ROWLAND — Though his father was a standout baseball player, South Robeson center Cameron Werrell has always been determined to carve a separate legacy and recalls a conversation he had before entering high school that has served as motivation for his success on the hardwood.
“Daddy, I feel like I can be one of those players that come from South Robeson that reached 1,000 points,” Werrell recalls from that exchange.
Flip the calendar four years later, and the talented senior unknowingly made good on his decree, surpassing the milestone with a 30-point performance at Whiteville on Jan. 25. It was Werrell’s second straight game reaching the 30-point threshold after failing to hit the mark in any of his previous three years as a Mustang.
He used one word to describe who is responsible for the recent run that’s led to cashing in on the promise to his dad: family.
Werrell says he’s thankful for the support of his mother and father who are ‘faithful’ spectators at all of his games, but dedicates his displays of dominance to one special lady.
“My grandma. I know she don’t get to…make it [to games], but I play for her,” he said.
With “grandma” in his heart, the star center has had a breakout season, experiencing career highs in points (18.9), rebounds (10.9), steals (1.4) and blocks (1.1). He is one of only three players in Robeson County averaging a double-double and has the Mustangs in the thick of a tight playoff race, currently sitting at fourth in a congested the Three Rivers Conference.
This comes off the heels of two leg injuries in his sophomore and junior seasons that he says resulted in an offseason transformation that’s made all the difference.
“Losing weight…it took a lot more pressure off my legs. I feel like I had to come and do what was best for my body,” said Werrell after shedding over 20 pounds.
He still remembers being that “chubby” kid growing up that played hoops with his older brother, using his agility and skills to be effective. In high school, his physical maturation was charted on the football field as he played quarterback as freshman, then grew into a lineman the following season until eventually transitioning into a tight end his senior year.
Now standing at 6-foot-6 and close to 270 pounds, Werrell is the focal point of every opponents scouting report and is one of the most imposing figures in the region. The big man’s ability to bang down low, handle the ball in transition and use a soft touch to knock down jumpers has been a welcomed addition to South Robeson coach Ryan Bullard’s offense.
“He got in better physical condition…and obviously, he’s more athletic. His footwork has gotten better,” Bullard said of Werrell. “Last year he just [used] one power-dribble and would take it through you, but now he’s doing little dancing…out there.”
Werrell says he’s used his improved game to elevate his level of play this season, especially when it matters the most.
“I just come with a lot of fire and energy,” he said. “I feel like when we go to the hostile environments, I just go to that extra mode and I got another level I step up to.”
In his most recent game, Werrell went into the “hostile” home of in-county rival Red Springs and put up 22 points and 11 rebounds. He’s posted double-doubles in the last four contests and is averaging 27 points and 14 rebounds during the stretch.
The gaudy numbers of late have garnered the attention of some local colleges, including The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Werrell says he’s “blessed” to be in the position to play at the next level and will use it to propel him on and off the court.
“It just makes me go harder,” Werrell said confidently. “I know when I get to college…you’re becoming a young man, far as keeping my head straight and staying in them books. Education comes first.”
Bullard echoed the sentiments of his star player and wants to see him succeed in both avenues.
“I’m just happy for Cam and his individual accolades. If he stays healthy, basketball can carry him a long way,” said Bullard. “That’s what I try to teach these kids, if you find something you’re good at, that can get you to college, then you ride that train.”
Werrell’s train ride through high school has been bumpy at times, but with his family, coaches and teammates as co-passengers, he looks to keep rolling.



