2017-18 Record: 21-11 (NCISAA 1A Semi-Finalist)
Colleges in Attendance: Boston University
Returning Contributors: Bryson Canty, Jason Thompson, Sam Wolfe, Chris Hill
Fresh Faces: Shakeel Moore, Marcus Henderson, AJ Morris, Anjay Cortez
Initial Reaction:
Upon my arrival at United Faith I quickly gained an appreciation for the efficiency in which the coaching staff ran their workouts. Not a single second wasted on the court, with hands on instruction in a variety of drills, showing me that this team plans on being a true unit heading into what could be a state title kind of season for the #FaithBoys.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY:
The coaching staff and team leaders simply demand a high level of communication preached on consistency and maintaining a positive outlook, particularly between the players. A lot of teams fall into the trap of bad communication habits, this team won’t be one of them. The demand for excellence in this ever so value aspect of the game by this entire unit is something that just couldn’t be ignored.
The Talent:
6’2 2019 Marcus Henderson:
Henderson has a chance to be one of the more dynamic scorers in the state with his ability to get his shot off just about whenever he wants, with a knack for finding a way to finish plays most guards can’t. He has the ability to initiate offense for this talented group, while possessing an ability to knock down catch and shoot jumpers making him equally as threatening off the ball. He’s going to find a way to fit in with a really talented backcourt, and based on his skillset, I think this transition will happen seamlessly for both Henderson and the rest of his team.
6’1 2020 Shakeel Moore:
Moore is known throughout the HoopState for his unique explosiveness and flare to his game, leaving many casual observers wondering what else he has in his bag of tricks. The answer is that Moore is likely a high major level floor general with his recent improvements in the pick and roll and innate ability to slip by defenders and get to the rack with relative ease. Expect the high major schools that are recruiting Moore to offer before the end of the high school season, his ceiling is simply too high to ignore.
6’7 2019 AJ Morris:
Morris initially caught my eye this summer at Phenom Summer Havoc and he’s made considerable strides in his game since my last viewing of him. A super long 6’7 combo forward, Morris brings a ton of energy on the court at all times. His high motor gives him a ton of opportunities on the glass, running in transition, and catching backdoor lobs from this talented group of guards. Look for Morris to play a major role this season and have some moments that leave you with your jaw dropped.
5’11 2019 Chris Hill:
Hill is an incredible asset to this uber talented group as a true team first point guard. He is clearly the vocal leader for this team, always commanding his teammates attention and constantly doing the little things that help a team win. He’s a bonafide scholarship talent and the kind of kid that will have an immediate positive impact on a programs culture. Expect Hill to be the heartbeat of a really successful team this year. He’s truly the X-Factor of this group.
6’8 2020 Anjay Cortez:
Cortez is one of those kids with unicorn potential considering he’s only at the beginning of his Junior season. He’s a high flying rim running 4-man with the kind of defensive versatility that has college coaches chomping at the bit. He can guard up to all five positions at the high school level with his elite lateral mobility and vertical explosiveness. He’s still perfecting his offensive game, but the strides Cortez has made are significant. He looks way more fluid on that end of the floor than over the summer, probably getting more comfortable within that lanky frame, and thriving within this structured coaching staff. Cortez has a chance to be the best prospect in this entire group, he’ll definitely be a hot commodity moving forward.
Others To Watch:
6’8 2019 Sam Wolfe
6’2 2019 Bryson Canty
6’6 2019 Josh Massey
6’7 2019 Jason Thompson (Limited with Knee Soreness)