The best player I saw today was …
6’8” 2021 Dontrez Styles of Kinston (NC)
Styles did anything on the court he wanted to in this one. He finished with 30 points on 10-14 from the field with 10 boards and 2 assists. He showcased a modern-day game, as a tweener forward, able to defend multiple positions, put it on the floor and create and knock down the spot-up 3. Styles is trending high right now, already a top 100 player, he’s creeping into the top 50, and possibly further each time he takes the floor.
The best game I saw today was …
Greenfield vs. Millbrook
This one went right down to the wire. USA Today has Millbrook ranked 25th in the country, and Greenfield School is the defending 1A private school state champion. It was an interesting matchup, but one many didn’t think would be the show it was. Greenfield came out with a great game plan, and the team executed. Millbrook had issues with the zone the whole game, shooting 27% from 3 and 33% from the field on the day. Greenfield also forced Millbrook into 16 turnovers. Greenfield was able to spread the floor and touch the paint often. However, at the end of the day, Millbrook was able to make one more play. They outrebounded Greenfield, 36-28 and outscored Greenfield 25-11 in the fourth quarter. This is one of those games you wish no one had to lose, the kids played great and the coaches coached their tails off. Millbrook junior Will Felton had 12 and 10 while senior Zach Miller finished with 12 and 4 steals. 8th Grader Hampton Evans finished with 12 for Greenfield as did senior Collin Guilford.
The breakout player of today was …
6’6” 2020 Kaleb Scott (Holly Springs, NC/Georgia State)
Scott is a player people have known for a while. He is ranked within the Top 25 in North Carolina and is committed to Georgia State. Scott may have used today as his springboard into domination, He finished 8-14 from the field, using an array of moves from both the low block or 18 feet and in. He is explosive with long arms and great strength. He has great hands and touch. He finished with 22 points, 4 assists and 2 steals in the narrow loss to Word of God, but individually, he was great.
Other Standouts
5’9” 2021 Daeshaun Ruffin (Calloway, MS)
6’10” 2020 Isaiah Todd (Word of God, NC/Michigan)
6’6” 2020 Trey Pittman (Greenfield, NC)
6’ 2020 Zach Miller (Millbrook, NC)
6’8” 2020 Josh Hall (Moravian Prep, NC/NC State)
6’ 2023 Will Otto (Broughton, NC)
6’5” 2024 Hampton Evans (Greenfield, NC)
6’1” 2020 Semage Teel (Farmville Central, NC)
6’6” 2021 Red Dunton (Heritage, NC)
6’9” 2020 Mylyjael Poteat (Burlington School, NC/Rice)
6’6” 2020 Jadun Michael (Burlington School, NC/Wichita St)