Concord Academy looks poised to make another title run
It seems that Concord could be looking at another strong season, as they are coming off a title run last year. But this team will certainly look a little different with new names leading the charge, including 2024 JJ Moore, 2023 Isaiah Tate, 2023 Avion Pinner, and several others have looked strong throughout the offseason. Pinner looks poised to have a big year and the guard play has been strong; when you look at this team though, this looks like a team that will be able to get out and run, attack in transition, and have some good athletes on their roster. Concord has looked poised early on but we will see if they continue that throughout the season.
Start looking more at Piedmont Classical
Piedmont Classical has always been a program that has intriguing talent and it looks to be the same this year. Really do believe that there are some underrated prospects that should be earning more looks this season. Players like 2023 Josiah Watkins, 2023 Khalif Barnes, 2023 Julius Harrison, and 2024 Richard Goods are all players that can help a program at the next level and continue to get better each time we see them in action. Start looking more their way, as this is a program that shouldn’t be sneaking up on anyone.
Liked what I saw from Bishop McGuinness
Bishop McGuinness is another team that grabbed my attention early at the event. Coming off a very good season last year, they have the talent to once again make some moves this year. Much like other teams we have spoken about, this is a team that only got better with another year under their belt, as they will have veteran leaders such as 2023 Andrew Schrage and company, but will also have players that have earned valuable knowledge on the court and developed more of their game. Expect 2024 John Campbell, 2024 Cal Barrett, 2025 Patrick Graves, and 2025 Nicholas Graves should all elevate their play this year.
Carolina International showed their fight
Definitely want to give props to a team that came out and competed, eventually going 3-0 on the day and really competing throughout. This is a team that may not get a ton of attention but deserves it for what they showed. They have some good guard play in 2023 Kimman Power and 2023 TJ Hardy leading the charge, but they had others that stepped up to provide a balanced attack, ending the event going 3-0.