After coming across a tweet from Rod Bridgers of the Hoop State Regime, I am anticipating an exciting competition for the Gatorade Player of the Year (POY) in North Carolina this year. I am eager to explore some potential candidates in more detail.
First, let’s look at Cole Cloer. The 6’7 180 lbs wing has transferred from Orange High School to Caldwell Academy, joining the NCISSA where I believe the best basketball is being played in the state. Coming off a season where he put up numbers as 22 points per game and 8 rebounds easily a favorite for the prestigious award.
The Christ School has a standout player 6’8, 215-pound Zymicah (Mikey) Wilkins. Coming off a successful season which ended with a NCISSA 4A state championship, the team is reloaded and aiming for another title with Wilkins at the forefront. Wilkins had an impressive season, averaging 18 points and 9 rebounds per game. If he can lead the Christ School to another state championship and with a similar production as last season, Wilkins may have the strongest case to secure the award for the best player in the state.
Let's not forget to mention Chadlyn Traylor of North Mecklenburg High, who is widely regarded as the best point guard in the state. This two-time state champion is a true leader on the court and consistently makes the right plays. Standing at 6’3 and weighing 170 lbs the previous season, he averaged 14 points and an impressive 6 assists per game. With Isaiah Evans leaving for Duke, Chadlyn is expected to be the unequivocal leader of the team this year, so we can expect an improvement in his performance.
Others worth mentioning: Kobe Edwards (6’3 G, Greenfield School), Kendre Harrison (6’6 F, Providence Day), Isaiah Dennis (6’4 G, Davidson Day), and Tarris Bouie (6’7 F, Julius Chambers).
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