55 Wilmington-area high school boys basketball players to watch this winter

The high school basketball season has started for Wilmington private schools, and public schools are getting set to tip off. There's a lot to keep track of this winter after dominant seasons from New Hanover and Cape Fear Academy; the area still has plenty of top-tier talent.

From newcomers to familiar faces, here are 55 Wilmington-area high school boys basketball players to watch this winter.

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Jack Voth, senior forward, Hoggard

The Kansas native joined the Vikings this summer. A three-year starter at Buhler High School northwest of Wichita, Voth averaged 21.6 points per game and was named the Class 4A boys basketball player of the year. At 6-foot-5, Voth plays physically in the paint, averaging 9.9 rebounds a year ago.

Teammate Shane Hawkins returns for his senior year after averaging 7.6 points per game in last season. Guard Tucker Boyer is another senior playmaker looking to improve in a more prominent role this winter. Playing 12.5 minutes per game last winter, Boyer shot 79% from the free-throw line while also knocking down 19 3-pointers.

Junior Parker Crittenden will see increased playing time this season. The 6-foot-3 guard shot 41% from behind the arc last season. Fellow junior Malakahi West brings defensive fundamentals and scoring consistency, averaging 11.3 points per game last winter for the JV team.

Rodmik Allen, sophomore guard, New Hanover

Allen returns to a New Hanover program that graduated three of its top four scorers last season after taking an undefeated record into the 4A playoffs. The sophomore will move into a leading role after averaging 5.8 points per game and shooting 45% from the field last season.

Nazey Myers returns for his senior season after shooting 41% from the field as a junior. A two-sport athlete, the guard has proven his athletic ability over the past two years at New Hanover.

Seniors Jahiem Gibbs and Zmarion Robinson and sophomore Zymir Batts also are back for a talented Wildcats team that hopes to continue in its winning ways.

Khalil Genwright, senior forward, Laney

After a third-place finish in the Mideastern Conference last winter, Laney returns new talent and some familiar faces under first-year coach BJ Donnell. Forward Khalil Genwright brings size, skill and experience to the Buccaneers team that graduated five seniors. The transfer from New Hanover averaged 8.2 points per game and shot 45% from 3-point range last season.

Junior Josh Helms brings experience and skill to the Bucs squad, averaging 11.2 points per game last season. Senior Kayin Scott will step into a more significant role after averaging 2.8 points per game last season.

Coen Locklear, junior guard, Ashley

Locklear was efficient as a sophomore, averaging 6.7 points per game, and Ashley will rely on him to help improve on its 10-15 record last season. Senior Kenan Everhart provides defensive stability after leading the team in rebounds, steals and assists last season.

6-foot-3 point guard Trent Smith will look to get more involved in the scoring game this season.

Saransh Padhy, senior center, Cape Fear Academy

The Hurricanes return talented playmakers and size across the court, including big man Saranash Padhy. The center is joined by fellow seniors Vytas Nausedaus and Markus Pastorcic-Straun, which make for solid depth at guard for the Hurricanes.

Strong forward Simeon Jeffers also adds size to a Cape Fear Academy team that will look to make a deep postseason run for the fifth straight year.

Eric Mosley, junior center, North Brunswick

After finishing sixth in the Mideastern Conference last winter, Eric Mosley will try to boost the Scorpions. Averaging 6.9 points per game as a sophomore, Mosley hopes to transfer his skills from the football field onto the court this winter.

Fellow football player Gavin Lindbert’s 6-foot-5, 285-pound frame provides an undersized Scorpions team plenty of power. As a sophomore, Lindbert averaged 3.8 points per game.

Senior Isaic Nipper offers North Brunswick a consistent and experienced mindset after averaging 75% from the free throw line last winter.

Spencer Henry, sophomore guard, Topsail

Don’t let Henry’s stature deceive you; the guard can maneuver past defenders and loves to shoot from beyond the arc. Last winter, Henry led the Pirates in assists and at the free-throw line, averaging 78%.

After a strong freshman performance, two-sport athlete Elijah Hebron will look to improve on his 3.9 points per game average last season. Forward Evan Ellis brings plenty of size with his 6-foot-7 frame. The senior will look to lead Topsail in rebounding after recording 70 last season.

Center Austin Hobson adds size and scoring ability for the Pirates after averaging 5.1 points per game last winter.

Myron Mckoy, junior guard, Trask

After leading the team in points as a freshman, Mckoy led the Titans in nearly every shooting statistical category as a sophomore. Averaging 13.5 points per game last season, the junior is an ace free throw shooter, averaging 84% from the line as a sophomore.

If there’s a sport at Trask High School, Isaac Turner is probably starring in it. The three-sport athlete and UNC-Asheville baseball commit averaged 10 points per game as a junior and brought much-needed athleticism to the Titans squad.

Fellow three-sport athletes Brandon Bannerman and Omaryian Ennis provide depth and athleticism at guard. Ennis shot 53% from two-point range.

Kevon Daniels, senior forward, West Brunswick

Daniels’ 327 total points last winter were second only to Hoggard’s Hoku Fisher in the Mideastern Conference. The football star is just as successful on the court, averaging 14.1 points per game and shooting 51% from the field. Fellow football player JJ Cobb is another senior playmaker for the Trojans, who averaged 9.9 points per game as a junior.

Senior Carson Pope offers versatility as a defender and scorer, leading the team in blocks while averaging 8.7 points per game.

Caleb Bernard, junior guard, South Brunswick

Bernard returns to a South Brunswick squad that finished 8-15 and seventh in the Mideastern Conference last winter. Averaging 7.3 points per game as a sophomore, Bernard leads all returning Cougars. Junior Jaelon Johnson and senior Rashad Mcneil round out the rest of a South Brunswick team that graduated five seniors this offseason.

Dashaun Mckoy, sophomore guard, Pender

Mckoy led all Pender players with 279 points as a freshman last season. The versatile guard is joined by senior Kyrese Dye, who averaged 11.3 points per game last winter.

Junior Reinaldo Walker returns after averaging 5.4 points per game last winter. Senior football players and guards Mecca Carr-Bordeaux and Kelvin Robinson add size and athleticism to the defensive side of the court.

Aiden Davies, junior forward, Coastal Christian

After finishing 15-11 last season, the Centurions return physical playmakers. Davies’ 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame is perfect for getting into the paint and grabbing rebounds. Teammate Holden Martin brings versatility at guard.

Seniors Zeke Martin and Kamil Harrison offer defensive support as two of Coastal’s most experienced players.

Trey Pierce, senior guard, Wilmington Christian

The Patriots graduated five seniors after finishing 10-16 last season. Pierce returns as one of the team’s most talented options at point guard. Fellow senior Tiruneh Giammarino and newcomer Eli Perez will serve as the Patriots primary playmakers this season.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: 55 Wilmington-area boys basketball players to watch in 2022-2023