Phenom Hoops continues to hit the road this offseason to check in on programs as they prepare for the upcoming high school season. We made a recent stop at Metrolina Christian, a program we have seen quite a few times throughout the Hoop State League as well. We took in another practice to check in on the program, and there are several names that should have your attention.
Seniors Leading the Way
This is a program full of senior leaders that will be taking the floor this year and at several different positions. When you look at the roster though, there are a few that quickly stand out. 2022 CJ Harrist is leading the charge at point guard, displaying his terrific playmaking ability and vision on the floor. 2022 Caleb Maul will be operating down low in the paint for this team. Maul is incredibly vocal, shows terrific post moves and touch around the basket, but can also display his comfort level from the perimeter as a big man. 2022 Matthew Knafelz is a long, wiry prospect that has continued to grow and showcase his high motor on the floor. He is a useful perimeter shooter but uses his size well to his advantage.
Juniors and Sophomore elevating their play
Metrolina will depend on a few younger players to step up and elevate their play and from what we have seen so far, they are ready to go. 2024 Dylan Deluca is a very intriguing rising sophomore and has shown that he has taken the necessary steps with his growth in his game. A very skilled prospect that is showing more skilled footwork and understanding down around the basket, as well as helping get on the boards, but also is versatile enough to operate on multiple levels and defend multiple positions. Much of the same could be said for 2023 Michael Wilson, but he brings more of an impact from the perimeter with his outside game but also can put it on the deck to score. He has continued to put in the work and with his size and skill set, he can be a matchup problem as well.
Metrolina looking for depth
Metrolina has some intriguing prospects that should step up when called upon as well as provide depth in areas. 2022 Myles McIntyre brings size and strength to the court, as he displayed good touch, solid handles, and moves well throughout the court. 2022 Blair Crumbie is another very intriguing prospect. He is a strong guard that finishes well through contact and excels in penetrating. Then you also have others like 2022 Daylan Houston, 2023 Eli Clark, and others that should also step up when called upon.