BY: Rankings Report
This is truly a team to watch, as they're making waves competing for the first time together with their tremendous energy. Already competing with and beating many well established and seasoned teams from around the Carolinas. They have a strong team vibe that's hard to match, and when they get more court time together to connect their off-court chemistry, they will be truly special. When you watch them play you'll see their love of the game and their desire to compete for each other like a band of brothers, constantly displaying hustle and heart. They're undoubtedly a team to look out for!
Shawn Jones – 6'4 Wing/Forward
Class of 2022 – Team MVP
Jacksonville HS – Jacksonville, NC
Jacksonville Daily News All area
1st team All Conference
Shawn was Jacksonville's main offensive and defensive weapon as a sophomore during this past season. He led the teams in points, rebounds, and blocks, but also demonstrated uncanny leadership on and off the court that would lead them to a berth in the 3A state playoffs. Shawn played on the block as well in the trail position, showing flashes throughout the season that can make you see his potential as a legit wing with his size and length and continuing improving ball-handling and perimeter shooting. This summer Shawn is poised for a breakout offseason leading into his junior year with his great work ethic and attitude while being one of the most coachable players you'll ever meet. He's been tirelessly working on gaining strength and expanding his skills as a true wing, getting to play with larger big men on NLPB-803 helps his development and is noticeable in the first few tournaments thus far. Always able to grab rebounds with the big men, quick put-backs, now his improved slashing and playmaking are added to his arsenal with consistency, along with a steadily improving 3 pt shot. Shawn is such a great teammate and any coach he plays for loves the camaraderie he displays, he will be on college radars as his growth potential is extremely high.
Tyson Bombick – 6’2 Guard/Forward
Class of 2022
Catawba Ridge HS – Ft Mill, SC
38% 3FG – 2019-2020 Season
Tyson is a military child, having lived in several different states and overseas, he has an ability to seamlessly pick up a new system quickly and be a plug & play player. Having lived in 3 states the past 3 season that also means playing for 3 different schools, teams, coaches, and yet he's been able to make an impact on each team always able to find his role and crack the starting lineup. He has led each of his school and travel ball teams in three-point shooting percentage (38% – 44%). Tyson has really started to fill out his 6’2 frame putting on 12 lbs this offseason, increasing his strength, physicality, and athleticism. He possesses a very high basketball IQ and steadily increasing defensive instincts and plays the game with toughness and grit that fits any team’s style. Tyson displays his leadership as one of the most dedicated players on and off the court, he has a personal drive and mentality to succeed. A lights out shooter that can lead his team in scoring, catching fire really quickly, without forcing it and showing he's a team-first guy. Extremely coachable, he gives his all on both ends of the court, and you can see his defense has improved tremendously and has really taken a jump offensively with his ability to take the ball to the basket, and creating plays for his team. Those who watch him play comment that one of their favorite things about Tyson is that he is genuinely happy for his teammate’s success. An under the radar player to keep on your watch list.
Davante Gonzalez – 5’9 Point Guard
Class of 2021 – Team MVP
Catawba Ridge HS – Ft Mill, SC
Davante plays the point guard position with very impressive speed, agility, and a high-level athleticism. This past season Davante led the Catawba Ridge team in points, assists, steals, and charges taken. Davante is a very explosive and tough player for his size, with a mixture of strong point guard skills and defensive instincts, very consistent from the 3-point line (35%), and excellent touch around the basket. He consistently plays bigger than his size and has the unique ability to finish at or near the rim on a consistent basis in a variety of ways. Nice mix of skill and speed, along with natural strength. This season with NLPB-803 he's really honing in on his playmaking abilities, shiftiness and change of speeds to not just break down defenders blowing by them, but by using his unique skills to create the best play for his team. Vocal leader who will cheer his guys on and always will be one of the first to lift them up, displaying a lot of maturity and continuity for this new team. Davante has been working on his strength training and all around play, can push the ball and create instant offense at either guard position regardless of his size. Has incredible bounce and plays much longer on the court, a tremendous athlete. Expect a big year for Davante and for there to be plenty of interest in this prospect.
Antonio Willis – 6'2 Guard/Forward
Class of 2022 – Team MVP
Northwestern HS – Rock Hill, SC
Antonio plays the wing with incredible speed and quickness. Antonio was chosen as his schools team MVP due to the impact he made when he was in the game on both sides of the court. Between his tenacious rebounding and defensive prowess, to his consistent corner 3 pt shooting and finishing around the rim he was by far the best all around player on his school team. He consistently guarded the other teams biggest players and with his 76' wingspan he can guard most positions. With his size and quickness for his height along with that natural drive to get better that you can't coach or teach, Antonio should play a massive role for his school program in the upcoming years. We expect a breakout year this summer playing travel ball, he's already starting to expand his game and put on some noticeable weight this offseason, while keeping his tremendous bounce. There's not a time he's not one of the most athletic players in the gym, always displaying his impressive dunking ability, beautiful jumpsuit and long range shooting. A great teammate and extremely coachable, he's seamlessly fits with the others on his team and really able to find his role to help the team win. He will be one to watch.
Caleb Lominac – 6'6 Forward
Class of 2021
North Buncombe High
Caleb Lominac is an energetic, tough as nails, game changer who possesses incredible intensity on both sides of the ball. He was all conference last season playing as a forward. He led the conference in rebounds, double doubles, charges, and led his team in steals as well. He's a strong, athletic forward prospect with the ability to make plays without being ball dominant to score. His heart, hustle and grit provide a tremendous on court leadership. At 6'6, 215 lbs, Caleb actually plays much bigger while still having athleticism finishing at the rim with authority of cleaning the glass. Not many of his size are willing to take charges and have the motor to get up and down the court with the guards in transition. This kid is willing to sacrifice his body for the team, always making a noticeable impact for his teams success without ever being ball dominant or having the need for a play ran his way. Caleb has brought an edge to NLPB-803 with intensity, fearlessness, and being such a respectful, coachable player and fantastic teammate. He will likely be one of the toughest kids on the court whenever he plays, his energy and dog mentality really separate him, and he will absolutely be a name you hear more about moving ahead.
Carter Hendrick – 6'6 Wing/Forward
Class of 2022
Catawba Ridge HS – Ft Mill, SC
SCHSL 3A All-Region IV Team
Carter is the player that has all of the tools and skills to impact your team through any part of the game, has the ability to lead your team in every statistical category. He is loaded with talent, possesses heavy guard skills, an impressive wingspan, high-level of athleticism and can the run the floor very well. His potential, competitiveness and toughness added to his versatility, while having a mixture of strong guard skills, acute rebounding instincts, solid 3-point shot, and excellent touch around the basket make Carter so valuable to any team. Carter's high IQ along with impressive and unique skillset, and strong athletic frame allow him to easily transition and play most positions with ease, this offseason he is currently working hard to expand his strength and athleticism, becoming a more efficient three-level scorer and playmaker. Don't be surprised to see him getting a triple-double, he will certainly be a double-double machine. With all the steps Carter is taking to expand his game, he should certainly be on your watch list.
Vinny Orlandi 5'10 Guard
Nation Ford HS – Ft Mill, SC
Vinny has really blossomed into a really great on-ball defender and has a great outside shot. He's tough and exudes tremendous energy on the court and a terrific teammate, truly exemplifies his role and becoming a player you can rely on for solid minutes anytime throughout the game. Vinny truly works hard and willing to make a personal sacrifice for the good of the team. Such a fun player to be around, his attitude and personality help feed the teams energy whether he's on the court or from the bench. His handles are growing stringer and his ability to run an offense is growing, he can be a dual threat combo guard and will easily be able to handle point guard duties for longer stretches as he becomes more comfortable in that role. A joy to have on the team and expect great things from him moving ahead.
Sean Iadonisi 5'8 Point Guard
Catawba Ridge – Ft Mill, SC
Sean has developed so much this offseason and become a very valuable asset as a backup point guard for NLPB-803. His high IQ, great court vision and awareness along with his incredible ball handling make him a tremendous threat to break down a defense and make a play for his guys. Sean has worked very had to increase his strength, adding a considerable amount or muscle this offseason and now has a consistent knockdown 3 pt shot. He has become a huge asset to the team being able to jump in the game and control the pace, executing the teams offense. We expect Sean to continue to develop and you can see his confidence growing after each game. An amazing teammate and an extremely coachable player that is steadily improving each week.
PHENOM QUEEN CITY SHOWCASE RESULTS
NLPB 803 4-0 this weekend at Phenom
Won 53-48 vs Charlotte Dragons
Davante Gonzalez 15 pt 5 ast 2 stl
Shawn Jones 11 pt 9 reb 2 ast 3 blk
Carter Hendrick 16 pt 9 reb 3 ast 2 blk
Caleb Lominac 8 pt 10 reb 4 blk 2 chg
Tyson Bombick 8 pt 5 reb 4 ast 2 stl
Antonio Willis 3 pt 3 reb 2 stl
Sean Iadonisi 3 pt 3 ast 2 stl
Vinny Orlandi 3 pt 3 reb 2 stl
Won 77-69 vs Raising Young Men
Carter Hendrick 16 pt 10 reb 4 ast 4 blk
Antonio Willis 16 pt 9 reb
Tyson Bombick 13 pt 5 reb 5 ast 2 stl
Caleb Lominac 10 pt 10 reb 4 blk
Davante Gonzalez 10 pt 7 ast 3 stl
Shawn Jones 9 pt 14 reb 4 ast 4 blk
Vinny Orlandi 4 reb 3 ast 2 stl
Sean Iadonisi 3 pt 5 ast 1 stl
Won 51-50 vs WV Generals held the bigs to 6 pts total
Shawn Jones 11 pt 14 reb 3 ast 2 blk
Tyson Bombick 11 pt 8 ast 5 reb
Carter Hendrick 11 pt 14 reb 3 ast 2 blk
Davante Gonzalez 6 pt 10 ast 4 stl
Caleb Lominac 5 pt 13 reb 5 blk 3 chg
Antonio Willis 6 pt 2 reb
Vinny Orlandi 3 pt 4 reb 3 ast 3 stl
Sean Iadonisi 2 pt 6 ast 4 reb 2 stl
Won 59-54 vs Flash USA
Shawn Jones 18 pt 15 reb 3 blk'
Caleb Lominac 10 pt 13 reb 4 blk
Antonio Willis 11 pt 5 reb 3 stl
Davante Gonzalez 5 pt 9 ast 4 stl
Tyson Bombick 6 pt 5 reb 6 ast 2 stl
Carter Hendrick 4 pt 10 reb 3 ast 3 blk
Vinny Orlandi 3 pt 4 reb 3 ast 3 stl
Sean Iadonisi 2 pt 6 ast 4 reb 2 stl
