West Charlotte New Hanover NC State Championship

By Marcus Shockley

A quick rundown of some of the players we saw and noted in the NC high school 2A and 4A championships:

Kennedy Meeks, C, 6’9″, 2013, West Charlotte HS (Charlotte)

Meeks is a high major prospect with multiple offers in hand, and it’s easy to see why when watching him play. He has great hands, able to catch the ball on the move but really excels at going after putback shots, which accounts for a lot of his offense. West Charlotte runs the ball through the high post but didn’t post up Meeks much. Meeks isn’t an above-the-rim explosive player but he’s poised on the court, passes extremely well from the post and rebounds well. Has an uncanny knack for reaching to block shots without fouling.

Trey Foster, PG, 5’10, 2014, West Charlotte HS (Charlotte)

Foster is undersized but a true point, very sure with the ball and can run the team even under pressure. He can bring the ball up against pressure and looks to find open teammates. He still needs to become more consistent shooting from the perimeter.

Kadeem Allan, SG/SF, 6’3″, 2012, New Hanover HS (Wilmington, NC)

An athletic wing with a solid first step, Allan was a force in the second half of the state title game. One of the best athletes in the playoffs and looks like a natural SG/SF who will need to continue to improve ballhandling.

Nigel Holley, PF, 6’7″, 2013, New Hanover HS (Wilmington, NC)

A big smooth forward who looks like he will be physically ready to play at the collegiate level. Slipped under the defense for several nice dunks and looks like he will be able to play the 4 spot effectively. Shot really well from the free throw line.

Thomas Johnson, SG, 6’2″, 2013, New Hanover HS (Wilmington, NC)

Explosive shooting guard who lit up West Charlotte in the first half. Still needs to improve ballhandling at his size in order to play some point. Was very fast up and down the floor but isn’t a true combo guard yet. Super shot from deep and can often beat his man off the dribble just because of his lightning-quick first step.

Sheldon Mitchell, PG, 6’3″, 2014, Cuthbertson HS (Waxhaw, NC)

Sure handed big guard with big time ability to get to the rim and can score in a lot of ways. Rock-solid free throw shooter, his offensive game is using the dribble, getting into the lane and getting off a shot for either a score or drawing the foul. He can also get above the rim and had two open-court dunks. Does not appear to have much perimeter consistency yet and rarely shot from outside.