The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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74 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY JACEY ZEMBAL T he state of North Carolina is known for producing great point guards and perim- eter scorers. NC State hopes freshman Dennis Smith of Fayetteville, N.C., follows in the foot- steps of other past guards from the state. Current starting NBA point guards from the state include Chris Paul of Winston- Salem (Los Angeles Clippers), Steph Curry of Charlotte (Golden State Warriors), John Wall of Raleigh (Washington Wizards) and Ish Smith of Concord (Philadelphia 76ers). Seven NBA small forwards or shooting guards played high school ball in North Carolina, including former NC State star small forward T.J. Warren of the Phoenix Suns. The Durham native played at both Riverside High and Raleigh Word of God before finishing up at Wolfeboro (N.H.) Brewster Academy. Head coach Mark Gottfried and his staff scoured the state this winter to try and find the next wave of talented players. Charlotte Providence Day sophomore point guard Devon Dotson and Raleigh St. David's sophomore wing Kris Monroe both earned Wolfpack offers during the North Carolina Independent Schools (NCISAA) state playoffs. Garner (N.C.) High junior point guard Thomas Allen and Wilson (N.C.) Greenfield School sophomore point guard Coby White were both evaluated by Gottfried and are gifted playmakers. Dotson Wins State Title Dotson has always been ahead of his time on the basketball court. He was a standout at the 2014 CP3 Rising Stars Camp in Lewis- ville, N.C, and then started to make a name for himself at Charlotte United Faith his freshman year. The 6-1, 180-pounder has already blown up in recruiting circles. Dotson, 16, played up on the Team Char- lotte 17s squad that won the Under Armour Association Finals last July in Suwanee, Ga. He scored eight points in the title game against Canada Elite. Dotson continued his winning ways by helping Providence Day capture the NCI- SAA 3A state title Feb. 20. The Rivals.com four-star prospect scored seven points in helping the Chargers top High Point Chris- tian 67-53 in the championship game at Ra- leigh Ravenscroft High. He averaged about 18 points and five assists per game as a sophomore and earned NCISAA 3A All- State honors. Gottfried and assistant coach Orlando Early went to see Dotson play Charlotte Latin Feb. 18 in the state tournament quar- terfinals at Raleigh Ravenscroft. Dotson to- taled 19 points and five assists in a 69-51 victory, and he left with a scholarship offer from the Wolfpack. "I glanced over there a few times," said Dotson. "Just knowing that they are there, it's a good feeling as a sophomore." Dotson said he was honored to receive his fourth ACC offer. "It's just a great feeling, humbled and a blessing," Dotson said. "I'll watch NC State on ESPN, and Dennis Smith is there, and he's a great point guard. I know him, and I'm friends with him." NC State, Charlotte, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Southern, Hampton, North Carolina, Rutgers, Tennessee, Wake Forest and Winthrop have also offered the floor general. Dotson transferred to Providence Day for his sophomore year and has been pleased with the results. "Going to Providence Day has been what I hoped for and more," Dotson said. "We just had a great season at 30-3 and have great chemistry. Everybody gets along, and we play well together." Monroe Is Excited By Wolfpack Offer NC State was Monroe's first big offer. Gottfried watched Monroe score 27 points and drain four three-pointers in a 66-63 win over High Point Westchester Country Day in the first round of the North Carolina In- dependent Schools 2A playoffs Feb. 16, and he tendered Monroe a day later. Monroe had recently attended the Duke at NC State basketball game Jan. 23, and he also took in the Clemson at NCSU football contest Oct. 15. Monroe, who had previ- ously been offered by Charlotte and UNC Greensboro, enjoyed watching the Wolfpack on the big stage against the Blue Devils. "It was really exciting seeing two good teams going at it," said Monroe, 16. "The atmosphere at NC State is terrific." Monroe said he followed pro basketball more than college hoops and is a big Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony fan. Now that his recruitment is starting to take off, he'll be watching college games more. Monroe said he is also getting interest from Virginia, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, East Carolina and Kansas. "I really like Coach Gottfried. He's a good guy," Monroe said. "I didn't know he was coming. I saw him during the game but wasn't paying too much attention. I just wanted to win." The 6-7, 205-pounder is originally from Creedmoor, N.C., and attended South Gran- ville High last year. He reclassified to the class of 2018 when he made the move to St. David's. He also has switched from playing with Team United to joining Team Loaded for this spring and summer. Monroe led St. David's (22-4) to the 2A state semifinals and scored 14 points in a 58-49 loss to Charlotte Northside Christian in front of Early. He finished his sophomore year with averages of 20.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. "I've really worked on my jumper a lot, and my dad has helped me with it since I was little," Monroe said. "That is one thing I've kept in my game. I want to show that I can play with anybody in the country, and I can help a team. "It's different at St. David's, but I love it here. They've accepted me, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I just want to make sure my mother doesn't have to pay for college." Allen Putting Up Big Numbers Allen can just sense his recruitment is about to take off. Part of that optimism is be- cause he's having an impressive season for Sophomore point guard Devon Dotson earned all-state honors after averaging roughly 18 points and five assists per contest while help- ing Charlotte Providence Day win the North Carolina Independent Schools 3A state title. PHOTO BY JACEY ZEMBAL ■ BASKETBALL RECRUITING The Wolfpack Scours The State For The Next Wave Of Talent