It’s the juniors’ world, we are all just living in it.
That is what I quickly about when it comes to the local high school boys’ basketball season.
While we have some outstanding seniors who have provided leadership and strong play for their squads this season, I don’t think it is a secret that it has been the juniors who have flexed their muscles the hardest on the court this winter.
And I’ll start with the two juniors that automatically come to mind – White Oak’s Zarion Hobbs and Croatan’s Kannon McBride.
I have teased McBride that he’s makes for a better soccer player out of all his athletic endeavors, although people who know the standout realize he would be great in any sport. The football quarterback/kicker is simply a great athlete in addition to being a good guy.
McBride makes a case for area player of the year and certainly the Coastal 5-A/6-A Conference honor by averaging 25.6 points and 8.4 rebounds per game to go with 3.1 assists and 2.4 steals entering Tuesday’s game with Richlands.
An impressive thing about McBride is that he continues to play at a high level, despite opposing teams directing more focus on him throughout the season. His efforts have helped the Cougars (16-5, 6-3) win five of six and jump back into the conference title race.
Speaking of being in league title contention, White Oak (14-5, 4-2) is tied for second and just one game back of J.H. Rose in the Big Carolina 6-A/7-A Conference – and a huge reason for it is Hobbs.
The point guard averages 24.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals entering Tuesday’s clash at New Bern while also emerging as an area and conference player of year candidate. Once Hobbs turns on the switch, it’s hard for other squads to turn it back off.
Several times I have asked Hobbs about living up to his family’s basketball legacy. He doesn’t seem to let the pressure faze him on the court. In fact, Hobbs has created his own identity, and a leading the Vikings to a deep postseason run would help solidify that.
The next junior who comes to mind is Swansboro’s Connor May.
While he’s been out for nearly a month with an injury, May’s play in the first half of the season helped set the tone for what has been a surprise showing by the Pirates (14-6, 7-2 Coastal) this year.
May played with a little edge, which I appreciate, as he averaged 17.5 points and 6.8 rebounds. If he’s indeed out for the rest of the season, no doubt he will return next season on a mission.
Then there’s Southwest’s Carlos Pagan.
The third-year point guard has elevated his game following the departure of four other starters as he averages 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.4 steals for the young Stallions (8-12, 4-3 East Central 3-A/4-A).
Dixon (8-13, 2-7 Coastal) is another young squad. Helping lead the Bulldogs’ growth is junior Noah Wright, who averages 16.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals. And don’t forget about Jacksonville’s Matt Williams, who averages 14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals for the Cardinals (5-11, 0-6 Big Carolina), who are still trying to progress.
Other juniors who have performed well include the Northside trio of Rubin Laurent, Jamir Mitchell and Matthew Smoot, the Swansboro dup of Sebastian Greer and JJ Johnson, Croatan’s Gavin Zheng, Dixon’s Grady Adams and Southwest’s Jayden Laney.
Look for all of these juniors to continue leading their teams as the regular season comes to an close.
