Regardless of context or situation, there is guaranteed to be controversy surrounding whenever individuals are named to an all-accolade team. The topic of snubs is in constant circulation for those who closely follow sports, as every All-Star/All-Pro team seems to cause debate. Did the most deserving players make the team' Were there more deserving players who were too low or overlooked altogether' Well, in leu of the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association dropping the All-District teams we decided to take a closer look at those questions for ourselves. Obviously, the issue with making a case for snubs is making a case against someone else. We will not be doing that, rather just emphasizing those who are deserving and allowing folks to make their own determinations from there…
6'8 '24 Jarin Stevenson (Northwood/District 4- Third Team)
Though he's just a freshman, it shouldn't take much of an argument to convince folks of Jarin Stevenson's worthiness as a first or second-team candidate. Already widely considered the top prospect in North Carolina's Class of 2024, Stevenson was easily among the best five or ten players in this district'regardless of how one chooses to deduce the situation. His averages of 13.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, and 2.9 APG with 58/45/75 shooting splits should speak volumes. However, Stevenson was also the leader and best player for a Northwood squad who narrowly fell short of a title in the state championship contest. In looking at the full context, his combination of success and production should've resulted in a more appropriate placement.
6'1 '23 Will Gray (East Forsyth/District 7- Third Team)
The narrative surrounding Will Gray is legitimately confusing, as he should have more respect across the state of North Carolina. Perhaps it's due to flying under the radar in Forsyth county or placing more emphasis on defense/running the team than other floor generals, but it simply doesn't make sense. Upon his arrival, Gray was handed the keys to an East Forsyth program that previously mustered up a forgettable (5-19) season. While turning their previous record into a winning one (7-5) doesn't seem like a major feat, folks should remember the Kernersville area is not considered a hotbed for basketball talent. While his balanced per-game averages of 16.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.2 APG, 3.4 SPG, and 1.1 BPG speak volumes, Gray's ability to affect all facets of the game while leading and standing out as a high-level defender should've warranted more respect.
6'4 '21 Daniel Cooper (Grimsley/District 7- Second Team)
Although Daniel Cooper was still awarded with a second-team nod, it feels unfair given the gaudy numbers he posted for a quality Grimsley squad. Maybe it's not flashy, but Cooper contributed to winning as much as any player on this list. Often times, he was tasked with elevating the Whirlies on both ends of the floor despite not being a ball-dominant offensive player and somewhat undersized for his position defensively. He overcame the odds after the departure of Ahmil Flowers, assuming the new leadership role, maintaining their success as a group (10-3), and posting fairly insane numbers. Cooper posted nightly averages of 20.2 PPG, 10.7 RPG, and 1.0 SPG while 61% shooting from the floor and regularly dominating bigger, more traditional interior players on a nightly basis. He could've easily been placed higher, but should still warrant a ton of attention from college coaches.
5'11 '22 AJ Cook (Weddington/District 8- Third Team)
Like others on this list, the main question surrounding AJ Cook's placement on the third team is simple: does context matter' If context has zero impact, then perhaps it's slightly more justifiable to exclude the (clearly) second most-valuable and impactful player for Weddington throughout their season and championship run. Perhaps value to one's team isn't enough, maybe the numbers should reflect their abilities. In that case, his 13.8 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 2.0 SPG with 49/44/89 shooting splits should be enough to make a strong argument for a higher placement. Sure, other players have averaged thirty-plus on teams that might not win a single game, which makes it feel like the wrong message is being sent when hollow numbers are being prioritized over winning. Regardless, Cook's willingness to embrace his identity within one of the most balanced teams in the state should've led to more attention.
6'8 '22 Elijah Gray (Ardrey Kell/District 8- N/A)
Arguably the biggest travesty across the twelve districts, Elijah Gray's exemption from any all-district team is truly staggering. What makes this situation so confusing' Well, throughout this article we've made arguments for production cross-sectioned with team success. Gray was a major focal point and clear difference-maker for an Ardrey Kell squad that fell about one minute short from winning a state championship. Furthermore, his per-game averages of 15.6 PPG and 7.6 RPG with 51/39/67 shooting splits certainly put him amongst the top players'especially given their schedule and path to the title game. If one were to guess a reason as to why Gray was omitted from all three teams, it's probably due to the Knights already having a trio of players represented (Knoah Carver, Evan Smith, and Peyton Gerald). However, playing on a talented roster shouldn't dictate an individual's worthiness of this recognition'especially when the numbers and success match the criteria for someone who's worthy. While Gray might not have received attention for this honor, his upcoming recruitment boost should erase any doubts surrounding his value or ability.
