The coaching staff at Catawba has been quietly putting together a program to watch, not only in the state of North Carolina but in the country. Putting together back-to-back 20+ seasons, they continue to bring in talent from around the country, filling in key pieces and having a nice blend of experience and young talent.
So far, they have six critical pieces that will look to make an impact and they have a chance to possibly add another to this group but when you look at what they bring in, you have to be excited once again with what this team could look like in the coming years.
Bernard Pelote – 6'8, Woodville Tompkins HS
- Pelote is a prospect that certainly brings you intrigue with his game. His blend of size, skill, length, athleticism, and versatility to the floor, Pelote can help in a lot of ways for Catawba in the coming years. He has a quick bounce and gets on the boards, which allows him to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He also has a nice touch around the rim but still has that athleticism to make a play at the rim as well as have an impact with his outside game due to his ability to shoot.
Leondria Nelson – 6'5, Manning HS
- Nelson is an intriguing point guard. He scores the ball well, getting downhill and finishing at the rim, and get on the boards as well, almost averaging 10 rebounds per game this past season at Manning. Nelson shot the ball well from behind the arc (over 40 percent) as well but just plays with an unselfish way on the court. He likes to play at a high pace, which could really flourish at Catawba and can guard multiple positions between 1-3.
Traylynn Spencer – 6'9, Garden City CC
- Spencer is a forward that could really flourish in this system. In his perspective, he is a forward that can stretch the floor, shoot the ball, and has nice footwork. He likes to play and score with his mid-range game, while also providing great energy. Spencer told Phenom Hoops this: 'I'm an energy guy, I love defense.' That is certainly something you have to like with his size as well.
Todd Burt – 6'8, Trinity Christian HS
- Burt is another versatile forward that will be interesting to watch as he continues to develop his game and his body. Burt has really worked hard at stretching his game and maximizing his touches. He runs the floor well and has nice instincts on both ends but also showing the ability to step out with his game. With his mobility and length, he can create mismatches and should be a nice fit.
Caleb Robinson – 6'5, Lake Charles Prep
- When speaking to Robinson more about his game, he would label himself as a pass-first prospect and only looks to score when he needs to and can get to the basket. He has a little bounce to his game and really looks to change the game on the defensive end with his intensity. With his 6'5 frame, he can guard multiple positions and really brings a motor/energy to the floor.
Anthony Peacock – 6'7, Quincy CC
- Peacock is a 6'7 forward that was incredibly dominant at Quincy CC. He averaged 23.7 points per game and 14.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 72 percent from the floor and consistently getting to the line as well. He secured 129 offensive rebounds, so he can really get the job done on the boards and just has a knack to have or get the ball in his hands on both sides of the floor. Peacock is really one to keep an eye on as he looks to make his mark on the program.