Coach Wes Moore popped up at Bishop McNamara this week and posted a big smile selfie with former Pack star Jakia Brown-Turner. The caption was all about pride in an alum “giving back” at her old high school. Totally Wholesome. Totally checks out.
But let’s be real for a second. Bishop McNamara isn’t just any gym. It’s the same Forestville, Maryland factory that already sent Qadence Samuels through the building, to UConn, and now to Raleigh. And the kid still wearing the Mustangs jersey right now? Her little sister Qandace, a five-star 2027 wing who’s already got an NC State offer sitting in her DMs.
So yeah, Coach is there to say hey to Jakia. That’s the X post and it’s a good one. JBT was a McDonald’s All-American out of that same program, helped NC State win four ACC titles, and now she’s back home mentoring the next wave. Beautiful full-circle moment. The picture of the two of them grinning in the gym is peak “this is why we do it.”
Still… you don’t just casually roll through that particular hallway in September unless you’re also keeping an eye on the next Samuels who can hoop. Qandace is averaging big numbers, dropping game-winners, and sitting in the national top 15. The family pipeline from Bishop McNamara to the Wolfpack already has two stops. A third one wouldn’t shock anybody who’s been paying attention.
Wes Moore has been recruiting this family since Qadence was in middle school. He lost her the first time around to Geno, then got her back through the portal. Now the little sister is the one lighting it up in the same gym. Coincidence that the head coach just happened to be in town the same week? Maybe. But if you believe that, I’ve got a slightly used Reynolds Coliseum ticket to sell you.
The week just happens to have a little extra family flavor. Qadence was just named a Heart of the Pack winner, the monthly award for teammate, effort, and attitude. Not a plot twist. Just a nice reminder that the older sister is doing well in Raleigh while Coach is standing in the same gym her little sister still plays in.
Could just be a nice alumni visit. Could also be a quiet “hey, we’ll take all the Samuels we can get at NC State” drop-by. Either way, the Mustangs gym just got a little more interesting this week. Pack fans should probably start learning how to spell Qandace. Just in case.
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