Cape Fear Region Players to Watch (Boys)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

With try-outs out of the way for most teams in the cape fear region and Boys and Girls preseason Jamboree's Starting up this weekend I believe we are in for a very entertaining High Schools Hoops Season. Over the past couple months I've had a chance to check out several players in the area so without hesitation I present you with my 2012-13 PLAYERS TO WATCH segment of the blog.

BOYS

1. Nigel Holley - 6'8 PF - New Hanover High School

Coming off of a game changing state championship performance I look for Nigel to continue improving his game and become a force down low for the defending state champs. Had a great summer on the travel ball circuit and we look for a decision on college to be coming soon...

2. T.J. Williams - 6'8 PF - Ashley High School

Big man with a high motor that loves to get up and down the court. I think this is the year he will at least get the Ashley screaming eagles over the hump to contend for a title in the Mideastern conference. Played his travel ball with Team United in the NIKE EYBL LEAGUE against stiff competition so I'm sure it improved his game. He's already chosen to commit to the UT-Chattanooga Mocs next fall...

3. Tarique Thompson - 6'5 SF - Hoke County High School

He was chosen as the player of the year in the southeastern conference last season as a junior, made it to the final four of the 4A state tournament last season losing in the regional final. A game that I'm sure he wants to get back to in his senior year. He averaged 20.0 ppg and 13.0 rpg in his junior campaign. He also played his travel ball With Team United this past summer and received lots of college interest. I'm looking for his Senior year to be just as successful if not more.

4. Jamal Parker - 6' 0 PG - Northside Jacksonville High School

Point Guard with a lot of game. Doesn't have any problems getting his teammates involved in the game but I think he is a even better scorer and that was evident when he dropped 40 points in a game last year against Southwest Onslow. He had his Jacksonville Truth Elite travel team up and down the coast all summer winning basketball tournaments and it earned him a lot of college interest. Look for his recruitment to heat up in his senior season.

5. Rian Holland - 5' 10 PG - South View High School

And last but not least Rian Holland. It's fitting that the last two players on this list are guards because much like Parker Holland can fill it up. I Had the opportunity to watch him play this past summer and he can put it in the bucket from just about anywhere on the court. With him dialed in come game time his South View squad will be hard to beat if they can stay healthy. He played his summer ball with coach Nathan Faulk of Laney High School and has already committed to take his talent to Wichita State University next fall.

Well that about does it for our first segment of PLAYERS TO WATCH in the cape fear region this coming high school basketball season. God willing I'm sure all five of these guys will be on division 1 basketball rosters next season. That should tell you a lot about the type of talent we have in our region. I hope you didn't think we would only choose these five even though they are definitely worthy. It's just to much talent in the region. I hope you enjoy leave me some comments about the guys selected and who you think should make the next list.