Ladies Leading the Way
In the second contest of the Freedom 828 Showcase, East Lincoln versus Watauga has the makings of a highly anticipated game. Currently sitting at 3-1, the Mustangs have been clearly making noise behind the insane production of Emma Montanari, who has been averaging video game-like numbers through four games. She’s posting gaudy per-game numbers of 29.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.3 APG, 5.0 SPG, and 2.8 BPG with unreal efficiency from the floor (64%) and beyond the arc (50%). However, the likes of Taniyah Thomas, Lane Pethel, Harper Ledford, and Brooklyn Miller all play key roles for this group. On the other side, Kate Sears visibly sets the tone for the Pioneers. The Virginia Tech commit is easily one of the most dynamic players in the state and has some pretty insane numbers of her own. Sears is currently averaging 19.0 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 7.5 APG, and 2.3 SPG. In addition to their widely known star, Julie Matheson, Blair Haines, and Izzy Torgeson each consistently stand out in their respective ways. Regardless of the outcome, this battle should provide a lot of entertainment value from both sides.
Can LJ Smith Continue His Unbelievable Scoring Streak?
After everything he showcased during his freshman year, both individually and in terms of team success, no one should be surprised at what LJ Smith is doing. Through four games, he’s yet to score less than 34 points (including a 46-point outburst to open the season). Not only is his team 3-1 over that span but it truly feels like Smith is becoming impossible for opponents to guard. We can all look at the numbers and accept that he’s a lethal bucket-getter, however, it feels like more than your typical scoring production. Smith is legitimately as polished as any offensive player in North Carolina. It’s uncommon to see one guy almost single-handedly wreck opponents, and do it in a variety of different ways. That’s exactly what Smith has done and will likely continue to do. Outside of their star sophomore, the Wolves receive meaningful contributions from Tyler McClain, Cam Smith, and Charlie Foster. Regardless, it’ll be fascinating to see if Smith and his cohorts can keep things rolling on Saturday.
Who’s Who: East Lincoln versus Hunter Huss
Arguably the most intriguing matchup of the Freedom 828 Showcase, East Lincoln prepares to take on Hunter Huss. This contest will feature a pair of deep-run playoff teams each with several next-level prospects within their respective rosters. For East Lincoln, they’ve clearly been led by the group of Jackson Fannon, Jaxon Dollar, and Grant Lawless while receiving quality production from Christian Atkins and Davis Hill. Fannon has been on an absolute tear with his blend of scoring (24.0 PPG), rebounding (6.5 RPG), playmaking (3.5 APG), and efficiency (58% FG; 60% 3P). That being said, Dollar is also shining through his impressive all-around production. On the other side, Huss causes problems for opponents in their own unique way. As expected, Jaleel Smith is as polished as any freshman in North Carolina. His per-game averages of 23.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, and 4.5 SPG are simply ridiculous. Add in Zaiyir Phillips insane production, Antonio Worthy’s scoring punch, and Zamarius Gladden being a general pest for opponents, and it’s easy to appreciate this group. The talent alone should make this game worth the watch, but it’ll be exciting to see how things iron out.