Top returning guards in Johnston County: 1-A/2-A Programs
Johnston County saw a lot of success during the 2019-20 season. There were many highlights from the instant impact of the 2023 class to the many programs that were able to reach the state playoffs in their respective classifications. With…
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Continue ReadingJohnston County saw a lot of success during the 2019-20 season. There were many highlights from the instant impact of the 2023 class to the many programs that were able to reach the state playoffs in their respective classifications. With that being said, who are some guards that college coaches should keep their eyes on this year? Prep Girls Hoops NC takes a look at the top returning guards to watch out for in Johnston County during the 2020-21 campaign.
Anna Taylor (Neuse Charter guard, 2023)
One of the top scorers in Johnston County this past season, Anna Taylor torched the nets from three point range as a freshman. She helped lead Neuse Charter to the 1-A state playoffs and should be a conference title contender this year. While being her teams go to scorer, she also made a lot of plays for her teammates setting them up for high quality shots. Expect her to be one of the best players in the area over the next few years.
Daja Staten (Neuse Charter guard, 2021)
Alongside Taylor, Daja Staten is another guard that’ll help Neuse Charter win a bunch of games this season. She was a secondary scoring option that played with a lot of energy, rebounded the ball well, and played really good defense. The Cougars will need Staten to step up during the 2021 season if they want to have a deeper run into the 1-A state playoffs.
Meredith Wooten (Princeton guard, 2021)
Princeton Bulldogs rising senior guard Meredith Wooten is one of the fiercest competitors in Johnston County. She impacted both ends of the floor last season from scoring at all three levels to reading the passing lanes for the Carolina 1-A conference champions. No matter who the opponent was, Wooten consistently showed up in big moments for the Bulldogs and she’ll definitely do so as a senior. She’s part of a great returning group that could lead Princeton to another 20+ win season.
Arial Pearce (North Johnston guard, 2021)
Arial Pearce is part of a really good group returning for the North Johnston Panthers this upcoming season. She’s the primary scorer and facilitator who can create any shot she wants and can set up her teammates with ease. As a senior, she’ll be counted on even more, but she’s capable of carrying her teams offense as she did for most of this past season. Expect her to have a great senior year and that could help North Johnston get back to the 2-A state playoffs.
Jessie Gross (North Johnston guard, 2023)
Another one of the many 2023 prospects in this county with a lot of potential, Jessie Gross will take on an increased role for the Panthers. At times, she was a knockdown three point shooter and had some big scoring outputs throughout the 2020 season. With the graduation of Mackenzie Gibson, she’ll be a huge part of North Johnston’s success in 2021.