Triad Area Best Centers
Though the center position has changed a lot over the years no one can downplay its importance to winning teams and programs. One of the things that not even the greatest coaches can teach is height so when you have…
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Continue ReadingThough the center position has changed a lot over the years no one can downplay its importance to winning teams and programs. One of the things that not even the greatest coaches can teach is height so when you have a 6’0” or over player who can play the game at a high level that is a valuable asset. All these players anchored their respective teams last season and big things are expected of them this coming season and expect them all to deliver.
Kennedy Powell- 6’1”- Junior- High Point Christian Academy
A quality scoring big that can score in a variety of ways. Already in two years she has surpassed 1000 points and 725 rebounds and was a double-double machine this past season averaging 17 points and roughly 10 rebounds a game. She can score effectively in the post, where she exhibits soft hands and an array of post moves with excellent footwork. Her arsenal does not stop there as she is just as comfortable facing up to the basket and knocking down the mid-range jump shot and the occasional 3 point shot. Her talents lead her to All-Area and State honors and with two more years of high school basketball to go and a proven ability to get better each season she could easily be a 2000 point 1500 rebound player when her career is done and no doubt she is listed high on a lot of colleges recruiting boards.
Quinzia Fulmore- 6’3”- Junior- Dudley High School
Probably one of the most athletic bigs on the list she can cover so much distance with long limbs and fast strides. She is a defensive star whether she is blocking shots or changing shots in the lane or using her athleticism to jump passing lanes she can do it all. As the anchor of her team’s pressing defense, she was able to average two steals a game which is amazing for a player of her size. Her offensive game has improved steadily and she has a solid back to the basket game and her outside shot has shown great improvement. She is lethal in transition and runs the floor like a guard with great finishing skills. With all the athletic skills and a serious defensive presence look for her to have a great senior season and to be spearheading a defense at the next level.
Shakira Baskerville- 6’0”- Senior- West Forsyth High School
A do it all 6 footer who impresses with her athletic ability that she exhibits running the floor in transition where she has the ability to catch the ball on the move at full speed and finish either with or without a dribble amazing for someone of her size. Equally, she has the ability to step out and make not only the mid-range shot but is an above-average 3 point shooter forcing defenders to come out and guard her which is a mistake because she has the skills to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim where she finishes with an array of moves and shots. She is definitely not your prototype center as she can play any forward position with ease but don’t let her outside skills fool you she is just as comfortable in the post where she combines great hands and footwork to be more than effective. She checks all the boxes and is sure to have a great senior year and afterward she is taking her immense talents to High Point University where she will continue to impress and improve and they can expect big things from her and we congratulate her and HPU.
Makalya Poole- 5’11”- Senior- Southeast Guilford
The shortest on the list but don’t let her lack of size, she is not a 6 footer, fool you she more than makes up for it and is a true force on the inside. Probably has the best hands of anyone on the list, she catches everything that thrown her way and grabs all rebounds in her vicinity. As far as finishing she is one of the best low post finishers I have seen at any size as she uses her quickness and toughness to score at will in the paint against taller opponents. Added to her arsenal last season was the ability to step out and make the mid-range shot which makes her not only harder to guard but allows coaches to use her at the forward position if needed. She has a huge motor and plays at a high level from the tip-off until the final horn. Her athletic ability allows her to guard multiple positions with ease and that versatility will prove valuable especially at the next level. Her track record speaks volumes she has led her team to 60 wins and two appearances in the state championship game winning one and not getting to play for the other due to it being canceled so she is a proven winner and leader. Big things are expected of her next season and she will no doubt answer the call and when it’s all said and done she will be plying her skills at the next level at a very lucky college basketball team.
Jadlyn Murray- 6’1”- Senior- Northwest Guilford High School
The next in what has been a steady stream of quality bigs produced through this program and with the departure of a couple of bigs this will be her year to shine and use all the experience she has gained to her advantage. Like others before her, she is just a sound solid big with good hands and low post footwork that can finish with either hand and is quite comfortable in the low post. Her solid build allows her to move bodies around in the post and helps her to carve out space for herself. Even with this build she runs the floor well and is very mobile. On the defensive end, she is one of the best shot blockers on the list and defends the painted area well and is a solid rebounder. Her ability to make the short corner and free throw line shot just adds to her skill set. Coming out of such a quality program she has exceptional basketball knowledge and knows how to play her position and the experience of competing with older bigs day today in practice has just sharpened her skills and made her a more complete player. She is big game tested and knows what it takes to win and is very coachable and all these things will assure she plays somewhere at the next level when her high school career ends.