Unsigned Seniors to Watch
As their high school careers wind down, a new chapter is about to begin. So, as decision time approaches, it’s time to highlight some of the state’s top unsigned seniors. Christian Pickens – Ardrey Kell High School – 6’5”, 185lbs…
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Continue ReadingAs their high school careers wind down, a new chapter is about to begin. So, as decision time approaches, it’s time to highlight some of the state’s top unsigned seniors.
Christian Pickens – Ardrey Kell High School – 6’5”, 185lbs – 3/2 – 2019
Pickens shoots the fire out of it. That’s what he does – and with his size and quality footwork, he can get it off. Coach Craft has him running off a variety of screens, and Pickens has shown the ability to make plays off any of them. He gets his feet set fast, and knows how to play with pump fakes and jabs attacking a closing defender. He’s best off the bounce when he’s looking to get to his mid-range – not tremendous around the rim. Defensively, he does a great job of using his length in the passing lanes, getting steals and deflections and generally making plays. He’ll be a steal for someone – and as he’s helped keep Ardrey Kell alive and heading into the final 8 of the NC state playoffs, I’m sure he will get his chance.
Bryson Childress – North Stanly High School – 5’10”, 160lbs – PG – 2019
A coach’s son, Bryson is an absolute winner. He’s been overlooked because of his size, but his game is much, much bigger. He is quick as lightening, with a tight handle and an absolute burner for a jump shot. He’s put up huge numbers – 25ppg, 5rpg, 5 steals/game, 3apg – and his willingness and propensity for making big plays has his team dancing into the final 8 of the state playoffs.
Brion Mclaurin – Seventy-First High School – 6’7”, 190lbs – F – 2019
Potential – that’s the word that comes to mind with Brion’s game. He’s mobile at 6’7”, can put it on the deck, rebounds, finishes around and above the rim, and can step outside and knock down shots if he’s left open. Somehow he’s underrated, even as his team is 26-3 and heading into what is sure to be one of the best matchups in Eastern NC as his Seventy First team heads to Millbrook. Brion has the game to become a true stretch 4 – I’d bet on it, he hasn’t touched his ceiling – his game has grown under the proven tutelage of Coach David Simmons.
Quest Aldridge – Mount Tabor High School – 6’3”, 185lbs – 2 – 2019
Quest has a slugger’s mentality – homerun or strike out. When he gets it going, he has the crowd on their feet, following his every shift or no-look pass. When it isn’t, he can be a bit turnover prone. Nonetheless, this dude can fill it up in a hurry – at all three levels too. Super shifty, with a good feel and vision – his ability to see the court may contribute to turnovers, as he’s trying to fit a pass in where he should play it safe. He has some real game, there’s no questioning that. He’s played a lot of his career on the ball – at the 4 year level, moving him off the ball will let him do what he does best, namely, make plays and score the ball without as much ball handling responsibility. He’d be a contributor to a good D2 program.
Jalen O’Neal – Concord High School – 6’5”, 175lbs – 3/4 – 2019
The latest 1000-point scorer in the storied Concord High tradition, Jalen is the model of versatility in today’s game. He plays off of 2 feet, and has a great feel for pivoting to score inside. He’s really good on the block, but he can handle it and stretch the floor as well. His size, ability to play on both the perimeter and inside, and his mobility on both ends will cause matchup problems at the next level. Area D2’s should be sniffing around – they’ll like what they find.