Winston Salem Christian was loaded with talent last year and looks to be loaded once again this coming season. Coming into the season though last year, this team took a big hit with the injury to 2022 Amare Haynie, a dynamic guard that is a playmaker on the court. After sitting out the entire season and rehabbing this summer as well, Haynie is now back on the court and ready to show what he has learned over the last year on the sidelines.
During the Phenom Open Gym Tour, we got our first glimpse of Haynie back on the court, looking prepared and ready to lead WS Christian. Haynie is a big help to this team; not only does it give this team another starter on the floor but also brings a playmaking guard with terrific size. Haynie does an excellent job using his frame and crafty to his advantage, creating well with the dribble, helping initiate and lead the offense, and also be a scoring threat with terrific athleticism. And in speaking with Haynie, even though he wasn't able to play on the court doesn't me he hasn't been putting in the work in understanding the game more, learning and diving into more of the game, and being a secondary coach on the sideline. Now, he will be able to bring that understanding on the floor this year.
It is why schools are coming back around and looking at his game. Though there is still a little work to be done until he is fully back, Haynie was impressive with his game. It is why schools like Morgan State, Wichita State, and Radford have come around and offered the young man. And I have a feeling that it won't be slowing down as long as he can stay on the floor. After a year without seeing him on the floor, we want to welcome back Haynie to the court and it looks like he is ready to role this year in leading this Winston Salem Christian.
What Was Said from Open Gym Report:
'It is really nice to see Amare back from injury. He was the missing piece for the Lions last season. Amare brings positive energy on the court, but more importantly brings valuable leadership qualities. Leading by example, he is able to elevate the level of play of his teammates. Amare is constantly talking on both ends of the court and his presence along on the court will make an unbelievable difference for Coach Lowe. In addition, Amare is a long, skilled guard that is able to impact the game in multiple ways this season. He uses his length and athleticism really well 'on and off' the ball defensively to get steals and/or defections. He may not have the national reputation as some of his teammates, but he may just be the most valuable player. ' – Tyler Lewis