Hunter, Clemons, Barkley win coaches’ all-state basketball honors

Athens Drive’s high-scoring Grace Hunter, Millbrook’s high-flying Chris Clemons and Northern Durham’s high-energy Kentrell Barkley were named to the first team of the N.C. Basketball Coaches Association high school all-state teams.

The NCBCA, which is made up of coaches from N.C. High School Athletic Association member schools, named three five-player boys and girls.

The 6-foot Hunter averaged 30.8 points and had a high game of 50 points. She has signed with UNCCharlotte.

Millbrook’s Clemons, who is 5-foot-9, led the Wildcats to a 26-3 record. A Campbell recruit, Clemons averaged 24 points and 4.0 assists and was featured on national television for his dunking ability.

The 6-foot-6 Barkley, an East Carolina recruit, averaged 23.6 points and 11.6 rebounds.

Julius Barnes, the most valuable player in Garner’s state 4A championship win, was named to the second team. The 5-8 point guard averaged 7.1 assists and 14.2 points. His back-to-back 3-pointers in the title game after the Trojans fell behind were a key in the title victory.

Apex junior Ian Boyd was one of three underclassmen on the boys team. He averaged 21.8 points and 6.8 rebounds.

Broughton’s Kaila Ealey, an N.C. State recruit, and Southeast Raleigh’s Jade Phillips, a Syracuse recruit, are on the girls second team. Ealey averaged 27 points and eight rebounds. Phillips added 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Durham Riverside’s 6-3 Mone’ Jones and Bunn’s Tainasha Vines are on the girls third team. Jones averaged 23 points and 7 rebounds, and Vines averaged 19.8 points and 10. 9 rebounds.

This story was originally published March 27, 2015 at 9:23 AM with the headline "Hunter, Clemons, Barkley win coaches’ all-state basketball honors."