Nothing like waking up for a 6 am practice, starting your day off right. That is what Phenom Hoops did Friday morning, this time heading over to Greensboro Day to check in on the Bengals and what they would be bringing to the table.' Of course, you start with the winningest coach in North Carolina, Coach Freddy Johnson, who looks to bring in another talented group and hoping to secure another state title. Now, let's dive into the roster a little more.
Greensboro Day brings back seven returning players from last year's team that made a deep run. This includes four seniors that look to leave their legacy. You start with one of the top players and shooters in the class 2022 Michael Zanoni, a 6'5 prospect that can absolutely stroke it from outside with his jumper as well as be a tremendous leader on the court. He will be counted on big time to step up even more. 2022 point guard Nikolas Graves is another one to really watch, as the athletic point guard plays with tremendous poise on the floor, whether it is getting everyone involved or creating opportunities for himself. Graves will be counted on as a leader as well for this group.
2022 CJ Collins and 2022 Jackson Noble will help down low and on the boards, as well as showing more of their ability to step out.' Collins brings tremendous length with his developing offensive game and after averaging 5.8ppg and 5.6rpg, he hopes to be even more productive and will be a big help on the boards; super active on both ends. Noble simply continues to put in the work and it is showing.' He is a 6'7 prospect that has continued to develop his outside game but also works around the rim and showcase solid post moves.
The rising juniors will be a big part of the success for GDS as well this upcoming season and it starts with 2023 Jaydon Young.' Young has continued to make strides in his game, shooting the ball well, and being able to create for himself as well as for others.' He gets after it on both ends, plays hard defensively, and has good size that allows him to play multiple positions; it is also great to see him back ready for the start of the season as the Bengals are hoping he can take another step in leading the charge.
2023 6'4 Julius Reese Jr. brings physicality to the table for this team, as well as another weapon outside. He is a vocal leader on the floor, plays with a great motor, and can impact the floor in an array of ways. Could potentially be a breakout type season with Greensboro Day this season. Newcomer 2023 6'6 Graham Worland is another player that should help this team in a big way. Coming from Hough where he averaged 17.5 points per game and 6.9 rebounds, Worland provides another outside threat with his outside shooting but also has the size to battle down low.
2023 Reid Carrier and 2023 Jordan Moody should provide depth at the guard position. Both can help this team as a primary ball-handler but also play hard defensively and knock down shots. 2023 Billy Burton, 2023 Cam Spencer, and 2023 Xander Booker are a few others that could help when it comes to depth for this team.
Lastly, Greensboro Day welcomes in a new face as a freshman but no ordinary freshman, as 2025 6'5 Addison Newkirk provides size, IQ, and a scoring threat at a young age. Newkirk has a tremendous understanding of the game at an early age and should see the floor quickly for GDS this season.