Dontrez Styles is More Than Ready For Prime Time
Kinston wing Dontrez Styles showed everyone in attendance why he's widely regarded as the top 2021 prospect in the HoopState with his performance against Moravian Prep. Kinston ultimately fell up a little short to the stacked Moravian squad but Styles led a ferocious comeback that got the crowd really involved. He gets it done at both ends of the floor and despite being asked to do a lot for Kinston, he gets it done in every way. As Styles continues to hone his skillset and get stronger, he should be recruited at the highest level. Currently as it stands today, NC State, Maryland, and a few others are in a really good place with Styles, but there's still a lot of time left and there's zero doubt that some blue bloods should minimally keep track of what Styles is doing.
Samage Teel Continues to be the X-Factor for Farmville Central
In what was a much closer game than expected Farmville Central was able to overcome the host school Broughton due to a late comeback, but they don't even come close to winning this game without the performance of Samage Teel. The unsigned senior guard was an absolute catalyst in the come from behind win. He was a threat to get to the rim whenever the ball was in his hands and came up clutch on the defensive end late in the game when his team needed it. If he can continue to step up as Justin Wright and Terquavion Smith get back to full strength. He's a no brainer for elite level D2 programs and some LM D1s would be doing themselves a disservice for not evaluating him before his senior year is over.
Quick Takeaways
- 6'0 2023 Will Otto (Broughton) will have a really special career at one of the most storied programs in the state if he continues to develop. Incredibly poised and confident for a young guard with great fundamentals and shot-making ability.
- Georgia State got a steal with 6'6 2020 Kaleb Scott (Holly Springs) he's a beast on the block and plays the game with a sense of fearlessness. He could've gone a level higher IMO, but props to Georgia State for signing him early.
- 6'9 2020 Mylyjeal Poteat (The Burlington School) will have an incredible career at Rice. He's so sound around the basket and understands how to play his game. Props to that staff for locking him in early.
- 6'9 2020 Josh Hall (Moravian Prep/NC State Signee) is a top 15 player in America, that is all.
- 6'2 2020 Chase Forte (Word of God) is at his best in this event every year, like Samage Teel D2 programs everywhere should be all over the combo guard with incredibly end to end speed and explosiveness.
Three Big Things for Day Two
Hey Raleigh, Meet Jeff McInnis
It's really not that complicated, Jeff McInnis is the most electric figure in high school basketball in the HoopState. The other thing is… he is establishing himself as one of the best coaches too. The former UNC pro and NBA veteran is leading his Combine Academy Goats into their first ever John Wall Holiday appearance against Hillcrest Prep and they'll be ready for the challenge. Expect Jeff and his guys to bring their absolute best in this one against one of the most talented teams in the country.
Can The Burlington School Come Away with a title in the Ky Bowman Bracket'
The Burlington School has had an up and down season up to this point but they're starting to heat up at the right time after beating Heritage in the opening round yesterday. They'll play Garner today at 2:00 and a title might just be the thing that helps them turn the corner. Their talent is unquestioned and this could be the game that springboards a strong finish and playoff run in the coming months. Expect Kuluel Mading to have a big day if he can establish himself on the defensive end by blocking shots and capitalizing on his touches on the offensive end.
Nick Farrar meets the Big Stage
For NC State signee Nick Farrar this is the opportunity of a lifetime. For a kid that outside of one weekend has never played on a major shoe circuit and has been in public school all four years of high school he will be going up against the nations top player regardless of class in Jonathan Kuminga and The Patrick School. How does he handle those bright lights and what kind of performance does he give in his own city. Apex Friendship is overmatched from a talent perspective against The Patrick School but if guys like Kenny Noland and Jackson Spencer make outside shots along with a dominant performance from Farrar, this one could be really interesting.
