All-Observer boys basketball: Combine’s Robert Dillingham is player of the year

Combine Academy’s Robert Dillingham is the 2020-21 Charlotte Observer high school basketball player of the year.

A 6-foot-1 sophomore guard, Dillingham has already scored more than 1,000 points in his career and led Combine to a 29-3 record, a non-association N.C. schools state championship, and a national ranking.

Dillingham has scholarship offers from Clemson, Florida, Kansas, North Carolina and PIttsburgh among others. A top 10 national recruit by most services, Dillingham is ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Phenom Hoop Report.

The coach of the year is Combine’s Jeff McInnis, a former UNC point guard, who has developed a national program in two years. McInnis is 55-10 in two seasons against one of the toughest schedules in the nation.

FIRST TEAM

Robert Dillingham, Combine Academy, 6-1, So, G: Averaged 21.2 points, 4.9 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals. Shot 49.5 percent from the field, 40.1 from 3 and 87.5 from the free throw line.

Jarvis Moss, Cannon, 6-5, Sr, G: Stanford recruit averaged 26 points, five rebounds and four assists for the back-to-back 4A state champs. Shot 43 percent from 3.

Ben Burnham, Carmel Christian, 6-8, Sr., F: College of Charleston recruit averaged 23.6 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game for NCISAA 4A runner-up.

Daniel Sanford, Vance, 6-8, Jr., F: I-MECK 4A player of the year averaged 21.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and two blocks per game.

Mikey Williams, Lake Norman Christian, 6-3, So, G: Top 10 national recruit averaged 21.2 points per game after moving to North Carolina from California.

SECOND TEAM

Knoah Carver, Ardrey Kell, 6-2, Sr, G

Jeremy Gregory, North Mecklenburg, 6-8, Jr, F

Jonas Aidoo, Liberty Heights, 6-11, Sr., C

Chris Ford, North Meck, 6-5, Sr, F

Trey Green, Lake Norman Christian, 5-9, So, G

HONORABLE MENTION

MJ Collins, Westminster Catawba, 6-3, Jr., G

Elijah Gray, Ardrey Kell, 6-8, Jr, F

Chase Lowe, Weddington, 6-5, Jr, G

DJ Nix, Cannon School, 6-6, Jr, F

Randall Pettus, Bessemer City, 6-2, So, G

Elijah Strong, Myers Park. 6-8, So, F

Omarion Bodrick, Combine Academy, 6-7, Sr, F

Lewis Duarte, Victory Christian, 6-5, Jr, G

Aden Holloway, Covenant Day, 6-1, So, G

Paul McNeil, Richmond Senior, 6-5, Fr, W

Graham Calton, Charlotte Latin, 6-5, Sr, G

Previous Winners

PLAYER/COACH OF YEAR

2019-20: Jaden Bradley (Cannon); Duane Lewis (North Mecklenburg)

2018-19: Wendell Moore (Cox Mill); Joe Badgett (Carmel Christian)

2017-18: Wendell Moore (Cox Mill); Preston Davis (Independence)

2016-17: Jairus Hamilton (Cannon); Jody Barbee (Cox Mill)

2015-16: Grant Williams (Providence Day); Brian Field (Providence Day), Mike King (Charlotte Catholic)

2014-15: Steven Santa Ana (Ardrey Kell), Grant Williams (Providence Day); Mike Craft (Ardrey Kell)

2013-14: Gabe DeVoe (Shelby); Byron Dinkins (Northside Christian)

2012-13: Kennedy Meeks (West Charlotte); Ty Baumgardner (Olympic)

2011-12: Braxton Ogbueze (United Faith); Baronton Terry (West Charlotte)

2010-11: Terry Whisnant (Cherryville); Ron Bray (Hunter Huss)

2009-10: Ian Miller (United Faith); Johnny Sowell (Monroe)

2008-09: Ian Miller (United Faith); Aubrey Hollifield (Shelby)

2007-08: Malik Stith (East Meck); Jason Grube (East Meck)

2006-07: Dee Bost (Concord); Andy Poplin (Concord)

2005-06: Jeremy Goode (Providence Day); Duane Lewis (North Meck)

2004-05: Jamie Skeen (North Meck); Gosnell White (W. Charlotte)

2003-04: Anthony Morrow (Char. Latin); John Smith (Great Falls, S.C.)

2002-03: Anthony Morrow (Char. Latin); Kurt Wessler (Vance)

2001-02: Donte Minter (W. Rowan); Mike Gurley (W. Rowan)

2000-01: Curtis Withers (W. Charlotte); Larry Dixon (Garinger)

1999-00: Scooter Sherrill (W. Rowan); Scott Brewer (Central Cabarrus)

1998-99: Jason Parker (W. Charlotte); Gosnell White (W. Charlotte)

1997-98: Jason Parker (W. Charlotte); Terry Rogers (Freedom)