Every team aspires to compete for a state title but very few programs actually have the coaching or personnel to reach these heights. Right now, it feels like Jordan has the right mix of talent to make a deep run in the playoffs. In addition to being a tough, veteran-laden group, each guy seems to understand his respective role. Although they lost a key piece over the summer, gaining Rivers Knight proved to be beneficial for all parties. The team currently sits at 13-2 with their only losses coming to Garner and New Hanover. Let’s take a closer look at their core…
As implied above, adding Knight visibly raised the ceiling of this group. Not only does he provide legitimate size, but his shooting, rebounding, rim-protection, and general skillset make him a nightly asset. Knight is comfortable posting up, spacing the floor, or operating as a screening partner—where he can reliably roll and finish or pop and convert jumpers. He anchors the glass as the Falcons’ main rebounder and runs the floor properly in transition. Add in his timing as a shot-altering presence, and it’s easy to see his value. Knight is averaging 16.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, and 3.2 BPG with 50/36/80 shooting splits.
Arguably no one has benefitted more from Knight’s return than Derek Ross Jr. Given his status as a true point guard, it opens up his playmaking abilities so much. Ross is a quick, speedy floor general with excellent vision, toughness, and sharp change of direction. He’s a useful scorer who can apply pressure in a variety of ways, yet is at his most effective when dissecting defenses and creating for others. Ross is a scrappy defender who plays with quality energy and anticipates well to force turnovers. Quietly third in the state in assists per game (per MaxPreps), he has been shining as a leader for this group all season. Ross is averaging 7.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 8.1 APG, and 2.0 SPG with 44/48/63 shooting splits.
Rounding out their group of college-level upperclassmen, Bryce Hill has stood out as a valuable piece for the Falcons. He’s a crafty guard who can apply consistent scoring pressure or initiate the offense as needed. Hill is capable of heating up quickly and asserting his presence from all levels. He’s comfortable creating for himself or finding opportunities without the ball. Hill is a willing playmaker who sets up others at a solid rate. He competes well defensively and on the glass. Hill is averaging 11.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 1.6 SPG with 48/38/74 shooting splits.
Although the trio above is responsible for a lot of the Falcons’ production, Julian Lowe is as important as anyone on the roster. Currently their second-leading scorer, he has been extremely consistent in his two years with the program. He’s strong, skilled, and displays flashes of versatility on both ends of the floor. While his three-point percentage has slightly dipped, Lowe has improved his numbers in legitimately every other category (including field goal percentage). Only a sophomore, his production should continue to climb over the coming years. Lowe is averaging 15.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 1.1 SPG with 53/32/67 shooting splits.