Not many teams across the state practiced at 8:00 a.m. on New Year's Day, let alone really attacked the day and improved. One team did. Lake Norman High School.
One of my biggest pet peeves that I look for when I attend a practice, is whether or not the players arrive early to get in extra shots and are actually in a sweat ready to go at the actual start of practice. If practice starts at 8:00 a.m., then players should be warmed up, with a sweat, and ready to practice when the coach blows the whistle.
I arrived at Lake Norman at 7:30 a.m. As I walked into the gym, there were multiple players already warming up. By 7:45 a.m., every single player on the team was dressed, on the court, and getting ready for practice. They weren't hoisting up half court shots or throwing up shots that they wouldn't actually take in a game. Every single player was getting quality extra reps in before Coach Hodges blew his whistle to start practice.
This type of mentality helps separate teams at the end of the season. Here it was New Year's Day, and before 8:00 a.m. the entire team was in the gym working to get better. This is a huge testament to the culture that Coach Hodges has cultivated at Lake Norman. It also goes to show the quality of senior leadership that is on this team. Great teams are the ones that are player led. And this team is just that.
Lake Norman finished fourth last season in the I-Meck 4A Conference, arguably the best public-school conference in the state. They return four starters from last year's team. This group has excellent chemistry with one another. They execute and share the ball. One thing is for certain, the ball doesn't stick within their offense.
Clay Hodges 5'10 2021
Clay Hodges is the toughest, most competitive player in the state! He is a winner! This competitiveness is what helped him earn a scholarship at Mars Hill. He sets the tone for this team. Do not let his size fool you. Defensively, he is outstanding. He is a pest. He is quick and can really bother the opposing team's ball handler. Not only is he a really good on-ball defender, he is versatile. 5'10 and skinny aren't usually used when describing someone's defensive versatility, but I have seen Hodges matched up with big wings and even post players. He simply bothers them just as much as point guards. Offensively, he is a pass-first point guard who gets his teammates involved. He can create off of the bounce, get into the teeth of the defense and find open teammates. He has nice touch on floaters. He attacks the basket strong and has a knack for getting to the foul line. In addition, he can knock down shots from the perimeter. Look for him to have a big senior season for the Wildcats.
Seth Aeschliman 6'6 2021
Seth Aeschliman is committed to Rhodes College and provides an interior presence for this Lake Norman team. He is a high academic and high IQ player on the court. In the post, although he might not be the tallest, he is strong and has great touch with either hand. He can be a mismatch for opposing post players as he is able to score from the post or he is able to make plays from the perimeter. He can step out and make the three-point shot with consistency. In addition, he is able to make plays off the bounce. When he puts it on the bounce, he attacks strong. He can get all the way to the basket or stop and make the midrange jumper.
Camden Kepley 6'1 2021
One of the more talented scorers on the roster, Camden Kepley is poised for a really good senior season. The combo guard can really make shots from the perimeter. He can knock down three-pointers off the catch and off the bounce. He is capable of pulling up from behind ball screens when defender go under. He can make stepback jumpers. His athleticism and bounce allow him to get shots off over contesting hands. Kepley elevates really well on his jumper. In addition, he showed the ability to create some off the bounce and attack the basket. He crashes the offensive glass, snagging rebounds above the rim, and creates second chance opportunities for his team.
Mekhi Goree 6'1 2022
Mekhi Goree will provide additional strength, athleticism and a slashing threat for this Lake Norman team. He handles the ball well and can create off the bounce. He does a great job of getting downhill and finishing at the basket. He is capable of making tough finishes through contact. You can't leave him open. He will also knock down the perimeter shot off the catch. Defensively, his versatility allows him to guard multiple positions. He is great both on-ball and in passing lanes. He creates steals and helps his team get easy baskets in transition.
Davis Wagner 6'4 2022
Davis Wagner will provide additional size at the forward position. He is a highly skilled player who can make plays in the post and knock down shots out on the perimeter. He will stretch the defense and force opposing post players to guard him. What impressed me the most was ability to pass the ball. He is extremely unselfish and finds shooters on post kick-outs.
Christian Taylor 6'3 2021
Christian Taylor has created a name for himself with his toughness and motor. He is a really good athlete who can defend multiple positions. He is asked to defend both out on the perimeter and in the post. His strength allows him to make it tough on bigger offensive players to score on him inside. On the offensive end, he is best attacking the basket where he can utilize his strength to finish at the rim.
Alex Gruber 6'2 2023
The youngest player on this veteran led squad, Alex Gruber plays with poise beyond his years. He has a lot of potential to be a breakout player this year and in the future. Gruber is a well-rounded combo guard with a high IQ. He understands how to play and will make the right decisions on the court. He has the ability to knock down the perimeter shot or create off the bounce both for himself and for teammates. He gets into the paint, finishes at the rim, and is able to kick out to shooters. This is a young prospect to really keep an eye on moving forward.
