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 (Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem) 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…
Glenn
Last Season: 16-12 (Lost in NCHSAA Second Round to Vance)
Throughout our “Preview of the Triad High School Basketball Landscape,” nearly every team we’ve discussed is set to lose significant pieces from the previous senior class. It’s not until we reach Glenn, the top team in Kernersville that we finally see a scenario where a squad is almost guaranteed to improve without needing any new additions. Last season marked their most encouraging point since Lee Reavis (now at Northwest Guilford) went 20-9 in 2007-08. Their success felt like the necessary stepping-stone to continue trending upward. Although losing the tough, physical, well-rounded presence of Micah Gainey will be difficult, he’s the only departing player on the roster. It’s been noted since his arrival as a freshman that Julius Reese has the chance to be a leader and very appealing prospect for the next level. The IQ and all-around production speaks for itself, as Reese has steadily gotten better throughout each stage of his progression. His leadership and energetic approach to the game is infectious and genuinely seems to have a positive effect on surrounding teammates. Going into next fall, Reese’s primary running mates will be Zion Dixon and Jeremiah Scales—two returning starters and All-Conference selections from last year. Dixon is slightly undersized but has the ability to make a quality impact from either backcourt position, given his toughness, playmaking, and scoring prowess from all levels. He’s a scrappy, rugged competitor with a nice two-way feel for the game, which truly allows him to maximize his presence within various different roles. Meanwhile, Scales is another prospect that should have the attention of scholarship-holding coaches for the foreseeable future. He’s a long, skilled, athletic wing with an excellent frame and an identity that seems likely to blossom sooner than later. Scales is smart, maintains an active motor, and knows how to properly affect all facets of the game without forcing the action. That trio is going to carry the lion’s share of responsibilities but will need at least one or two guys to step up, embrace their role, and become solid contributors in order to enter the next phase. There is definitely talent within this roster, so hopefully Coach Jonathan Gainey will finish what he’s started.