Winston-Salem Prep and North Rowan HS meet at halfcourt before the Western Regional 1-A playoffs.
By James Blackburn
Scouting Notes from North Carolina Basketball 1-A Western Regional Championships on March 8.
East Surry defeated Hendersonville 73-65 in game 1 at UNC-G and W-S Prep beat North Rowan in Double-OT 72-70 in game 2.
Here are notes on some of the top players.
East Surry
Scott Meredith (PG, 6’1”, 2014) Meredith struggled for the most part this game with Hendersonville’s pressure defense, but got it going in the second half to help lead his team to the win. He is a leader on the floor and doesn’t get rattled. He has a high basketball IQ and is an extension of the coach on the floor. He is a good 3-point shooter with his feet set and he also has a floater in his offensive arsenal.
Good rebounder for a PG and for his size. Meredith finished with 12 pts, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists and is a player D3 schools should definitely be watching.
Seth Brim (C, 6’4”, 2014) Although Brim is undersized for the center position, he makes up for it with good strength and hustle. He is aggressive and is a solid defender. Dominated the first quarter this game to keep team in it. Good rebounder and he finishes around the rim with 2 hands. Will need to make the move to the forward position and develop more perimeter skills but D3 and NAIA schools should monitor. Finished with game high 8 rebounds along with 12 pts and 4 blocks.
Hendersonville
Shawn Rogers (PG, 5’10”, 2013) Steady throughout the game, Rogers led Hendersonville offensive attack. He is a bit undersized but has a strong upper body. Strong slasher who got to the rim repeatedly. More of a scoring guard then true PG, but he is a solid passer finishing with a team high 3 assists and had several no look passes as well. Finished with 23 pts and 4 rebounds.
Rishad Felton (G, 5’9”, 2013) I would be remiss if I did not mention Felton in this report as he lit it up tonight. Felton has a smooth stroke from the perimeter and most of his makes didn’t even hit the rim. Very quick guard who can shoot off the dribble. Finished with 18 pts and 4 made three pointers.
Winston-Salem Prep
RaeKwon Harney (PG, 6’0”, 2013) I have seen Harney play numerous times over the past few years and he never ceases to amaze me with his ball handling and ability to get to the lane. Was huge down the stretch this game and made big play after big play. Struggled in the first half as he over penetrated and got his shot blocked or turned the ball over, but had a big bounce back second half and finished with a game high 26 points and also had 3 steals. Harney’s ball handling is next level ready and he can use and finish with either hand. He is virtually un-guardable one on one and has a knack for getting to the lane and drawing contact. Lighting quick and is a very good on ball defender with quick hands. One of the top guards in the state and is a player who is still unsigned. Has a D2/LM interest and would be a steal for a D2 program.
Mike Hughes (G, 6’4”, 2014) Poised, calm, versatile guard who is the definition of a basketball player through and through. Does it all on the court. Defends, rebounds, attacks the rim, and can shoot the 3-ball. Athletic player who is dangerous in transition. Good footwork. Understands the game and chooses and knows his spots. Moves well with-out the ball. D1 prospect who would be a solid get for a program as he plays hard and helps his team win. Finished with 17 pts, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.
Coye Simmons (C, 6’8”,2014) Solid post player who is one of the best rebounders I have seen this year. Box score had him credited for 12 boards, but I think he may have had that just in the first half. He was all over the offensive boards and is a tough player to box out. Active and long. Loves to battle and isn’t afraid of physical play. Good FT shooter. Midrange and offensive game have gotten better. Does everything with 2 hands. Sometimes is too quick to get rid of ball after rebound and turns it over. College prospect that LM schools need to track. Finished with 14 pts and 12 rebounds.
North Rowan
Oshon West(F, 6’3”, 2013) Big bodied forward who uses his size and strength to his advantage. He is a well rounded scorer who can hit the perimeter shot as well as beat you off the dribble. His shot is a little flat but he has a quick high release that he can get off even against good defense. His FT shooting could also improve. Oshon not only brings scoring but also toughness and a winners attitude. Would be a solid get for a NAIA/D2 school. Finished with 16 points.
Jalen Sanders (G, 6’1”, 2016) Plays beyond his years and does not look or play like a freshman. High basketball IQ- makes the right play and does not force the issue. Poised and does not get rattled even on the big stage. Capable of playing either guard position. Very good in transition but is also solid in the half court too. Solid defender who can guard a 1-3 with good strength and was in good help position to make plays. Draws contact and gets to the FT line. Efficient player. Did struggle at times with Prep’s pressure but came through at crucial times with big plays. Has potential to be really good. College prospect that schools from all 3 divisions should begin to monitor. Scored a team high 19 pts to go along with 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
Timothy Bates (PG, 6’1”, 2013) Solid as a rock and tough nosed guard. Leader for this North Rowan team. Refused to go down this game as he fought through contact and cramps. Excellent midrange game- can pull up on the dime. Consistent 3 point shooter as well who you cant leave open. Good use of the jab step to get around defender. Can create his own shot and is a solid scoring guard. True competitor. Finished with 18 pts on a very efficient 8-12 from the field. Unsigned senior who would be a good pick up for a NAIA program.
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