Brandon Easter North Davidson Austin Rose West Forsyth basketball
Brandon Easter works in the post against Austin Rose of West Forsyth

By Marcus Shockley

Scouting notes from Tuesday’s contest between North Davidson and host West Forsyth. West Forsyth HS is Chris Paul’s alma mater, and I remember watching CP3 play in this gym – tonight the West players sported new CP3 Nikes in team colors, and as always, his old jersey hangs nearby during games. West won this one by a healthy margin, capitalizing on turnovers, 78-51.

Austin Rose (SG, 6’3″, 2015) West Forsyth HS – Rose played last season with Calvary Baptist and his calling card has always been his deep shot and quick release. Now, Rose is taller and has added muscle to become a prototype shooting guard with a textbook collegiate jumpshot. He aggressively looks for his shot and is deadly from deep.

Cameron Easter (G, 6’3″, 2016) North Davidson HS – Easter is definitely one to watch; he didn’t have a great outing overall, but he has great length and handle to play at the lead guard position and several years to grow. He will need to improve his defensive footwork on the dribble drive, but there’s a lot to like about his potential. I definitely think Easter has potential to be one of the top guards in the region if he continues to work.

Darian Slade (G, 6′, 2015) West Forsyth HS – Slade is a solid guard who can score in traffic and takes advantage of open court turnovers. Scored 19 points and really was one of the reasons that West was able to capitalize on mistakes made by North Davidson.

Brandon Easter (PF, 6’7″, 2014) North Davidson HS – Easter has a good release from deep and midrange, but couldn’t get the shots to fall tonight. An agile big, he still will need to get stronger to compete at the PF spot at the college level, but the potential is there. Footwork is above average and he has excellent hands. Definitely a PF prospect who can stretch the D with shooting. Needs to work on incorporating the pump fake more often – his ability to shoot gets the defender in the air and he could use it to his advantage.

Avery Jackson (F, 6’5″, 2015) West Forsyth HS – Jackson was the most impressive post player/big forward playing tonight – he showed excellent agility, great hands with a soft touch, and quickness in his footwork. Jackson has some good strength and colleges would probably see him as a guy they’d like to put between the 3 and 4 spot if possible. Will need to show an ability to drive consistently from the 3 but really liked his energy and he was an impact player.

Jalen Dalton (C, 6’6″, 2015) West Forsyth HS – Dalton comes off of the bench for Jackson and looks more like a pure post player – although at first glance he plays bigger than 6’6″. Still somewhat raw but colleges are always looking for bigs and Dalton has some potential. Had a couple of solid blocks and a good up and under move inside.

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