Last season, Northwood finished 27-3 and lost their top four scorers off the team. This upcoming season, Coach Matt Brown has to be excited about the incoming class of players. While Northwood may not match their total of 27 wins, Coach Matt Brown has plenty of optimism surrounding the talent of their underclassmen. Over time, this could become a very special group and one that could contend for a state championship. For Coach Matt Brown, “The Future is Now.” That being said, Coach Brown gives credit to his five returning seniors. “They will have a huge impact on the program next year going forward setting the tone of the culture that has already been established. Without those five seniors those younger guys won’t have any idea of the culture.”
The 2021 class will have a huge roll in what we do next year with all of there experience from the last two seasons of back to back sweet sixteen runs and a final four run last year. They know the program, the culture, and the system and I will rely heavily on them to help and lead these young players on what it means to be a Charger basketball player. All five of the players have had two years of varsity experience already; Troy Arnold a lock down defender and a player that started for me some last season; Colby Burleson, a knock down shooter with great range and great work ethic; Adam Omar, a great playmaker with high basketball IQ that had played significant minutes the last 2 years on the varsity; Tucker Morgan, a stretch forward that has great range and a great nose for the ball; and lastly Aidan McLandsborough, a 6’5 big that has improved tremendously this off season. Has a great feel for the game and can rebound with the best of them.
6’7 2024 Jarin Stevenson
Talk about a young player with upside and potential. Stevenson is extremely long and athletic, that can play all positions.
Coach Brown stated, “Jaren has Incredible footwork and handles for his size and his age. He can take you inside and outside, and score on all three levels, not to mention the ability to finish above the rim. Jarin will have a direct impact on the team next season.”
Look for big things out of the rising freshman. He has a unique blend of size, length, athleticism, and skill and will be mentioned as one of the better players in the North Carolina 2024 class.
5’9 2024 Fred Whitaker
We have not personally seen Whitaker, but Coach Matt Brown stated the following. “Fred is a quick and athletic PG that has incredible handles and feel for the game. He can score at all three levels and is an incredible lockdown defender with quick hands. Fred is able to create for his teammates as well as create his own shot off the dribble. He will have a direct impact on the team next year and the years to come.”
6’5 2024 Drake Powell
We’ve had several times to watch Drake Powell at our NC Junior Phenom camp. Powell has an advanced offensive skill set, able to handle, facilitate and even score in a variety of ways, which makes him one of the more appealing prospects across the state along with Stevenson.
Coach Brown stated, “Drake is a long and athletic guard that is silky smooth. He has great handles and can transition over to the point guard position. More importantly, Powell can finish about the rim and be lockdown defender” The combination of Stevenson and Powell makes a powerful 1-2 freshmen punch.
6′8 2023 Kenan Parrish
Another player on Coach Brown’s roster we have yet to see, but is one we will definitely put on our recruiting watch list. Coach Brown stated the following. “In his second year of playing organized basketball, Kenan is like a sponge and has shown incredible strides in becoming a dominant post man. He’s the total gym rat and wants to get better. Kenan wears a size 20 shoes, so who knows how big he will actually be when its all said and done.
6′3 2024 Gus Richey
Coach Brown on Gus, “Tough hard nose player that can take you inside and outside. Great build for his age and shows that he is only going to get tougher and better throughout the coming years.”