Phenom High School Jamboree Team Preview
West Forsyth High School
Coach Rusty LaRue
By Rick Lewis
Coach Rusty LaRue led West Forsyth to a terrific 2016-17 season going an impressive 27-3 before losing to undefeated Butler High School in the Elite 8 of the NCHSAA 4A playoffs. Playing in the Central Piedmont 4A conference, Coach LaRue will have to replace four key members off the team (6’6 KJ Henry, 6’4 Cooper LaRue, 6’3 Josiah Jenkins, and 5’11 Justin McCluney. That being said, look for West Forsyth to enjoy another successful season. One thing is for certain, Coach Rusty LaRue’s teams will be well coached and ready to play. He is one of the best bench coaches in high school basketball in North Carolina. Now, let’s take a closer look at the impact players for the 2017-18 season.
Senior Duos
6’5 ’18 Maverick LaRue
It’s no question Maverick is a son of a coach. Maverick has an advanced skill set, a high basketball IQ and a tremendous feel for the game. He simply knows the game and is one intense competitor. Standing a lengthy 6’5, Maverick has an outstanding work ethic and can score from all three levels. While Maverick will be relied upon to score heavily this season, he will also lead the team in assists. He has excellent court vision and is a willing passer. Coach LaRue stated, “Maverick is a returning starter whose versatility and scoring ability will be key to the team’s success. He is currently receiving D1 and D2 interest.”
6’7 ’18 Ben Uloko
We have always been a fan of Ben Uloko and feel he is one of the more underrated players in the state. We’re talking about a physically strong and constantly productive player at the high school and travel ball level. He has a chiseled frame and has a tremendous wingspan. Uloko is an aggressive rebounder and should be a double double guy for Coach LaRue this season. Coach LaRue stated, “Ben Uloko is a big body with good hands and will anchor down the interior. He has excellent low post scoring. He currently has D1 interest and D2 offers.”
Ready to Step UP
6’5 ’19 Ryan Ayers
If there’s one player that is ready to step up and make the next jump, it is Ryan Ayers in our opinion. We have watched him several times in the Phenom camp setting. First of all, Ryan has good size and a soft shooting touch and he can score from the interior as well as from the perimeter. In addition, he has shown to be strong competitor and can play multiple positions. Coach LaRue stated, “Ryan has good range and scoring ability.”
Glue Guy
6’4 ’19 Alex Reid
Alex is a blue-collar type player. He does a lot of the little things and dirty work that needs to be done for teams to be successful. Coach LaRue stated, “Alex will be a glue guy who brings tremendous work ethic and toughness to the team.”