FEATURE: Goldsboro native White tabbed N.C. Gatorade Player-of-the-Year

By Ben Coley
Published in Sports on March 27, 2017 9:59 AM

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bcoley@newsargus.com

WILSON -- Greenfield had its share of obstacles this past season.

Between unfortunate injuries and players leaving the team, the Knights needed stability -- a voice that could hold things together.

Coby White decided early in the season that he wanted to be that voice. Nothing is more stable than a 6-foot-5 point guard who fills box scores and tortures defenders.

The junior averaged 31.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. The mind-boggling stats were enough to grab North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year honors.

"I couldn't believe it, because I really didn't think I was going to win," said White, who discovered the honor by looking at Twitter. "Because I hadn't heard anything else, but I was in the final four of it. I just feel blessed, most of all."

White is the fourth University of North Carolina recruit to win the honor. Past winners include Isaiah Hicks (2013), Reggie Bullock (2010) and Will Graves (2006).

Although White is more proud of another accomplishment this season -- becoming a stronger voice.

Less than half the team returned from last year. Freshman point guard Dji Bailey spent the season nursing a sore knee while 6-5 forward Octavious Lacey missed games due to a meniscus tear.

White knew he had to step up as more than just a scorer.

"I know at the beginning of the season, I talked with our coaches," White explained. "And the one thing I said I needed to work on was being more of a leader on the court -- being more vocal. That was the next step in my development."

Once White had that discussion, he began to push his teammates to the limit in practice and in games. In that same process, he may have pushed himself the most.

The junior broke three school records during his sizzling season. He scored a record 52 points in a 91-54 victory over Faith Assembly in December. A month and half later, he passed Brian Richardson's career total of 2,154 points to become Greenfield's all-time leading scorer. White concluded the season with 1,069 points -- breaking his own record of 960 set in 2015-16.

The team finished 23-11, won the Coastal Plains Independent 1-A Conference tournament title and reached the semifinals of the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association state playoffs. The team was ousted from the postseason by Trinity Christian for the second consecutive year -- a loss that motivates White.

"It just seems like something with Trinity and us in the playoffs," White said. "...Next year if we play them again, we're definitely going to win and be in a state championship."

A couple of weeks ago, White put his talents on display for scouts and coaches at Phenom Hoop's annual N.C. Top 80 Camp. The camp is comprised of the top freshmen, sophomore and juniors from around the state.

White used the camp as another way to showcase his progression as a leader.

"Most of them like how easily I score the ball," said White, who averaged 35 points per game in the scrimmages. "But then how like when we did stations, I was vocal there, too...(I was) one of the hardest in talking and competing and motivating everybody to do better."

ESPN currently ranks the Greenfield star as the No. 33 best player in the 2018 class, though that number should change soon.

While it's true that White is motivated by the records, awards and the UNC commitment, the junior is mostly concentrated on getting better. As good as his past season was, White doesn't think he's reached half of his potential.

"It's a blessing and an honor, but I know I have more stuff to come," White said. "I know there's more stuff in store for me, so I just remain humble about it and know that I have to keep pushing forward and just keep moving."