ALL-NNS Area Basketball Teams & Defensive Player of the Year
KJ Harper Greene Central, photo taken by Najhir Bandy
Defensive Player of the Year: KJ Harper Greene Central
KJ Harper made this award very easy to select this year. The Rams' senior captain was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, around the rim, or even at the 3-point line. Harper blocked shots from every spot on the court, averaging 3.9 blocks per game and 2.1 steals per game. The forward has a 6’4 frame with an extreme wing span that changed the game for every team he faced.
ALL-NNS First Team
KJ Harper, Greene Central: 16.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 3.8 bog, 2.1 spg
Harper led the Rams in scoring, rebounds, blocks, and steals. His long frame impacts the game in ways no other player has this year. The Rams senior can score on all three levels, but he has a very polished post game and a nice mid-range game.
Jayen Cobb, Kinston: 15.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.0 apg, 2.2 spg
Cobb is one of the most dynamic finishers in the area. His long wing span and crafty finishing moves make it almost impossible to stop when he gets downhill and attacks the rim. The senior leader is excellent in the passing lanes and is a one man fastbreak. Cobb was a clutch and big-time player for the Vikings this year.
Maja Brown, Jones Sr.: 22.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.1 spg
Brown is the most overlooked star in our area. He is a bonafide scorer that can score from anywhere on the court but also plays strong at the rim. His slashing and ball-handling abilities are superb. Brown is also one of the better rebounders in the area.
Treshad Lynch, North Lenoir: 23.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.4 asg, 3.3 spg,
Lynch is the best scorer in the area. His long frame, combined with his athleticism mixed with ball handling, means that there isn’t much that Lynch can't do. His defensive abilities are far underrated, as he plays the passing lanes and lives pinning opponents on the backboard.
Mir Mir Moore, Kinston: 17.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.8 spg
Moore is the best point guard in the area. The humble captain is a true leader on the court and directs the offense better than any player. Moore's 3-point shooting ability is dangerous from any spot on the court, and combined with his slashing and passing abilities, he is truly a "point god".
ALL-NNS Second Team
Nemaj "Bingo" Austin, Greene Central: This kid does not deserve to be on the second team; he is a first team talent for sure! This was the toughest decision we had to make on this list, but the area is guard-heavy in talent. Austin is the Rams' point guard, and he can shoot. He gets out in transition fast, he has a beautiful stroke, and he most definitely can create his own shot better than anyone in the area.
Zaire Rosber, North Lenoir: Rosber has grit and toughness. The senior can absolutely stroke the 3-point shot and has big game capabilities. Rosber has had multiple 30-point games this season. The Hawks shooting guard had a tremendous impact on his team's success this year.
Amir Holmes, Greene Central: Holmes was a key component for the Rams this season. In a 5'9-5'10 frame, Holmes is known for his deep threes, smooth defense, and sneaky rebounding.
Malachi Ramsey, North Lenoir: Ramsey is just a sophomore but was a utility guy for the Hawks this year. Ramsey was big on the boards, on defense, and slashing to the rim. Ramsey is also one of the best dunkers in the area.
Dominic Clark, Kinston: Clark is one of the quietest weapons on this list. Sneaky but an very productive forward that can do it all. He can defend multiple positions, knock down the jumper, and play inside or outside.
ALL-NNS Third Team
Hoarce Smith, Kinston
Rayquan Williams, South Lenoir
Savior Branch, Greene Central
Cage Jones, South Lenoir
Khalil Sanders, Kinston
Honorable Mention:
Jamari Coppage, Greene Central
Paxton Riley, APA
Joshua Holmes, Bethel
Malik Fuller, North Lenoir
