History Between the Programs
High Point and North Carolina A&T may be separated by just 18 miles, but the neighboring programs have rarely shared the floor.
The Panthers own a 4–1 all-time advantage over the Aggies and have won each of the last three meetings in what could unofficially be dubbed the US-29 Derby.
After more than 15 years without a matchup, the series was revived during the 2021–22 season when A&T briefly joined the Big South before departing for the CAA.
While this exhibition won’t count in the official record books, I think we can all agree the winner earns bragging rights—and temporary custody of Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe, conveniently located almost exactly halfway between the two campuses.
Overview
The Aggies enter the 2025–26 season hoping to turn the page after consecutive 7–25 campaigns and back-to-back last-place finishes in the Coastal Athletic Association.
Head coach Monté Ross enters his third season overseeing a complete rebuild, banking on a dramatically revamped roster and significantly improved size to spark progress in Greensboro.
Last season was defined by adversity. Injuries, midseason dismissals, and a lack of depth eventually forced A&T to finish the year with essentially a six-man rotation. Despite those challenges, Ross praised his team’s competitiveness throughout the season and has described this offseason as a complete “reset.”
His emphasis during roster construction was clear: toughness, character, rebounding, and size. For the first time in several seasons, the Aggies enter the year with legitimate frontcourt depth and improved positional balance.
Team Identity: Reset, Rebuild & Reinforce
This year’s Aggies look noticeably different—bigger, deeper, and more disciplined.
Ross made defense and interior play his primary offseason priorities after A&T finished 334th nationally in offensive efficiency and 345th in field goal percentage. Too often last season, the Aggies settled for difficult shots without the size to generate second opportunities.
Now, the emphasis is establishing an identity centered around accountability, physical rebounding, and defensive intensity.
Expect A&T to play with reasonable pace, but unlike some CAA opponents, their success will rely far more on effort and toughness than overwhelming offensive firepower. They project as one of the youngest teams in Division I, but Ross believes this roster possesses the competitive edge previous editions lacked.
Key Returners
- Bryson Ogletree (Jr., 6’4″) — The emotional heartbeat of the program. Averaged 7.3 PPG and 3.7 RPG while emerging as the Aggies’ unquestioned vocal leader.
- Efstratios Kalliontzis (So., 6’11”) — Showed encouraging flashes as a freshman, shooting 56% from the floor while providing length and interior stability.
- Will Felton (Sr., 6’8″) — Former Arizona State forward whose career has been slowed by injuries. When healthy, he’s one of A&T’s most physical interior players.
- Jalal McKie (Jr., 6’5″) — Defensive-minded wing who contributes in multiple areas. Improving his perimeter shot will determine how large his offensive role becomes.
- Uchenna Kellman-Nicholes (So., 6’5″) — Missed last season due to injury but returns as a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions.
New Faces to Know
- Trent Middleton Jr. (Jr., 6’3″) — Delaware transfer expected to take over point guard duties. Brings leadership, defensive toughness, and steady decision-making.
- Lureon Walker (Sr., 6’5″) — Former Mount Olive standout—an institution High Point fans and Dr. Qubein know quite well—who averaged 17.5 PPG at the Division II level.
- Lewis Walker (Fr., 6’6″) — Former UMass signee with a polished midrange game and intriguing long-term upside.
- KJ Debrick (Sr., 6’9″) — Cleveland State transfer who brings physicality and interior scoring. Ross has already called him “the best inside guy we’ve had here.”
- Amadou Doumbia (So., 6’11”) — UMass transfer with excellent shot-blocking instincts who should immediately improve A&T’s rim protection.
- Zamoku Weluche-Ume (So., 6’8″) — Former George Washington forward with length, athleticism, and defensive versatility.
By the Numbers
| Category | Stat | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Efficiency | 95.8 | 337th Nationally |
| Defensive Efficiency | 111.2 | 339th Nationally |
| Adjusted Tempo | 72.3 | 75th Nationally |
| Projected Record | 8–21 | 13th in CAA |
| Returning Starters | 1 of 5 | — |
| Effective Field Goal % | 45.0% | 345th Nationally |
| Points Per Game | 69.2 | 12th in CAA |
Coaching Breakdown: Monté Ross
A veteran coach with stops at Delaware, Temple, and Saint Joseph’s, Monté Ross was hired to restore stability and credibility to Aggie basketball.
Known for his patience and structure, Ross has navigated two difficult seasons while rebuilding the roster almost from scratch. Year three finally gives him what appears to be his most balanced and physically capable team.
He’s supported by an experienced coaching staff that includes Jeff Rafferty, Dorian Long, and former UConn national champion Ricky Moore, whose defensive pedigree aligns perfectly with Ross’ vision.
The mission remains simple: defend the paint, rebound consistently, and establish a sustainable culture.
Matchup Outlook vs. High Point
This marks High Point’s second consecutive exhibition against a North Carolina-based CAA opponent, though this matchup projects quite differently than the opener against UNC Wilmington.
While the Seahawks entered the preseason near the top of the conference, the Aggies were selected to finish 13th out of 13 teams.
Although High Point and North Carolina A&T are separated by only 18 miles, the current trajectory of the two programs couldn’t be more different. Over the past two seasons, the Aggies are 14–50, while the Panthers have compiled a remarkable 56–15 record, establishing themselves as one of the nation’s premier mid-major programs.
Still, A&T presents several intriguing challenges.
The Aggies possess legitimate frontcourt size with KJ Debrick, Amadou Doumbia, and Will Felton, but High Point’s pace, spacing, and offensive versatility should create difficult matchup problems for a defense still learning to play together.
Expect Ross to slow the game down, emphasize offensive rebounding, and force the Panthers into half-court possessions. Meanwhile, Flynn Clayman will undoubtedly look to speed things up, spread the floor, and create transition opportunities.
One area worth monitoring is High Point’s perimeter defense. Rob Martin and Conrad Martinez performed well against Wilmington, but A&T’s length across virtually every position provides another physical test. Clayman has emphasized connected team defense throughout the offseason, and this game should offer another valuable measuring stick before the regular season.
Saturday’s matinee also presents an interesting stylistic question. High Point wants to continue operating as one of the country’s most explosive offensive teams. Ross will likely try to drag the game into the mud, slowing tempo, shortening possessions, and limiting transition chances. How the Panthers respond when the game inevitably becomes uncomfortable will be one of the afternoon’s biggest storylines.
Toothsayer’s Take
This feels like a matchup between two programs currently operating from very different starting points.
High Point is coming off the most successful two-year stretch in program history and has firmly established itself among the nation’s premier mid-major programs. North Carolina A&T, meanwhile, is still laying the foundation for long-term success after several difficult seasons.
Monté Ross has assembled a roster with noticeably more size, toughness, and character than previous editions, but the Aggies simply don’t possess the same level of overall talent that Flynn Clayman can put on the floor.
This should serve as another valuable tune-up before the regular season begins. A&T’s length—with no projected rotation player shorter than 6’4″—closely mirrors the size High Point will encounter against Furman, whose rotation is similarly built around physical wings and forwards.
I expect the Aggies to compete hard early and keep things close through effort, rebounding, and physical play. But unlike the battle in Wilmington, High Point’s depth, shooting, and offensive firepower should gradually wear A&T down. Look for the Panthers to seize control after halftime before emptying the bench late.
Prediction
High Point 87, North Carolina A&T 53