The last few years have resulted in unchartered territory within the high school basketball landscape, due to both Covid and the increased amount of player movement. While this definitely poses some challenging obstacles for public school programs, many schools have shown adaptability to the current times. Think about how many freshmen play significant minutes in comparison to three, five, or ten years ago. It's almost become a necessity. With the final stretch of the season approaching, there's no better time to look back and reflect on some of the notable freshmen prospects across the state'like Tre McKinnon and Trent Steinour.
In looking at McKinnon, it's quite easy to get excited about his current ability and long-term upside. He's long, tough, athletic, and possesses a blossoming offensive skillset, which already makes him way more useful than a majority of his age group. McKinnon moves really well and utilizes his body effectively on both ends of the floor. He displays flashes of ball skills and understands how to reliably attack the basket as a straight-line penetrator'where he's able to finish through contact or above the rim. The 6-foot-5 McKinnon is also a menace defensively and consistently makes his presence felt on the glass. He provides great energy, forces turnovers at a nice rate, and is capable of pushing the break with the ball in his hands. This season, he's posting nightly averages of 12.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 1.7 SPG while clearly moving the needle for the Wildcats. McKinnon's physical tools and flashes of skill bring obvious appeal, but it'll be exciting to watch his progression over these next few years. There's nothing preventing him from continuing on his current trajectory as one of the top prospects in North Carolina's Class of 2025.
Meanwhile, Steinour is a long, developing 6-foot-7 post prospect who is truly just beginning to scratch the surface of his abilities. Although the talent is evident, he's still adding strength to his wiry frame and developing on the trajectory of most traditional big men. His numbers aren't necessarily going to pop off the page right now, but being able to average 4.4 RPG and 2.3 BPG in his opportunities is still undeniably impressive. Steinour typically looks to anchor the paint defensively, battle on the glass, and finish as needed. He doesn't try to force the action or play outside of the team concept. His low-maintenance approach has allowed him to produce nicely within his role on both ends of the floor. Steinour has also shown flashes as floor-spacer, and (like his teammate above) should only continue to develop into a legitimate weapon over the coming years.
Currently in his third season as head coach, Grant Hodges should be beyond giddy for the Wildcats' future. Their collection of young talent (McKinnon, Steinour, Bobby Hardison, and AJ Newton) should allow this group to remain competitive following the graduation of their present core. Combine those with the Lake Norman pipeline of talent, and this program could genuinely get better and better over the coming years.
