Season Preview: Ben L. Smith High School
The Ben L. Smith Golden Eagles were one of the more impressive teams at the HoopCities Jamboree this past weekend. They’re a deep squad with tons of potential heading into the 2019-20 season. Here’s an early look at their squad.…
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Continue ReadingThe Ben L. Smith Golden Eagles were one of the more impressive teams at the HoopCities Jamboree this past weekend. They’re a deep squad with tons of potential heading into the 2019-20 season. Here’s an early look at their squad.
Potential Starters
With no Xavien Whitley-Taylor (injury) early in the rotation, the Golden Eagles will have one new addition in the rotation for a few early games. His return to the starting lineup will strengthen their deep rotation.
Khalid Hinds – 2020 – Point Guard
Khalid Hinds is a point guard that sets the tone early on defense with his on-ball pressure. He forces tons of steals and turnovers and makes solid decisions on the fastbreak. He can get to the rim and showed off his knack for knocking down the 3-pointer with ease this past weekend.
Nick McMullen – 2020 – Forward
Nick McMullen is a burden to bear on both ends in the paint. He’s a strong forward at 6-foot-8 that uses his body well to finish in the post and defends the paint well with his length. He also didn’t hesitate to show off his shot in the midrange and from behind the arc.
Silas Mason – 2020 – Wing/Forward
Silas Mason is an athletic wing prospect that’s still gaining steam on the recruiting trail. He is a player that likes to get to the rim and when he does, he’s a highlight reel. He’s developed as an all-around type shooter and knocked down a few 3-pointers this past weekend.
Juwelz Hargrove – 2021 – Wing/Guard
Juwelz Hargrove is a player due for a breakout year on this team. He’s a lengthy slasher at 6-foot-6 that’s aggressive with the ball in his hands and showed off his ability to create off the dribble at the Jamboree this past weekend. He’s also developing as a 3-point shooter from the wing.
Isaiah Moore – 2021 – Guard
Isaiah Moore is a new addition to the Golden Eagles rotation and a recent transfer to Ben L. Smith High School. He’s an underrated guard that can get to the rim and finish in traffic and another solid addition to their pressure defensive front. He’ll be another junior prospect to watch in this rotation.
Reserves
Jordan Williams – 2020 – Forward/Wing
Jordan Williams is fresh off the football field but he’s already ready to contribute on the hardwood with his ability to make plays for others, defend and knock down the outside shot. As he works his way back into basketball shape, he’ll be one key senior off the bench this season.
Armond Setzer – 2021 – Forward
Armond Setzer is an emerging forward prospect at 6-foot-6 due to see solid time in the frontcourt. Setzer is a player that’s learning to use his size to protect the paint on defense, rebound and be an option in the post on offense. It will be interesting to see how he develops this season.
Kobe George – Guard/Wing
Kobe George is only a freshman but he’s slowly figuring things out on the floor at the varsity level. He did well to create for his teammates and find his openings on the perimeter. He’s a combo guard at 6-foot-3 that could see time as a reserve in the backcourt early on in his career.
Early Key Dates:
November 26th – @ Southern Durham
In an early nonconference game, the Golden Eagles will travel to Southern Durham on Nov. 26th for what should be an interesting battle. 2020 wing Ricky Council IV of Southern Durham should be a solid matchup for Mason.
December 7th – Millbrook Showcase
The Golden Eagles take on the Millbrook Wildcats as the final game of this year’s Millbrook Showcase. It will be an interesting matchup of size and defense and definitely worth a watch for fans on both sides. It’ll be quite an ending to an already stacked event.
January 4th – Reidsville
On January 4th, Ben L. Smith will host a tough Reidsville squad led by 2021 guard Breon Pass. He’ll challenge their defense as will some other junior players in the Rams’ lineup. It will be an interesting game to close out the Golden Eagles’ nonconference schedule.