On the latest episode Live With Brandon Blakney Extra we pull up to Greensboro day school for an early morning practice session. The Bengals feature a nice combination of talented youth and experienced veterans.
Greensboro, North Carolina, The two- time defending state champs have seemingly reloaded after losing a couple program pillars.
There may be some bumps early but coaches feel this group is building chemistry fast, the seniors have been working diligently to teach the newcomers Greensboro Day’s program tradition. The Bengals will have a different look this season, the team will feature more size than recent years and that could be an adjustment.
Last Season (27-7, 3-3) (3A NCISAA state champions)
Key Games this season (Cannon School, Carmel Christian ,Cox Mill, WS Prep).
Back court– Nice blend of star power and depth within this unit, they have battle tested champions and one of the best point guards in the state regardless of class.
2021 6’3 Cam Hayes– Hayes has all the tools to be a very successful college point guard. Hayes has a nice combination of size and athletic ability, Hayes sees the entire floor well and delivers timely passes.
Hayes is a patient floor general and he can create for himself and others off the dribble, Hayes has always been a good shooter but he’s attacking the basket more aggressive than ever as well. Defensively Hayes is improving every day, his long frame and natural athleticism offer upside as a defender. Currently Hayes holds several power five offers including; Clemson, Louisville, NC State, Tennessee, and Wake Forest, among others.
2021 6’4 Carson McCorkle (Virginia Commit)- McCorkle is one of the most accomplished sophomores in the nation. McCorkle has played in some of the biggest games, he’s competed internationally for the USA, and McCorkle understands what it takes to win a state title. McCorkle is a polished scorer and he possess the skills to play either guard spot. McCorkle has delivered countless times in clutch moments, he wants the ball in his hands with everything on the line.
McCorkle is an underrated defender he’s got quick feet and a solid stance, he can really bother his man and get opposing guards off balance. There is a good chance McCorkle leads this group in scoring this season, the combo guard scores it from almost anywhere on the floor.
2019 6’0 Austin Inge– Inge is a pass first floor general with nice range from deep, if you leave him alone Inge will make you pay. Inge’s playmaking ability and defensive presence on the perimeter will be relied upon this year. Inge is a two-time state champion and has his sights set on a three peat.
Inge is a natural leader on and off the floor, and he’s matched up against a lot of talented guards in the past couple years. Inge is a team first guy and he will do anything the team needs to win.
Front court– Size, length, and versatility sums this group up pretty well. GDS will feature more size than usual but a lot of these guys move well enough to guard multiple positions.
2019 6’9 Michael Fowler (James Madison commit)- Fowler is another senior that has been around the program and fully understands expectations. Fowler has always had finesse to his game, Fowler has added range from beyond the arc and he’s attacking the boards more aggressive than ever. Fowler pledged to JMU a couple months ago, and he emphasized how making the decision before the season, offers more attention to focus on winning.
2019 6’8 Nick Evtimov – Evtimov continues to add depth to his overall game, he’s been a force on the block but, Evtimov continues to add perimeter ball skills.Evtimov runs the floor well and he’s a gifted passer. Evtimov has grown more comfortable taking his man off the dribble as well. Evtimov has a nice face up game and his range extends beyond three point range. Currently Evtimov holds offers from App State, Bucknell, and Colgate.
2021 6’8 Josh Taylor- Taylor is another newcomer with a big reputation around the south, at 6’8 Taylor is an explosive athlete and he can play inside and out. Taylor will be a walking mismatch some nights, Taylor is good off the dribble and he’s explosive at the cup, Taylor can knock it down from deep and stretch the floor, and he moves well without the rock. Taylor was a late addition but many around the hoop state are familiar with his game. Currently Taylor holds offers from; LSU, St John’s, Texas Tech, and TCU.
X-Factor- 2020 6’5 Christian Bailey– Bailey is a physical two-way wing prospect, he offers another scoring option and another versatile defender. Bailey has already amassed 1,000 points in just two years, he’s a strong finisher and Bailey embraces contact at the cup. Bailey can finish with either hand and he’s an improved shooter from a year ago. Bailey has wide shoulders and he’s strong enough to match up with bigger players and contain them.
There were a few players that could have been slotted here, GDS is legitimately ten guys deep this year, depth will be a major strength they will be able to wear teams down.
The Skinny- GDS is one of the most prestigious programs in all of prep hoops, they continuously play elite competition and come out on top. This program expects to compete for a state title annually, and this season is no different. There are some new pieces to acclimate but there is enough experience to ease the transition. Talent wise this team has as much upside as any roster in the state, this group could potentially make some noise on a national scale.