates and they not only understand their role, but embrace it. You can see it on their face. They are part of something special. They are defending state champions and have had a vital role in their success and this year is no exception. They aren’t just role players, they are the X Factors!
Player photos were supplied by Cox Mill