At times it can be a tough transition going from middle to high school. Especially if you are an athlete, no matter how talented, coming into a new environment, where others have already established themselves can provide an interesting dynamic.

By most accounts, Zion Collins is considered one of the top freshmen in North Carolina. He came to Hillside High School to join a team who went 20-6 last season and was set to return three of its top five scorers.

“Being one of the younger guys on this team, I come into every game trying to do anything I can to get the win.”

When asked, Hillside Head Coach Rashad Lee-Worthy speaks on Collins’ talent, but he also talks about his willingness to be a part of the team.

“Zion is very coachable, a very talented kid. He plays within himself; he plays basketball the right way. That helps out coming into a team that is heavy with seniors.” Coach Lee-Worthy continues, “Zion sees the floor very well, he’s a good passer, a good scorer. I encourage Zion daily to shoot the ball when he is open. As a young player, even an immensely talented one, he is trying to find his way and he is seeing that it is ok to play his natural game, even as a freshman.”

Looking forward to the rest of the season, Hillside currently sits at 5-1 with their eyes firmly planted on the prize.

“The rest of the way, our goal is to be conference champions. Don’t want to lose another game.”

In writing this piece, I do not want it to get lost in translation about Collins’ talent. Most of the content to this point has been about a young player coming in and sacrificing for the team, and he is playing with a very team over me mindset. But Collins is revered as one of the top freshmen in the state of North Carolina.

“I am a combo guard, able to play both guard spots in the game. I also like to sit on D, I like to play defense.” Collins paused for a second, and continued, “I have heard I play a little like Derrick Rose.”

There, did you see it, it came through a little, the confidence. Collins steps on the floor with a brash and confident feel to him. When you see him play during travel ball season, even playing up an age group or two, he comes in with bold demeanor.

Each game at Hillside High School he is getting more and more comfortable. On a veteran team, who is realizing day by day, they got a problem (for the opposing teams) waiting in the wings, once that switch turns on, the light will be hard dim.

Rivals Reaction

Collins’ has a great frame, already as a freshman. He has broad shoulders, with long arms and stands a legit 6’3”. He has a smooth jump shot, especially off the bounce, and is comfortable handling the ball, in the half or the full court. During travel ball, it is all out-attack mode, aggressively scoring the ball. At Hillside, he does more getting his team involved and picking his spots. There is no doubt this one has talent, and as he continues to find the happy medium of going to get his, while doing it within the team construct, the ceiling is high here.