Phenom Hoop Report travelled to Huntersville, North Carolina to cover North Mecklenburg open gym. When one thinks of North Meck basketball, coach Duane Lewis comes to mind. He’s the fixture of the program. He attended and played at North Meck. He has coached at North Meck for 20 years and has built a perennial powerhouse program. Last year, North Meck finished 27-2 and was returning the nucleus of the team for another title run at the NCHSAA 4A championship. During the off season, Coach Lewis lost 6’9 Jaelyn Withers (Louisville commit) who transferred/family move to Cleveland Heights in Cleveland, Ohio. That being said, one thing is for certain. Coach Lewis only focuses on the current situation. After graduating six seniors who all moved on to play at the next level, most programs would be in a major rebuild, the Vikings with 20th year head coach Duane Lewis will still have something in the tank. The Vikings might not be as big and dominant as in the previous years, but they still have more than a few good player and something to prove. Now, let’s take a close look at the 2018-19 player for the North Mecklenburg Vikings.
6’2 2020 Tristan Maxwell
Sports high major offers, Tristan Maxwell is a big time scorer. While his shot does need a tad more arch, he has a quick release and the ability to score in bunches. When he is on, he is as good as offensive player in the state. He has a quick release and is best coming off screens and in a catch and shoot situation. However, Maxwell has really improved his ability to score off the dribble/bounce. He’s just not a perimeter shooter as he has the ability to create his own shot either with a nifty midrange pull-up or taking it to the rim. Maxwell has added strength and his game definitely translates well at the collegiate level. Maxwell has a scorer’s mentality and plays with extreme confidence on the offensive side of the floor.
6’4 2020 Chris Ford
What a difference a summer makes. Playing more of power forward role for his travel ball team, Chris Ford showcased a completely different offensive arsenal at open gym. To put it mildly, Ford was simply sensational. He is a highly efficient scorer. He was knocking down 3-pointers, hitting the midrange, utilizing floaters, taking it to the rim and getting his typical garbage points. The stoic Ford is a high academic and high character young man and has the likes Davidson, Michigan and Butler already showing interest. At open gym, Ford’s game translated more to a big guard role or small forward role at the collegiate level. Ford has definitely improved on both ends of the court, but his efficiency on the offensive side and ability to create his own shot will translate well at the next level.
6’2 2020 DeMar Anderson
Sporting offers from USC-Upstate and Robert Morris, Anderson looked absolute terrific in open gym. We’re talking about a strong, physical and athletic point guard. He has good length and a stellar defender, however he will have a much more important role for the Vikings. Anderson has the ability to create for himself as well as his teammates. Anderson has a wicked cross-over and has the ability to get to the rim whenever he wants. He has excellent body control and finished with high efficiency at the rim, not to mention his ability to knock down 3-pointers. He is primed for a breakout year and with his grades, watch his recruitment take off.
6’0 2020 Shamann Artis
Shamann put on a shooting display aka Steph Curryesque. Artis just received his first D1 offer from USC Upstate and has numerous other D1 schools recruiting him and should be a high priority for lots of low D1 and mid majors. Don’t be surprised if he is one of the leading scorers in numerous games this season. Artis has a quick release and outstanding 3- point shooting range.
6’3 2020 Daqon Stewart
Stewart was name MVP of the JV team who is a High Major football guy. He plays with such high energy and makes an impact on both ends of the floor. Big Time Athlete. When its all said and done will have the opportunity to play either basketball or football collegiately.
6’0 2020 Trayden Williams
Williams was very impressive on the night. He is very quick on the offensive end and has the ability to create his own shot. We were most impressed on how hard he played on defense. He will be a great addition for the Vikings.
5’11 2021 Tony Waters
We watched Waters numerous times over the summer with Team Charlotte. We were impressed then and were again last night. He plays so hard and always seemed to find the open man for the Vikings without sacrificing his own game. More importantly, he is a fierce competitor.