On Friday, Phenom Hoops traveled to Raleigh to watch open gym at North Raleigh Christian Academy. In his second year as head coach, Ronnie Kruger has goals of making a push at an NCISAA Triangle Conference title run.
Let’s take a look at some of the key returners on this year’s team.
Ayinde Taylor 6’4 2022
NRCA returns All-Conference selection and their leading scorer and rebounder from last year’s team, Ayinde Taylor. At 6’4, Taylor is a strong, physical wing who excels getting downhill and finishes through contact. Taylor averaged 13.8 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game, and he is expected to have a big senior season. In addition to getting downhill and finishing at the rim, Taylor has the ability to knock down the perimeter shot. Also, for someone who will be relied upon heavily, Taylor is a willing passer and routinely made plays where he got into the paint and kicked out to the open man.
Noah McKenzie 6’2 2022
While McKenzie had a football game Friday night and didn’t play at open gym, Coach Kruger bragged about the leadership abilities of McKenzie. McKenzie showed up before his football game to be part of the team. He is the type of kid that coaches want to have on their team. On the court, McKenzie is known for his court vision and passing ability. He can play both guard positions with his ability to facilitate and knock down shots from the perimeter.
Daniel Blaise 6’2 2022
Daniel Blaise is a strong, physical guard who is an incredibly hard worker. One thing that really stuff out while watching open gym was from the opening set of drills to the full court 5 on 5 segment, Blaise gave everything he had. In addition to how hard he worked, Blaise showed the ability to knock down the perimeter shot. Also, he was willing to make the extra pass to the open teammate.
North Raleigh Christian has some newcomers that will be expected to have big roles on this year’s team. Let’s look at these newcomers.
Parker Hodgson 6’3 2023
After playing JV last season and developing at the point guard position, Coach Kruger is excited about what Hodgson can bring to the table this season. I was impressed with Hodgson’s shooting ability. He has a really smooth looking shot. He is crafty with the ball in his hands and can finish with either hand at the basket. He sees the floor in the open court, and made multiple ball ahead passes to the open teammate in transition. In addition, Hodgson looked very comfortable playing in ball screens and knocked down multiple pull-up jumpers off the ball screen.
Caleb Erwin 6’2 2022
Another dual-sport athlete on this NRCA team, Caleb Erwin did not play at open gym due to their home football match. But Coach Kruger was excited about the addition of Erwin to this year’s team. Erwin had a good showing at the NCISAA live period in June. He is a tough, physical point guard who competes on both ends of the floor. Erwin will provide a tough-minded approach at the guard position.
Jackson Watt 6’4 2023
Jackson Watt is another newcomer to NRCA after transferring from Greenfield School. Watt is another guard who has the ability to get to the basket and play through traffic. In addition, he showed the ability to consistently shoot the perimeter jumper and he elevates very well on his shot. Watt will be a nice addition and provide valuable depth for NRCA this season.