Myers Park has established themselves as consistent contenders in the NCHSAA 4A classification over recent years with well rounded teams that blend high level talent with glue guys that buy into the programs values and this year’s squad is a perfect representation of this program. The combination of high level division one talent with guys that know how to win despite not being major recruits will make life difficult for the opposition. You combine that with the fact that Myers Park will be playing in a few major events (Charlotte Hoops Challenge, Good Guys Vs Cancer, Arby’s Classic) as well as the high level public school competition in Charlotte, the Mustangs could be poised for a major season. Let’s take a look at this years squad.
The Leader: 6’2 2022 Nathanael Roberts
Roberts is the kind of guy every roster needs, he simply doesn’t care about being the most liked guy in the locker room, he’s willing to be vocal to get all of his guys on the same page and just wants his team to win basketball games. Roberts didn’t lose a single drill in practice, he was able to get to the paint at will, make shots off the catch or dribble, as well as take care of the basketball regardless of what was thrown his way. There’s a certain level of appreciation that I personally had for the energy he brought to the table. He didn’t care that he’s not the most naturally gifted guy in the gym, he set the tone with his competitive level and fire in practice. He’s a kid that is a no brainer next level guy that should have schools in the ODAC and USA South all over him with his combination of skill, leadership, and tenacity. The standard that he sets and fulfills every single drill will be a huge reason behind this teams success this season.
The Man in the Middle: 6’8 2023 Elijah Strong
Strong is simply a very gifted four-man with inside/out ability that makes him a walking mismatch at the high school level. He also knows how to truly exploit those mismatches with his array of moves from the high post area, touch around the rim, and ability to knock down shots from the outside. He has unbelievable hands as well and does a great job securing contested rebounds. He’s still working himself into elite shape, he struggled with some injuries in the summer that hindered that but his undeniable productivity and skill will be a major component of what Myers Park does this season. When this team needs a bucket, Elijah is getting a touch. As he continues to refine his body and become a better all around athlete, expect programs of the highest levels to do their due diligence on him in the next 12 months. He will have some monster games this season.
The Key Piece: 6’5 2024 Sir Mohammed
The progress that this kid is making is simply astounding. We got to see a lot of him this summer between the June sessions with this group or Team Curry and it was clear that Sir had a chance to be a really good player down the line. In just a few months it is really starting to happen and it’s absolutely great to see. Mohammed is confident as an initiator of offense and using his vocal leadership to guide his guys in the right direction. He’s comfortable creating offense for himself or others to go with his versatility as a defender. He has long arms, the family lineage (father Nazr played in the NBA for 15+ seasons), and clearly loves getting better. I don’t think he knows how good he is yet, but it’s clear he’s starting to realize that if he keeps working the sky is the limit. Expect Sir to be one of the HoopState’s big breakout Sophomore’s this season.
The Youth Movement: 6’6 2025 Sadiq White
White is another high upside guy in what appears to be a loaded 2025 class in North Carolina. He’s still making adjustments to the speed of the high school game as well as playing with/against guys that are 2-3 years older than him but there is obvious appeal with what the young fella is bringing to the table. White has a smooth and quick lefty release, obvious physical gifts, and he clearly wants to be a key contributor to this team. I fully expect his development to be stark over the course of the next 8 months with this group before his 15u travel ball summer. It will without a doubt be exciting to see what this kid turns into here in the next year.
Other Key Contributors:
6’3 2023 Sam Walters:
Walters is going to bring that steady presence in his junior season. He can do a bevy of things from either backcourt spot and is clearly a guy that this coaching staff trusts to be in the game in key situations. He’s a good perimeter shooter, finds a way to be productive within the team concept, and is simply a positive presence no matter what way you look at it. Expect Walters to play a key piece within this group this season before seeing a step up in role and production as a senior next year.
6’2 2024 Santana Lynch:
I’ve been able to see Lynch a lot over the course of the last twelve months and his steady progression has been great to see. He’s continuing to add strength and confidence with the ball in his hands to go with his smooth shooting touch. Has a natural feel for the game and has become a whole lot better at understanding how he can help his team win while still playing a productive brand of basketball. Knows where to put himself on the floor and will be able to help this team win this season.
6’5 2022 Jake Shore:
Shore is a strong bodied undersized front-court guy that plays the game with a chip on his shoulder. He can knock down outside shots and use his strength to create for himself on the block. He has a great nose for grabbing rebounds in traffic and should be able to command attention from D3 programs as he’ll prove to be a reliable contributor for this Myers Park team. He and Elijah Strong will play that high low game a lot this season with both being interchangeable as capable shooters and steady post scorers. Expect Shore to be a key component to this group this season.
6’4 2023 Kaamil Domingo:
Domingo will be able to have an impact this season with his athleticism and defensive versatility. He’s made progress with his skill level but there’s no doubt that his money will be made this season as an energy guy that can come into a game and provide that instant spark on the defensive end of the floor and in transition. He’s a nose to the ground type guy in practice that clearly is taking his development seriously, it will be fun to see him make things happen for this group this year.