It\u2019s the juniors\u2019 world, we are all just living in it.<\/p>\n
That is what I quickly about when it comes to the local high school boys\u2019 basketball season.<\/p>\n
While we have some outstanding seniors who have provided leadership and strong play for their squads this season, I don\u2019t think it is a secret that it has been the juniors who have flexed their muscles the hardest on the court this winter.<\/p>\n
And I\u2019ll start with the two juniors that automatically come to mind \u2013 White Oak\u2019s Zarion Hobbs and Croatan\u2019s Kannon McBride.<\/p>\n
I have teased McBride that he\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s game with Richlands.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 and a huge reason for it is Hobbs.<\/p>\n
The point guard averages 24.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals entering Tuesday\u2019s clash at New Bern while also emerging as an area and conference player of year candidate. Once Hobbs turns on the switch, it\u2019s hard for other squads to turn it back off.<\/p>\n
Several times I have asked Hobbs about living up to his family\u2019s basketball legacy. He doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
The next junior who comes to mind is Swansboro\u2019s Connor May.<\/p>\n
While he\u2019s been out for nearly a month with an injury, May\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
May played with a little edge, which I appreciate, as he averaged 17.5 points and 6.8 rebounds. If he\u2019s indeed out for the rest of the season, no doubt he will return next season on a mission.<\/p>\n
Then there\u2019s Southwest\u2019s Carlos Pagan.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
Dixon (8-13, 2-7 Coastal) is another young squad. Helping lead the Bulldogs\u2019 growth is junior Noah Wright, who averages 16.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.5 steals. And don\u2019t forget about Jacksonville\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Gavin Zheng, Dixon\u2019s Grady Adams and Southwest\u2019s Jayden Laney.<\/p>\n
Look for all of these juniors to continue leading their teams as the regular season comes to an close.<\/p>\n