Brandon’s Big Time Ballers: NC Top 150 Session II
No. 52. 5’5, 2023 Casian Richard (Walkertown Middle)
Richard was one of the youngest attendees in session two but on the court he’s a baby-faced assassin, as a seventh grader Richard commands the toughest position on the floor.
A pure point Richard can run the break or carve defenses up in pick N roll sets; last summer Richard proved to be one of the top PG at Jr Phenom but he’s gotten even better since, the decision making and passing ability at this stage are impressive. Richard will make all the guys around him better and score a quiet twenty in the process. Richard is a crafty finisher but as he continues to grow converting at the cup will come more natural.
On Sunday Richard showed the ability to create separation and knock down shots, from deep Richard is money and the fact he’s competing against older players only benefits the youngster. Richard will be one to watch this summer on the travel circuit with Team CP3.
No. 80. 5’11, 2020 Arrington Jones (Atkins Academic)
Jones is absolutely saucey with the handle when he’s in iso Jones will put the defender on skates before serving up a bucket. Jones is carrying momentum from a big sophomore campaign; he was crucial in the Camel’s return to postseason play, Jones is a combo guard capable of creating his own shot or slotting in as the main playmaker. Sunday Jones looked extremely confident with the rock.
Jones has an explosive first step defenders struggled to stay in front of the Winston Salem product, he can reach max speed quicker than most and suddenly stop on a dime to freeze the defender. Jones looks to be transitioning into a full-time floor general, Sunday he really focused on spreading the rock around. What stood out most was the footwork of Jones the way he can straddle the baseline, or split defenders with a crispy euro through the tightest of spaces.
This kid should continue to develop as one of the better guards in the triad, Jones is a show on the floor and if you enjoy ankle bully’s you will love Jones.
No. 101. 6’1, 2021 Jamarien Dalton (North Davidson)
Dalton is a natural athlete and there is potential for some major bounce to be developed if he keeps working. Dalton currently lives above the rim, offensively he’s a natural slasher and a strong finisher. Dalton is also a football player for the Dark Knights and you get that instantly after seeing the youngster embrace contact at the cup.
Dalton was one of the better two- way guys I personally saw, the high motor and effort on both ends was refreshing even in the finale where his team took it on the chin. Dalton can impact the game in a variety of ways he’s been coached on playing the right way; Dalton can get his own shot, he can operate in pick N roll sets and get others involved, defensively Dalton has good length and he utilizes that athleticism and physical nature to blitz his man on D. Dalton will have to develop a reliable jump hot to reach his ultimate ceiling.
“I really believe he’s a top 25 player in his class.” said ND Assistant coach Josh Snyder.
No. 100. 6’1 2021 Stephon Richards (East Meck)
One of the streakiest guards regardless of class present Sunday, he can flat out fill it up from mid- range and beyond. Richards scored in double figures in both games I saw him, in the first contest he connected on four deep balls in the first twenty minutes. Richards is creative off screens and moving without the rock, he utilizes the entire floor to produce space and get clean looks.
Richards has a quick release that looks the same every time, he’s the type of shooter who can get hot and commands a heat check. Richards has a smooth crossover and flashed the ability to make contested shots off the dribble as well.
In transition Richards was extremely dangerous finding open spots all he needs is a smidge of space and he’ll let it fly.
No. 118. 6’2, 2019 Trevon Bell (Freedom Christian)
Bell is a straight rim breaker in every sense of the word an absolute high flyer, Bell bangs it every time like he wants to take the rim home.
Athletically Bell was in a class of his own he leaves the ground and hangs in the air effortlessly of the bounce. In transition Bell is a walking highlight either he’s looking for an iso poster, or someone will find him in space for the lob. In the open floor Bell found cracks in defenses and continuously took flight.
Bell also absorbs contact and finishes tough at the cup, at 6’2 Bell utilizes superb balance and a stocky frame to convert finishes in the lane. Bell skies for boards on both ends, his length and athleticism allow for versatility when matching up on the defensive end.
