Carter Whitt Vs Daeshun Ruffin
Both Carter Whitt and Daeshun Ruffin play an incredibly exciting brand of basketball that will bring a ton of excitement to Holiday Gymnasium in the nightcap of day one. Whitt is a smooth playmaking guard and Ruffin is a dynamic scorer that plays with relentless energy. These two are competing within the national rankings in the 2021 class and being offered by similar level programs. They are both the clear leaders on their respective teams and have a ton of competitive fire. There's no doubt the excitement level will be through the roof with these two talented floor generals going at it. North Carolina loves Carter Whitt and they'll surely love Ruffin after they see the kind of basketball he plays. Get there well before the 8:30 tip-off if you want a seat!
Josh Hall Statement Game Watch
Nobody in North Carolina has seen their stock rise like Josh Hall has over the last twelve months. He's signed to NC State and ready to show Raleigh what is in store for the future against a Kinston team that plays with a fearless nature. Dontrez Styles is NC's top 2021 and he'll be tasked with leading the charge for Kinston as they try to stop Hall and this loaded Moravian Prep roster. Josh has a chance to really set the tone with a big game in round one with national scouts in attendance. He's a no-brainer top 15 kid in America IMO and he has a chance to cement that status with a big performance at The John Wall. With the bright lights on him, how will Hall respond' I think he'll be ready to make some noise.
Talent Coming Through for The Burlington School
There's an undeniable talent level on The Burlington School's roster and they're starting to gel as a group over the past few weeks. Guys like Wichita State Signee Ja'Dun Michael, 6'10 2021 Kuluel Mading, and Rice Signee Mylyljael Poteat have a chance to show what they're capable of on a big stage. There's a bevy of next level talent on this roster and when they get going they play an exciting brand of physically imposing basketball. They'll be up against Heritage on day one with talented 2021 wings Lucas Taylor and Redford Dunton, a win would put them in the championship game against either Grace Christian or Garner so be ready for an exciting opening year of the Kyran Bowman Bracket.
Raleigh Becoming Isaiah Todd's City
Isaiah Todd came to Raleigh and The John Wall last year with Trinity Academy of Raleigh, a solid team surrounding a unique talent in Todd. This year he's with Word of God where his supporting cast has been upgraded and he's surrounded by Division One players. Todd has embraced Raleigh since he moved from Richmond with his family and now he's at the city's marquee basketball power. If Todd and his WoG boys can go on a run in this event expect the 919 to embrace Isaiah more than ever. This Word of God team has played one of the toughest schedules in the state (possibly the country) so far and they've had some ups and downs. All of that competition early on has been building them up for this moment. If Word of God can get by Holly Springs in round one, expect the semi-final matchup against either Leesville Road or Callaway to be absolutely electric.