Here are some Western North Carolina players that are poised to have breakout seasons for their respective teams. These players have shown potential and have the ability to become all-conference players.
Theo Antinori 6'0 2022 (Asheville High)
Antinori plays with a tremendous amount of energy. Understands space on the floor and gets open accordingly. High volume shooter with range. Will catch and shoot or attack the basket based on the space the defenders are playing. Has a quick first step and finishes in traffic.
Jordan Arkansas 6'1 2022 (Cherokee)
He is an athletic slasher that can play multiple positions. We can see him becoming a more confident, versatile scorer. Arkansas can defend, score, handle, rebound, and pass at a high level. Always continues to improve. He also shows a high work ethic on and off the court.
Malaki Carter 5'9 2021 (A.C. Reynolds)
Carter is known as a lockdown defender with the ability to guard 94 feet. His toughness allows him to be a very physical defender. Not a 'shoot first' player and loves to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Has a great feel for the game and knows when to attack or pull it out. Very good at playing different speeds.
Matthew Pethel 6'5 2022 (TC Roberson)
Pethel is a power forward post player that can run the floor. Opened his game up to consistently make a 15 foot shot and not just be a traditional “back to the basket” type post player. Very good shot blocker and defender in the paint. Solid rebounder. He is aggressive at attacking the basket and has a variety of post of moves that are very effective.
Nick Pate 6'1 2022 (West Henderson)
A combo guard with an equal mix between a point guard and shooting guard. Stays composed and knows how to execute. A smart defender, a good shooter, and a clever finisher at the rim. Makes good decisions while moving with the ball or attacking the basket. Shoots very well off the dribble with an excellent mid-range jumper.
Trey Penland 6'4 2022 (Franklin)
He has good athleticism and length. Is a terrific all-purpose player that can affect the game in a variety of ways. Major slasher and finisher at the basket. His mid-range jumper is effortless. Very smooth wing player. Gives good effort on the boards and contesting shots. Excellent offensive rebounder.
Larson Schultz 6'5 2022 (Asheville)
Schultz is a post player that rebounds very well. Strong frame. Does a lot of under the rim, contesting and making shots. Shoots high percentage shots inside. Plays fundamental help-side defense that will help his team win games. Has the ability to average a double-double this year.