The travel ball season is finally beginning to wind down, which naturally generates a lot of buzz and excitement for the upcoming high school year. Folks are ready to see where seniors commit, what team separates themselves from the pack, and everything in-between. One of the more intriguing subplots of each season is how the freshman will ultimately fare, and this year is no different. North Carolina’s Class of 2026 certainly has an abundance of talent and many guys who should be useful contributors as soon as they step on campus. Each of the following players listed will be worthy of attention throughout the coming months. Of course, these are not the only applicable players–just the first entry. Let’s take a closer look…
6’6 Cole Cloer (Orange)
Right now, it would be difficult to envision many freshmen being more impactful than Cole Cloer—especially from day one. He’s a long, athletic, skilled wing/forward prospect with a versatile game and the ability to naturally cause matchup problems. Cloer possesses an advanced feel and overall skillset for the game. At 6-foot-6, he can legitimately create any shot he wants, score from anywhere on the floor, and truly dominate a game on both ends of the floor. Cloer’s perimeter skills, particularly at his size, is a huge part of what makes him so difficult to contain. He can shoot, post-up, attack off the dribble, finish above the rim, create for others, and whatever else he can imagine. Cloer is currently a high-level prospect who Division I schools should start monitoring closely, as he has the chance to be truly special.
6’7 Kendre Harrison (Reidsville)
Given his status as a notable two-sport athlete, Kendre Harrison will likely have his choice of what sport he wants to pursue at the next level. His size and sheer physique should make him an obvious contributor from the opening tip of their first game. Due to his physicality, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where he isn’t a high-major football player. However, Harrison is far more than just an athlete on the basketball court. He possesses feel, vision, and a useful amount of skill. Harrison is able to physically overwhelm opponents on a regular basis around the rim, which allows him to finish, control the glass, and effectively protect the rim. It’s unclear which sport he will eventually play at the next level, but folks should expect him to be a major difference-maker for Reidsville.
6’4 Markus Kerr (West Charlotte)
The West Charlotte basketball program has a history of bringing in noteworthy freshmen, giving them the appropriate minutes, and allowing things to pan out accordingly—and Markus Kerr seems to be next in line. His blend of size, athleticism, and blossoming skillset already allow him to dominate a game. Kerr is a capable perimeter shooter, but arguably at his best when getting downhill, attacking the basket, and finishing through contact. He can create for himself and others, but doesn’t necessarily require the ball to make an impact. Kerr is very fluid for his size and age, and has a slew of favorable physical tools. He’s a quality defender and rebounder with the necessary instincts to consistently outwork his assignment on both ends of the floor. Kerr has all the traits to have a very impactful freshman season and beyond.
5’10 Nick Arnold (Lake Norman)
Although we’ve covered him extensively throughout the recent months, Nick Arnold remains as exciting as any freshman floor general within the state. For starters, he’s probably the “truest” of all the true point guards. Arnold is incredibly smart, unselfish, and clearly prioritizes creating scoring opportunities for others above all else. He’s a sharp, crafty ball-handler who understands how to manipulate defenses into constant disarray through a blend of vision, penetration, and making the right decision with phenomenal consistency. Arnold is also a strong finisher and reliable perimeter shooter with great pace and change-of-direction. He’s a quality defender with the combination of quickness and instincts to force turnovers at a high volume. Though Arnold will be on a loaded roster, he should still be one of the most impactful freshmen in North Carolina.
5’7 Dionte Neal (Reidsville)
Despite being the smallest prospect on this list, Dionte Neal should’ve been an expected entry at some point. He’s undersized, but able to really dominate a game with his unbelievable scoring prowess. Neal is smart, quick, crafty, and able to really fill it up in a variety of different ways from all levels. He’s a great perimeter shooter, both off the catch and bounce, and can effortlessly create for himself or others with the ball in his hands. Neal finishes well for his size, makes unselfish decisions with the ball, and understands how to be a pest defensively. Add in the fact that he’s playing alongside another notable freshman (listed above), and Reidsville should be in a great place over the foreseeable future.