This season, there has been a healthy amount of parody across the high school landscape. For the first time in several years, it feels like anyone can be beaten. It’s been especially evident on the public-school side, as numerous programs have emerged as real title contenders in each classification. Among these teams, Southern Guilford (18-1) is trending as a real threat to contend for a championship. Coach Perry’s teams have consistently made strides during his tenure, including their blossoming young prospect in Jyi Dawkins and noteworthy senior duo of Jamias Ferere and Jucqarie Love. Let’s take a closer look at each…
6’3 ’26 Jyi Dawkins
Starting with Dawkins, who is currently averaging 20.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG (per Coach Perry). He’s a versatile two-way wing who possesses useful ball skills, sharp defensive instincts, and the ability to score from all levels. Dawkins rebounds very well for his size and comfortable toggles between multiple positions defensively. He utilizes his long arms, quality athleticism, and rugged mentality to physically overwhelm opponents. Dawkins also possesses great feel on both ends of the floor. His emergence has been a massive part of what makes this group such a difficult matchup.
6’5 ’24 Jamias Ferere
Next, Ferere is putting up per-game numbers of 17.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.1 APG, 2.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG (per Coach Perry). Similar to his cohort above, Ferere is an athletic, polished wing with a strong frame and well-rounded skillset. He’s comfortable dictating the offense as the main creator, able to consistently generate clean looks off the bounce, get others involved, and score from all levels. At 6-foot-5, Ferere is a useful rebounder and reliable defender against either wing position. He moves well as a cutter, displays great vision, and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Ferere has the tools to be a difference-maker at the next level.
6’5 ’24 Jucqarie Love
Rounding out this group, Love is averaging 16.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.0 BPG, 2.0 SPG (per Coach Perry). Given everything he provides as a defender and rebounder, he’s able to consistently make an impact without requiring a ton of touches. Love is capable of scoring the ball in a variety of different ways, but can also seize opportunities as a second-chance finisher. He utilizes his length and physicality extremely well to cause problems for opponents defensively. Love possesses solid ball skills, transition ability, and is capable of making plays off the bounce as needed. He should appeal to a variety of college coaches.
