Stepping Up — My Take: Under-the-radar Beaufort County basketball players with scholarship-worthy intangibles
Published 1:15 pm Tuesday, February 18, 2014
There’s little doubt that the people of Pinetown and Washington will be talking about Northside’s Edrice “Bam” Adebayo for a very long time. The 6-foot-9 Panthers’ center has put up remarkable statistics this season, leading the 1A Conference 11 Standings in rebounding and scoring.
However, the Northside media magnet has undoubtedly hogged the limelight and taken the attention away from some of the other elite basketball players in the area. Being one of the most likable sports personalities in Beaufort County, it’s hard not to root for “Bam,” but there are a handful of students with noteworthy and possibly scholarship-worthy basketball intangibles scoured throughout the area.
Donshae Miller, PG – Southside High School
Southside’s Donshae Miller tops this list as the area’s most underrated scholarship-worthy player. Why? Raw talent. The junior point guard comes with a deep repertoire of moves, along with the natural athleticism to escape any trap an opposing team might throw at him. His standout performance of the season came against rival Northside on Jan. 24, where he dropped 37 points and was a fraction of a second late from giving Southside the win on a half court heave that dropped.
PRO: Elusiveness. Miller has the ability to spot up from anywhere on the floor, shoots a great percentage from three-point range and has the quickness and handles to escape any situation. No matter the matchup, he always proves to be one of the most elusive and noticeable talents on the floor.
CON: Height. Southside’s standout guard stands at just 5-foot-9, an attribute that will unfortunately keep many collegiate programs uninterested.
Cole Austin Woolard, SF – Pungo Christian Academy
After starting his collegiate career at Northside High School, Cole Austin Woolard has quickly become one of the best basketball players in the history of Pungo Christian Academy, reaching the 1000-point mark in just two seasons for the Raiders. Pungo’s shifty small forward set the school record for most points in a game against Hobgood on Jan. 10 with 45, shooting 69 percent from the field. He has a lengthy frame, a pure jump shot and the ability to take over a game when needed.
PRO: Intelligence. While being one of the best players in the NCISAA Tarheel Conference, Woolard also has a sharp basketball mind. He is a model student inside the classroom and a leader on the basketball court. Virtually every in-game decision he makes is going to be the correct one, and his versatility, effort and quickness allow him to shoot the jumper or drive the lane.
CON: Position. With a skinny frame and average height, there is no definite position for Woolard at the next level. He can shoot the basketball, without question, but his handles and elusiveness may not be enough to merit interest from collegiate programs for a guard position.
Stevie Green, PF – Washington High School
A two-sport athlete in football and basketball, Washington High School’s Stevie Green is a physical force on the court and undeniably the top talent on Head Coach Steven Flowers’ roster. Despite the Pam Pack’s 3-11 record in their first 2A Conference 14 season, Green has stayed consistent in the scoring and rebounding column what seems like every night. The highlight of his season came in a 10-point loss to Farmville Central on Jan. 10, where Green recorded a season-high 35 points with 14 rebounds, eight of which were offensive. He’s recorded five double-doubles on the season.
PRO: Athleticism. Green is a man amongst boys with a solid frame. His ability to drive the lane is unmatched by anyone else in the conference.
CON: Shooting. Find Green in the paint and there’s a good chance the ball is going in the basket, but his mid-range and perimeter game has cost the Pam Pack points down the stretch.
David Cucchiara is the sports editor at The Washington Daily News and can be contacted by email at sports@thewashingtondailynews.com.