2021-22: 15-11 (11-3), 2nd in GNRC, 2nd Round of Playoffs (L to Apex Friendship 61-64)
Key Losses
Derrick Tillery - Graduated - Playing football at the University of Pikeville
Justin Robinson - Graduated - Playing football at Saint Augustine’s University
Matt Eaton - Transferred - Clayton HS
Key Returners
Tanner Mikulecky - Senior
Mekhi Grant - Senior
Chris Crudup - Junior
Tayshaun Whitner - Junior
Key Newcomers
Darius Whitner - Freshman
Kingston Beale - Freshman
Projected Rotation
Storylines
The Trojans finished last season with 1.56 Wins Over Average (WOA) which was good for 11th in Wake County, 21st in 4A East, and 44th in 4A overall. They return one of the deepest teams in the state, with 11-12 varsity caliber rotation players.
Tanner Mikulecky is one of the best shooters in the state and he will be the senior leader for this Trojans team. He was selected to the all-conference team last year and will be in the running for CPOY this year. Tanner’s calling card is his elite shooting ability. He can shoot off the catch, off the move, or off the dribble, and couples that with deep range and unwavering confidence. He will be one of the top scorers in the county and an efficient one at that. He hasn’t shown much in terms of creation volume but he also hasn’t needed to. On the rare occasion that the defense closes out to him fast enough, he consistently makes reads across the court and has the ability to pass guys open. Because of his role on this team, I don’t think we will see his playmaking ceiling until he gets to the next level. Defensively, Tanner was one of the top charge-takers in the country last year, a testament to his effort and instincts on that side of the ball. He is also a plus rebounder who can start the break himself when he brings one down.
Chris Crudup will occupy the other wing spot. Chris is one of the most prolific scorers we saw this fall, absolutely lighting up the HoopState Fall League. He can score at all three levels and operates at a high level of efficiency. He rarely gets caught letting the ball stick and often uses his scoring gravity to create for his teammates. I am a big fan of his creation ability as he has a great grasp on when to shoot and when to pass and almost always makes the right decision. He is still unknown as far as state rankings go but that should change soon if he plays like he can this season.
The Garner youth movement is taking over and it’s going to be rolling for at least the next 3-4 years. The Trojans are expected to have a successful season and they might have more freshmen and sophomores on their roster than anyone else in the state. It starts with probably the highest-ceiling sophomore in the conference, Cam Reyes. Cam is a smooth, do-it-all type of guard that can score, pass, and defend. He has a solid frame and has a great feel for the game. He has a high ceiling as a great two-way creator by the time he graduates.
Garner also has sophomore guard Ghab Scott that will look to contribute this season. Ghab had one of the most productive fall campaigns of anyone in the area. He is a low-usage point guard that plays aggressive containment defense. His feel on that end of the floor helps him play much bigger than his undersized frame. Offensively, Ghab is one of the best 2025 playmakers in the county. He’s fantastic at creating offensive advantage and then making the right read against the second line of defenders. As the season goes on I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ghab’s role within the team grow more and more as he’s a floor-raiser for his teammates.
Inside, the Trojans are led by Coach Bloms’ son, sophomore Keaton Bloms. Keaton is an intelligent big man that is the Trojans’ on-court coach when he is in the game. He is still growing into his 6’6” frame but he has a high floor as a prospect and he will always be a net positive on the floor.
Expectations
This team has a high floor and an unknown ceiling. They are going to be the favorites to win the GNR conference but will finish in the top 2 at worst. If they can manage the crowded backcourt and make up for a lack of size, this will be one of the toughest teams to knockout come playoff time.