LAURINBURG — The common phrase in sports is, “Pressure bursts pipes or creates diamonds,” and for the Fighting Scots boys’ basketball team, that phrase mirrors their upcoming season. After exceeding expectations, recording their best season in three years and making the playoffs, the Scots will enter the 2026-27 season with heightened expectations.
With summer workouts underway, here are three players to watch heading into the season:
Maddox McNickle
After seeing limited playing time the first half of the season, Maddox McNickle earned increased minutes in the second half and eventually cracked the starting lineup. The junior guard earned the trust of head coach Jarvis Cobb with his defensive intensity and leadership, earning him the Coaches Award.
Now entering his second year under Cobb, McNickle is expected to take on a larger role. With the departure of leading scorer Zaymon Gibson and the addition of former Scotland guard Jerrison Dixon, the Scots backcourt will feature Nazire’ Campbell, McNickle and Dixon.
Javeer Presley
Javeer Presley, an undersized 6-foot-5 power forward, makes up for it with his athleticism, rim protection and rebounding. In his first season under Cobb, Presley set career highs across the board, averaging 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 48 percent from the field.
During the season, he was the low-post threat down the stretch that Scotland desperately needed. In off-season workouts, he has only gotten better, faster and stronger. Paired with fellow senior frontcourt member Collin Hill, the Scots have experience at two major positions that will be key heading into the season.
Cornelius Davis
Possibly the future of Scotland High basketball over the next three years, sophomore Cornelius Davis was brought up from the junior varsity team on Dec. 12 and, just six days later, set a career high on varsity, scoring 12 points versus Red Springs. Though slender in stature, Davis plays with the heart and passion that coaches value.
“Cornelius Davis took a tremendous leap the last four games and has me excited for next year,” Cobb said after the Scots’ playoff loss in the first round.
With a full offseason to develop and adjust to the physicality of varsity basketball, Davis is expected to be a key member for the Fighting Scots for years to come.