North Miami’s Richard Charles ‘a triple threat’
FORT LAUDERDALE — Richard Charles pulled up from between half court and the 3-point line and let it fly.
Swish.
North Miami is looking for the senior wing — with the incredible range — to take the Pioneers to the next level coming off of a 22-6 campaign last season.
“Richard Charles, our main guy, 6-5, shooting at NBA range right now,” third-year coach Raynald Benoit said. “He’s added a couple dribbles to get to the basket. So, now he’s a triple threat and he has a mid-range game. He can score from everywhere.
“And now he’s rebounding. He’s using his size to rebound, to defend. He’s our best defender.”
Charles has been impressive at the House of Hoops Fall League. Livingstone College is his lone offer but FIU, Barry University, Lynn University and Palm Beach Atlantic are all showing interest.
“We’re building chemistry, trusting each other more,” said Charles, who averaged 13.4 points and 3.6 rebounds as a junior.
Asked what he wants to work on the most, he said: “Help my team defensively, getting more rebounds. Being a better defender. Getting more to the basket, creating my own shots.”
The Pioneers’ starting five also includes junior Carlos Hart, the younger brother of now-graduated Victor Hart.
“He’s 6-4 right now,” Benoit said. “Amazing point guard. Finishes with the best of them. Very crafty at the basket. Between those two combos, going to be very good.”
Benoit is also counting on Brandon Monestime and Marc Meronne. He called Meronne, “our glue guy. He keeps everything together.”
North Miami made it to the Class 9A regional semifinals last year, where the Pioneers lost to state qualifier Miramar. Of the Pioneers’ six losses in 2017-18, only two were by more than five points.
If you have high school basketball news, you can reach Pat Lammer via e-mail at PatALammer@Gmail.com or via text at 954-661-9671.