6'1 Shamann Artis (North Mecklenburg)

North Mecklenburg is a perennial NCHSAA 4A power and coach Duane Lewis has recorded over 400 career wins. Once again, they are loaded with talented. Seniors Tristan Maxwell has signed with ACC Georgia Tech while backcourt Trayden Williams has signed with Robert Morris, however it may just be 6'1 unsigned senior Shamann Artis who is North Mecklenburg's 'glue guy.' Last year, Shamann Artis was injured and didn't play the last six games of the year. In that time frame, North Mecklenburg lost in the conference championship and was upset in the second round of the NCHSAA 4A playoffs by suffering an overtime loss to RJ Reynolds. 

This year's team is off to another outstanding start. They are 12-1 and loss in the championship of the Arby's Classic to nationally ranked Mountain Brook of Alabama. In addition, all five starters are averaging in double figures. Leading the way is Tristan Maxwell, Trayden Williams, Chris Ford, Jeremey Gregory and Shamann Artis, who sports an offer from USC Upstate. 

With a team that has this amount of talent, it's easy to overlook a player such as Artis. We're talking about a two-way guard that is equally strong on the defensive side of the ball as the offensive end. Artis is averaging 11 PPG and 4 RPG on a team that all five starters average in double figures. In speaking with head coach Duane Lewis, he stated, 'Artis is a high level 3-point shooter with college range. He is very athletic and is terrific in the open court getting to the rim.' That being said, we feel that Artis may just be North Mecklenburg's best 'on ball' defender. Artis has excellent lateral quickness, active hands, and has great anticipation in the passing lanes, not to mention he rebounds extremely well for his size/position. For Shamann Artis, he is battled tested and will be a vital member of North Mecklenburg's title run this season.