8 Balla Hoop Insider keeps our high school previews going with a program we have followed now for four years.

Lincoln Charter is program that's two years removed as the state champs and coming off a Western region finals runner's up—losing to the eventual state champs Winston Salem Prep Academy.

Many thought after the graduation of star guard Kody Shubert and host of others that the talent would dry out. However, I'm here to tell you there are more bullets left in the chamber. We Spoke with Lincoln Charter head Coach Gabriel about his team core values and why he began coaching:

"Team values always have been to create a family atmosphere. If you like one another and enjoy one another you will play for one another. We’ve always told our guys that our team success will bring individual success. In other words, play for the team and not yourself. It is easier to have that mindset when you have a family atmosphere. Also, we think the game of basketball. Everyone who is a good player can and should be able to score. We teach our guys to look at matchups, take charges, alter the game with being smart instead of depending on other traits. I started coaching because I wanted to make an impact in the lives of younger athletes. I played college and played a little semi pro so I know what it takes to make it. I enjoy the competition of the game as well. Practices are a time for learning. We really focus on details of all facets of the game. I enjoy watching guys get better everyday." — Bradley Gabriel, Head Coach

Returning Starters

Jackson Gabriel — 6'2 SG  Lee's McRae commit.  A 3 year starter for Lincoln
Charter.  Has 3 conference Championships, 3 Conference Tournament
Championships, 3 regional final appearances, 1 state championship.  Has
scored 1446 points and hit 323 3pt FG (3rd all time in NC and 119 short of
the record).  Averaged 17.2 pts 5.6 rbs. 3.8 assist 2.4 stls last season.
3 Time All-Conference player, 2 Time All Region 10 player, All Gazette
Player, All Lake Norman Charlotte Observer,

Levontae Knox — 6'3 SF  Offer from Appalachian State  Interest from Furman,
NC Central, NC A & T, Catawba.     A 3 year starter for Lincoln Charter.
Has 3 conference Championships, 3 Conference Tournament Championships, 3
regional final appearances, 1 state championship under his belt.  Has
scored 1078 pts in career while shooting 67% from FG.  Averaged 12.2 pts.
8.7rbs. 3.2 asst 2.3 steals last season.  2 time All-Conference, All
Gazette
 

Returning Players

Axel Holm — 6'0 CG  4.5pts  Interest from Mars Hill, Milligan, Dean College,
Davidson, VMI.  Lefty who has been waiting his time will finally get his
time to shine.  Had a great summer.

Dimitri McCall — 6'5 SF 3.8pt Another talented SF that is long, athletic and
runs the court really good.  Been on varsity for 2 years playing behind a
talented group in front.  Now, his time has come to show what he can do.
Had a great summer and fall.  Look for him to turns some heads and opens
some eyes.

Hunter Herrick — 6'2 SF 3.2 pts   Another player who will get a chance to
showcase his talents.  Plays the game at a fast pace and one of the
strongest finishers on the team.  Runs the court really good.  Look for him
to open some eyes.

Tron Robinson — 6'0 PG  A great leader to our team.  Will see a ton of
minutes at the PG position this year.
 

Newcomers

Anthony Breland — 6'1 PG Freshman   One of the top PG in class of 2022.
Smooth player that can get to the basket or pull up and knock down
jumpers.  Way beyond his years as a player.  Will probably be given the
keys to run the team with Shubert's departure.  Plays for Team United
travel team.

Sam Cogan — 6'2 CG  Sophomore   Lefty who will get as many minutes as he
wants.  Smooth and long player.  Had a great summer.  Can shoot it and get
to the hole with ease.

Troy Fulton — 6'2 SG  Junior    One of the top shooters in the area.
Averaged 17 pts on JV team that went 17-3.  Can and will shoot it from
anywhere.  Hit 9 3's in a game twice last season.  Will be a big
contributor off the bench.

Joseph Rhodes — 6'0   Tough, hard-nosed player.  Will push for a starting PG
position.  One of the best defenders around.

Carter Seitz —  6'4 Sophomore   Big Body who can mix it up inside and step
outside and knock 3's down.  Had a huge summer playing the stretch 4 and
playing the 5 position.  Will add depth to our big rotation.

Tank Fricker — 6'4   Another big body.  Tank has been in our program for 3
years.  Took last season off to concentrate on other sports but is back.
Will get a ton of playing time

Sam Haudek — 6'4   Very athletic, long athlete.  Runs the court well and
battles on the boards.  Will see a lot of time on the court at the 3-5
positions.

Coach Bradley's Comments:

Overall, can be another good year for the Eagles.  We have more depth this year and a lot of our guys can do a lot of things really good.  We had a great summer going 18-4 playing some really solid competition.  Could struggle at times early but I think by February this team could make another run at a State Championship again. With Gabriel and Knox leading the way, LCS is going to be considered a top team in the area again.

Head Coach Bradley Gabriel has been coaching for 16yrs and has amassed a win-loss record of 126-30.