As we've noted countless times over the last two years, Covid has directly impacted the grassroots community and overall recruiting scene far beyond what anyone could've predicted. Its effects have hurt all types of prospects, from high-major Division I through NAIA and JUCO, and there's truly no telling when (or if) everything will return to normal. Just because college athletes were awarded an additional year of eligibility doesn't mean high school kids should be forced to endure this trickledown'where their only option is usually going a full level lower than expected. Understandably, it is what it is. Does that make it fair' Certainly not. Players in North Carolina's Classes of 2021 (and, for the most part, 2022) were basically cheated, and no one was able to do anything other than shrug and try to offer a sympathetic apology. In this article, we will take a closer look at five guys who should still be priorities for scholarship-level programs'regardless of the current landscape.
6'8 Jaxon Ellingsworth (West Carteret)
From the outside looking in, the last twelve months has been somewhat of a rollercoaster for Ellingsworth. He and West Carteret completely dominated an undefeated Northern Guilford squad in the third round of last year's playoffs, where the 6-foot-8 forward tallied 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 blocks. Following the season, Ellingsworth simply continued to destroy opponents every time he took the floor. In April, it seemed impossible to envision a scenario where Division I schools wouldn't be fighting for his services. Things began to gradually cool off throughout the summer, and then it just felt like folks started to underrate him within the bigger picture. However, the high school season started and Ellingsworth picked up right where he left off. As the clear leader of the Patriots (15-3), he's posting nightly averages of 21.6 PPG, 10.4 RPG, and 1.4 BPG with 59/33/69 shooting splits. Furthermore, Ellingsworth has secured ten double-doubles while never finishing below 11 points. Add in the size, skill, fluidity, and athleticism, and programs are simply overlooking a valuable asset.
6'4 Chas Stinson (Liberty Heights Varsity)
Similar to what we wrote last week, Stinson is definitely deserving of more attention'both from college coaches and the general masses. Perhaps it's due to his well-rounded skillset or natural adaptability on both ends of the floor, but he's definitely being overlooked. Stinson has seamlessly transitioned from being 'the guy' for Hickory Grove to being 'a main guy' for Liberty Heights. Ironically, his production really hasn't wavered despite playing with a much better supporting cast. Stinson's low-maintenance identity truly allows him to actively toggle between roles and contribute as needed. He's equally reliable at filling in the gaps and taking over the action with the ball in his hands. Stinson is a smart, athletic, active two-way wing prospect with useful skill, rebounding instincts, and defensive versatility with no real glaring weaknesses on either side of the ball. His teammates (Josiah Dow, Jabare Perry, Charles McClennahan, etc.) also apply to this list, but Stinson has seriously been as impressive as anyone on the roster.
6'9 Luke Grace (Wesleyan Christian)
Given the development of the modern center, who can stretch the floor and anchor the paint defensively, one would expect Grace to be pursued harder by college coaches. In the active classes in North Carolina, few actual post prospects outside of the Wesleyan product can actively toggle between posting up and spacing the floor from beyond the arc. Not only can Grace do that, but he's consistently worked to be equally as reliable in both areas. His patience and understanding as a shooter have drastically improved over the last calendar year. Now, Grace takes smarter shots, attacks closeouts more often, and displays the necessary vision to make some quality passes. His post-game has progressed in pretty much every facet, from touch to strength to utilizing his body, which only makes him more difficult to contain. He's also a strong rebounder who plays hard, positions himself to alter shots, and runs the floor with purpose in transition. Expect him to warrant increased attention over these next few months.
6'3 Orlando Lovejoy (1 of 1 Academy)
Although 1 of 1 Academy is in their first season as a program, college coaches should already be well-aware of what is brewing with this group'especially Lovejoy. They've dealt with some key injuries as a team, but the electric combo-guard has been nothing short of incredible as their all-around leader. His per-game averages of 25.1 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 4.9 APG, and 2.8 SPG with 52/35/84 shooting splits definitely pop off the page. Lovejoy is at his best in the open floor or when getting downhill and attacking, but is more than capable of making his presence felt in the half-court. He's quick enough to get by most defenders, touch the paint, and finish or make the proper read to an open teammate. Lovejoy is also a useful defender with the necessary toughness and physicality to be a pest for opposing guards. He should have no problem finding a place in the collegiate ranks.
7'0 Wesley Johnson (Leesville Road)
Going back to the introduction paragraph, Johnson is a perfect example of someone who, in a normal year of recruiting, would've never been uncommitted for this long. Why' Because legit seven-footers with length, mobility, and a willingness to play hard are simply uncommon. Before, countless schools would've been falling over themselves to try and vie for their place within his recruitment. Instead, Johnson is left with his lone Austin Peay offer (from October) trying to anticipate whether more programs will get involved. He's always been a useful two-way piece, but it feels like he's only going to get better over the coming years. With continued emphasis on strength and athleticism, Johnson has all the tools to be a difference-maker for a variety of programs at the next level.