Top 5 rising NCHSAA 4A juniors from the Triangle
Barring any further setbacks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, a new high school girls basketball season in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina is set to being in only a few short months. With several talented prospects graduating over the…
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Continue ReadingBarring any further setbacks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, a new high school girls basketball season in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina is set to being in only a few short months.
With several talented prospects graduating over the summer, rising seniors will be propelled into primary leadership roles with their respective teams, while rising juniors will seek to learn from the upperclassmen while simultaneously refining their on-court talents.
Numerous sophomores in Raleigh and the surrounding cities showcased their potential on multiple occasions during the 2019-20 basketball season, all of which are expected to continue their positive trajectories as they grow as players during their final two years in high school.
Here are five rising juniors from the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s 4A division to keep an eye on during the 2020-21 season.
1. Indya Nivar Indya Nivar 5'10" | SG Apex-Friendship | 2022 State #59 Nation NC – Apex Friendship
Apex Friendship embarked on a stellar campaign that saw them accumulate a 24-3 record before they were knocked out in the Sweet 16 of the NCHSAA 4A Playoffs by falling five to Millbrook in the Elite 8.
Indya Nivar Indya Nivar 5'10" | SG Apex-Friendship | 2022 State #59 Nation NC was a key piece in Apex Friendship’s consistency, as she averaged 26.1 points per game, 8.4 rebounds per game and 5.1 steals per game. Nivar’s dynamic playmaking ability on both offense and defense will keep Apex Friendship in the conversation as a state championship contender over the next two years.
2. Jerni Kiaku Jerni Kiaku 5'7" | CG Garner Magnet | 2022 State NC – Garner Magnet
Jerni Kiaku Jerni Kiaku 5'7" | CG Garner Magnet | 2022 State NC was the primary scoring weapon for Garner Magent last year by averaging 21.6 points per game, but she also helped generate plays for her teammates by leading the program in assists and steals with 3.7 and 3.4 respectively.
Kiaku’s small stature in 5’4” prevents her from being a dominant presence underneath the rim, but she has several talented teammates to distribute the ball to, which include junior Nyah Wilkins, senior Nyema Hicks and sophomore Madison Mims, among others.
3. Madison Nereu- Green Level
The 2019-20 season was a disappointing one for Green Level after they finished with a 15-11 record, but Madison Nereu was one of a few bright spots that helped keep the team competitive throughout the year.
Nereu averaged 15.5 points during a season that saw her record a 31-point performance in a 74-48 victory over Lee County on Dec. 26. Nereu also averaged 7.3 rebounds a game, which put her second on the team behind rising sophomore Audrey Ericksen, who tallied 8.7 a night.
4. Samantha Ackles- Holly Springs
Holly Springs had four players register double-digit averages in points during the 2019-20 season, with Samantha Ackles being among them. Ackles also averaged a team-high 9.2 rebounds while also shining on defense with 3.6 blocks.
The other three top scorers for Holly Springs in seniors Jayde Gamble and Taleah Stephens Taleah Stephens 6'1" | SF Holly Springs | 2021 NC , along with sophomore Staci Williams Staci Williams 5'7" | PG Holly Springs | 2023 State NC , will all return this year alongside Ackles, which will make Holly Springs a high-powered offense as they pursue an NCHSAA 4A Championship.
5. Maria Savvun- Green Level
Green Level’s other bright spot during a lackluster 2019-20 season was Maria Savvun, who followed closely behind Madison Nereu in points with an average of 11.3 a game. She also led Green Level in assists with 3.0 a game and steals with 2.1 a game.
Savvun and Nereu will form an efficient scoring duo for Green Level during the upcoming season, but they and the rest of their teammates will need to develop more cohesion and consistency in order to improve upon last year’s overall performance.