By; DeAjai Dawkins

I was thrilled to return back to the high school I called home for 4 years to evaluate the 2021-2022 Hickory Ridge Ragin' Bulls Varsity Men's Basketball team. Coach Scott Fortune is entering his first season as the program's head coach, after developing a seemingly impenetrable reputation with both his athletes as well as the community. Hickory Ridge is considered one of the 'newer' programs in the region, opening its doors in 2007 and becoming the sixth high school to operate in Cabarrus County. In what will be the team's 14th season, there have been a number of winning records in program history, alongside a few state playoff victories. The school was able to witness Coach Tolonda Simmons, now the Head Women's Coach at West Cabarrus High School, led the Lady Bulls to years of tremendous success including a state championship appearance. I believe the men's side is capable of building toward a simulated level of success, and we truly may be witnessing the beginning stages of something special on Ragin' Ridge Rd.

This season, the Ragin' Bulls prepare to enter the season with one of the more unique rosters in the region, boasting a rotation of big men that pose a legitimate threat to smaller/average-sized opponents. Among this team's athletes, I have a particular interest in the development of 2023 Miles Beard, 2025 Wesley White, 2024 Jalen Harris, 2023 Luke Fortune, 2024 Caden Haywood, and 2023 Luke Brigman.'

2023 6'2 Miles Beard

Hickory Ridge will be led primarily by 2024 6'2 Miles Beard. Beard has made a bit of a reputation for himself so for this spring/summer, playing alongside a talented CC Elite group. Beard is a well-built guard with 3-level capabilities, the frame to initiate contact at the rim, and a mentality that many coaches would love to have on their roster. Given his current skills as a 6'2 combo guard, Division One schools have already begun inquiring about the sophomore. Beard will provide this team a true go-to guy to build around, and looks to lead this group to a successful season while likely pursuing All-Conference honors.'

2024 6'4 Jalen Harris

Harris is a wing prospect standing around 6'4 and uses his athletic frame to both defend and slash at a reliable level. He has the frame of a varsity wide receiver and plays with a level of defensive motivation that will likely result in him being trusted with key assignments throughout the season. His senior year could show a prospect truly ready to contribute at a scholarship-level school, but that is completely up to him and how hard he's willing to work. Jalen will be asked to provide intense defensive efforts in order to serve as a catalyst for the other guys. Offensively, I see him developing over time, but will benefit from his current athleticism.'

2023 6'6 Luke Fortune

Last summer, I watched a then 6'3 Luke Fortune work out while rehabbing a lower leg injury, and was intrigued by what I saw at the time. Now, Fortune stands about 6'4-6'5, and has had a promising spring/summer showing so far with Team Hope. Fortune will be able to contribute from both the wing and the interior for a group that will place heavy trust in his versatility. I believe this season could be a vital stepping stone in his journey toward becoming a collegiate athlete. Luke provides two-way versatility, a high basketball IQ, and vocal leadership. 

2025 6'7 Wesley White'

Upon hearing that Team Hope standout Wesley White would be attending Hickory Ridge, I was excited about the possibilities surrounding the development of the incoming freshman. White currently operates as an interior piece with budding leaping abilities and the frame/athleticism to rim run early. White is a bit of a raw prospect currently, but the appeal is clear in the long, fluid freshman. Wesley will be able to provide rebounding, interior scoring opportunities, and a promising piece to help this program win for the next four seasons.

2024 6'5 Caden Haywood'

If I'm not incorrect, there has never been a male in the history of Hickory Ridge athletics to letter all four years of their high school career in three separate varsity sports. Caden Haywood looks to be the first, as the superb athlete utilizes his talents on the hardwood, the gridiron, as well as the diamond. I'm sure there are a number of people who'd debate what Haywood's best sport is between basketball, football, and baseball, but his athletic ability convinces me of his competence in all three. For this group, Haywood will provide rebounding as well as interior scoring opportunities. 

2023 6'7 Luke Brigman

In my opinion, there is no player on this roster that has made more transferable improvements to their game than 2022 Luke Brigman. The 6'5, 240 interior force has worked on his body and is running the floor at a useful rate. His strength on the inside is going to cause problems for matchups that don't come prepared to play a physical game. During live play, Brigman made a few passes from the low-post that caught my attention. With two years remaining in his high school career, I'd hope he's listening closely to Coach Fortune's teachings, as he played at the collegiate level and knows what it takes for a player with Brigman's toolset to reach that level.