Accumulation of talent has become the biggest priority for a vast majority of high school programs over the last few years. Sure, every coach aims to put out the best possible on-court product but the rapid increase in private/independent school popularity has turned the landscape into mayhem. Too many coaches are determined to build the most talented teams instead of hunting for cohesion and chemistry. Meanwhile, a team like Quality Education is able to enjoy the best of both worlds. Not only do they have a slew of next-level individuals throughout their roster, but are already finding a lot of success as an actual team. Though it definitely starts with Coach Andre Gould and his extensive staff, these players have clearly bought into the bigger picture.
Starting with their group of seniors from this past weekend, guys like Tyson Barrett, Nigel Okwakol, and Keyon Webb each made a consistent impact. Barrett is a long, explosive forward who can physically overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor. He's a capable post-up option with the ability to finish above or below the rim, but can also knock down the occasional jumper. Barrett is a fluid athlete who runs well, attacks the basket, and knows how to harass opponents on both ends of the floor. Next, Okwakol is a strong, athletic, versatile wing/forward prospect with a fairly well-rounded skillset. He consistently does a healthy amount of everything on the court and can adapt to a variety of different roles based on team needs. Okwakol is a major difference-maker for this group on either side of the ball. Meanwhile, Webb provides a steady guard presence with the ability to produce from either backcourt spot. He's a reliable shooter, defender, and playmaker with IQ and toughness. Each of the aforementioned trio should be pursued by scholarship-level coaches. That being said, AJ Reeves also provides quality minutes as a sturdy, high-energy big man and Jalante Edwards (injured) will likely be a steal at the next level.
Additionally, the junior duo of Bobby Cannon and Jermaurhiyun Anderson play an incredibly vital part with this group. Cannon is their biggest x-factor on a game-to-game basis. The better he plays, the higher the Pharaoh’s ceiling will be. He's an extremely long, lanky post prospect with the ability to finish, rebound, alter shots, and knock down jumpers from the perimeter. His polarizing frame always seems to be a talking point, but Cannon's skillset is what should appeal to college coaches. He's an excellent shooter in pick-and-pop situations but has also shown the ability to hit turnarounds and jumpers off the bounce. Cannon should only continue to get better. Moving onto Anderson, whose value has consistently increased since joining this group last season. He's a tough, heady guard prospect with a quality blend of IQ, size, skill, and athleticism. Anderson regularly works as their main creator and understands how to get others involved while containing his assignment at the point of attack defensively.
Their young pieces, Ashton King and Donyeh Baird, have also performed very well in their opportunities so far this season. King is a quality shooter with a sturdy frame and the ability to excel in spot-up situations. He can make plays off the bounce as needed, but doesn't look to force the action with this group. On the other side, Baird does a lot of positive things'especially as the lone freshman on the roster. He plays consistently hard, battles for extra possessions, and naturally fills in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Baird possesses feel, toughness, and a well-rounded skillset.
Despite missing numerous key pieces, the Pharaohs were undeniably impressive. They routed a quality Northwood Temple squad and then went toe-to-toe with arguably the state's most talented roster in Word of God. This group should be a nightmare matchup for seemingly every opponent this season, so spectators and college coaches alike should be paying close attention going forward.
