It's been stated before, but the high school basketball scene has transformed into something comparable to NBA free agency. On one hand, the kneejerk reaction is to pose an argument for why/how transferring or reclassifying could have a positive effect on said player. The other side of the token typically points to the lack of loyalty, structure, or overall negative effects that could potentially arise. However, the reality is somewhere in the middle. Public school coaches are never going to voluntarily offer up their players for private school programs to poach. There are various examples of players transferring from public schools to other public schools but it's certainly uncommon. Despite being largely painted out as the villains in this comparison, private school coaches are expected to perform a job, which unfortunately requires them to seek out talent from all possible avenues. 

That being said, covering the greater Greensboro area over the last four years has brought a lot of enjoyment. This upcoming season will likely be more unpredictable than ever before, as there will be an extremely unique collection of talent for public and private schools. This series will be ongoing and broken down into numerous parts, so be conscientious of that if your team doesn't appear'

Piedmont Classical

Last Season: 25-9 (Won Championship over National Christian)

Often referring to themselves as the biggest underdogs in the state, Piedmont Classical came off one of their most successful seasons in program history. Coach Kenneth Free has continued to showcase what quietly makes him one of the top coaches across Greensboro, consistently developing and winning with players that tend to receive less attention. Although they will retain Jamarii Thomas, Amare Miller, and Caleb Farrish, Piedmont Classical has a clear uphill battle for the upcoming season. Arguably losing most of their production from last year, replacing guys like Trent McIntyre, Evan Joyner, Jalen Joiner, and Qualeem Poindexter is much easier said than done. They've yet to announce any incoming players but it would be surprising if their roster remains the same by opening night.

Thomas led the team last season in scoring and will likely be tasked with the same responsibilities, which makes his ability to balance intelligence and aggression even more vital to winning games. He's tough, quick, and athletic with the ability to breakdown opponents and frequently attack the basket, where he can finish or setup others with regularity. Miller should have a breakout season, given the perfect storm of increased touches and a combination of physical and skill development. He mainly did the grunt work, fighting for rebounds, defending with purpose, and scoring within ten feet, but will be required to uphold a lengthier list of responsibilities. Farrish will have a chance to go from a role player to a primary option this season, given the abilities he's shown as a capable inside-out forward in multiple settings. Adam Vincent, DreShawn Brown, Evan Bynum, and Julius Harrison will likely round out the rotation. Vincent has so much appeal with his frame and ability to shoot the ball but still needs to add strength to instill fear within opponents. Brown is a heady, scrappy point guard with a strong downhill/transition game and quality defensive instincts. Bynum is a capable shot maker that knows how to effectively handle the ball or initiate offense as needed.

We've seen too many folks second-guess Piedmont Classical and end up walking away with a bitter taste left in their mouths for overlooking a team that brings it unlike any other on a night-to-night basis.'