The class of 2022 in North Carolina is an intriguing class to look at, as there has been a lot of mix-up in rankings, new names that have come in, and players elevating their game over the last year or so. One thing that one can see is that there are a few shooters that can be found in the class. In this article, we are taking a look at a few of them to really watch this season but this IS NOT a list that consists of all the players. These are just a few that we have seen recently and should be on the radars of college programs. However, this list could extensively grow the more you dive into the class.
(No Order)
2022 6’7 Cade Tyson (Carmel Christian)
Tyson is certainly a prospect that has the attention of many programs and is coming off a solid summer. Now, he is stepping up even more with his game at Carmel Christian. Tyson brings a lot of intrigue with his game, as he plays with a high IQ, can operate on multiple levels, and is becoming more aggressive with his overall offensive feel. But this is a 6’7 prospect that has a smooth release from outside and really makes a tough matchup on the court; and what makes him even more intriguing is that he is still a developing prospect far from the end product.
2022 6’5 Michael Zanoni (Greensboro Day)
Some may consider Zanoni the top shooter in the class of 2022 in North Carolina. One could say make that case because one could have a lot of points to back that statement up. One thing is for sure though, Zanoni is a game-changing shooter on the court and he has shown it on multiple occasions. The 6’5 prospect can be deadly when he squares up and gets to his spots, as he makes opponents pay time after time with his outside shooting, especially from three.
2022 6’6 Noah Ross (Trinity Academy)
Ross is one to keep an eye on, as he continues to elevate his game and brings a good blend of size and skillset. He showed last year that he could score the ball well, averaging 16.5 points per game at Trinity Academy. Ross continued to step up his game, get stronger, and impact the floor more but he still brings that unique ability to be an outside threat. Colby Lewis wrote about Ross back in October and had this to say: “Ross, known for his shooting ability, has really improved his overall game and is now scoring at different levels. He uses his ability to shoot from the perimeter to attack the basket.
2022 6’5 Donovan Atwell (Davidson Day)
Atwell could easily be in the discussion as well as one of the top shooters in the state of North Carolina and again, you would have several points to back that up. We have seen him go off from outside, knocking down multiple three’s in a game, including a few double-digit made three’s in a game. As a sophomore, he hit 104 three-pointers at Lake Norman Charter and he is now bringing that to Davidson Day.
2022 6’0 Mike Best (Wayne Country Day)
Best is an intriguing talent to watch this season at Wayne Country Day. Last year, he was a key piece at Wayne Country Day, averaging 12.7ppg and shooting 42 percent from three. This year, through a limited time early on, Best has been stepping up his game in being a playmaker on the floor, filling up the stat sheet. So far, he is averaging nearly 19 points per game but is shooting 55 percent from three and 68 percent from the floor. You may not always see his name on a list like this but people need to start taking a look more his way, as he is showing just what he can provide and be a threat from outside.
2022 6’3 Joel Baucom (Combine Academy)
Baucom is one that needs and should get more recognition. He plays for Combine Academy and you usually see him operate incredibly well with the regional team but also makes his presence with his outside shooting for the national team at times. But Baucom has shown on multiple occasions that he brings an extremely confident shot from outside to the floor; you almost think it is always going to go in when he releases. So far this season for Combine Regional, Baucom is averaging 16 points and has knocked down 57 three-pointers so far.
2022 Gabe Proctor (Apex Friendship)
A player that was certainly fun to watch on the court and brought a lot of charisma for his team, Proctor certainly showed that he belongs on this list. Game after game, he made opponents pay with his outside shooting, knocking down multiple three’s and doing it with some flash. He can get hot in a minute and certainly change a game around with his shooting, pulling it without a second thought. Proctor consistently showed his range this summer and it should only just continue this upcoming season.