Two Stock Risers: Deland Thomas and Ren Dyer
Roman’s Deland Thomas
Rosman High School got off to a late start to the season but Deland Thomas (6’4″ small forward and Smoky Mountain Conference Player of the Year last year) is off to a strong start. He had 37 points, 2 assists, and 9 rebounds in the 86-69 win over Blue Ridge Early College (and second string played the 4th quarter) and 42 points, 4 assists, 9 rebounds, and 6 blocked shots in an 87-84 win over Swain County. His average for the two games played so far this season is 39.5 points per game.
Deland is teaming up this season at Rosman High School with his brother Hooper, a sophomore on the team. This gives Rosman High School two legitimate scoring options and teams have to play honest defense to keep both brothers in check.
Thomas trains with former Harlem Globetrotter and UNC-Asheville standout John Williams. John Williams Basketball Academy is one of the top training programs in Western North Carolina. Thomas has the size and scoring ability to be a low-major or Division II prospect.
Dyer Having Huge Season
North Buncombe High School junior Ren Dyer is another WNC standout who is having a great start to the season. Dyer has had games of 46, 29, 19, 29 and 31 so far this season. North Buncombe has a new coach this season and PrepHoopsNC’s Justin Byerly caught up with Ren to discuss how the season is going.
Justin Byerly: It is always different with a new coach, how’s it going with Coach Chuck at North Buncombe now?
Ren Dyer: It’s awesome playing with Coach Chuck. We all feel that he has a huge amount of confidence in us, which really just helps us play our game.
Justin Byerly: What schools have been in touch with you recruiting wise?
Ren Dyer: A couple of schools have came to watch but I haven’t heard from any yet. Hopefully as the we continue to play, more will come!
Justin Byerly: What team did you play with this summer?
Ren Dyer: Over the summer I played with Team Carolina which was an awesome experience. It really helped me step up my game.
Justin Byerly: What is the biggest part to your game?
Ren Dyer: I think just stepping up and being a leader is one of the best things that I do.
Justin Byerly: What are your goals over the next two seasons at North Buncombe?
Ren Dyer: Hopefully over the next two years I can lead my team to a conference championship and potentially make a deep run to the playoffs.