Entering his fourth season at Pine Lake Preparatory, Head Coach Tony Dunbar is excited about this year's team. In his first three seasons, Dunbar has won 60 games, averaging 20 wins per season. Coach Dunbar and his team have goals of competing for a state championship at the NCHSAA 1A level. With an experienced, upperclassmen led group, the Pride have an opportunity to do just that.
This past Thursday, Phenom Hoops had the opportunity to watch the team's intrasquad scrimmage. One thing about this team that really stuck out was their unselfishness and willingness to share the ball with one another. The Pride return several key contributors from last season's 18-10 team. Here is a look their squad.
Trace Forest 5'11 2021
Trace Forest sets tone on both ends of the floor for this Pine Lake Prep team. He is a tough, scrappy point guard who bothers opposing ball handlers and forces turnovers. Offensively, he does an excellent job of finding the open man. Last season he averaged six assists per game. He plays with his head up, finding teammates in transition. He is also quick with the ball in his hands. He has the ability to get by defenders and make plays in the paint. He finds open shooters for kick-out threes. He also has nice touch on his floaters once he gets into the paint. His ability to shoot from the perimeter opens up so much for his team. Forest can make perimeter shots off both the catch and the bounce when in rhythm. One incredible stat that has to be mentioned is that when he graduates, he will be the school's all-time leader in steals, assists, and wins.
Cole Callaway 6'4 2023
Callaway is known for his ability to really shoot the basketball. He has good size at the shooting guard position and can make shots with deep range. With the departure of Jacob Morgan, the team's leading scorer from last season, the Pride will look to Callaway to fill a lot of that scoring void. Callaway has continued to expand his game. He is able to utilize his strength to attack the basket and finish over smaller defenders. He has also made strides as a ball handler and is now able to create off the bounce and get to his jumper, rather than just relying on the catch and shoot shot. Although he one of the few underclassmen on this year's team, he will be looked upon to provide more of a leadership role.
Jack Baldwin 6'1 2021
Jack Baldwin is combo guard with high energy and makes plays on both sides of the ball. He is a quick, shifty guard who has the ability to make plays off the bounce. He also can get hot from the perimeter. He elevates really well on his jumper. Baldwin also creates second chance opportunities for his team as he crashes the offensive glass. Defensively, he is another active defender who creates easy scoring opportunities for his team by getting deflections and steals in the passing lane.
JT Harper 6'6 2021
JT Harper will add some valuable size in the post to this Pine Lake Prep team. The lefty has a great feel for the game and is versatile on the offensive end of the floor. In the post, he can score over either shoulder with the left or the right hand. For his size, he has a solid handle and can drive it from the perimeter. He runs the floor well in transition. One thing that really stuck out was his passing ability. He is a willing passer out of the post, and is able to find teammates for open perimeter shots.
Carson Shirley 6'0 2021
Carson Shirley was hurt for the majority of last season with a fractured kneecap. He looked healthy and one would expect him to have a really good season. Shirley is a quick guard who can create off the bounce with a nice right to left cross. He attacks the basket and can finish in a variety of ways. He is also another good passer. He finds the open man in transition, at the end of drives, and in pick and roll situations. In addition, he can make the perimeter shot when in rhythm.
Patrick Schwaba 6'4 2022
Patrick Schwaba will provide additional size and versatility. He has a high basketball IQ and makes the right play whether it is knocking down the open shot or moving it to a teammate for a better shot. Schwaba knocked down several catch and shoot three-pointers during the scrimmage, whether he was spotting up or in pick and pop situations.