6’2 ’22 Jazian Gortman (Palmetto City Hurricanes)
The Palmetto City Hurricanes have quickly become one of the better teams in South Carolina, and Gortman is certainly a massive part of that reputation. Though he was already extremely talented, Gortman has improved a lot over the last calendar year. His ability to generate quality shots and convert from anywhere on the floor makes him basically unstoppable. Gortman also defends well and makes some impressive passes with the ball in his hands.
5’10 ’22 Jaxon Brown (Renegades Elite)
The Renegades seemed to get better throughout the day, but Brown was a steading force in each contest. He’s a fairly well-rounded guard that led by example and made a constant impact in transition. Brown is a scrappy defender and capable passer with toughness on both ends of the floor.
6’4 ’22 Jefferson McLamb (Flash USA)
Despite some struggles as a team, Flash USA had plenty of positive moments behind the play of McLamb. He has a nice combination of size and skill, showing the ability to score in numerous ways while also battling well around the basket for rebounds. McLamb hit perimeter jumpers, showed athleticism, and offered solid ball-handling.
7’0 ’22 Micah Handlogten (Upward Stars 704)
In terms of appeal, one would be hard-pressed to find many prospects more enticing than Handlogten. He’s long, wiry, and way tougher than opponents seem to think. He moves extremely well for his size, both in tight spaces and when running the floor, and alters a ton of shots around the basket. Handlogten has proven to be a reliable scorer from all levels but doesn’t force the action. He possesses a ton of tools and will be one for all types of Division I programs to monitor going forward.
6’8 ’22 Olyn Knox (Palmetto City Hurricanes)
Though others on this roster might receive more attention, few guys are as valuable as Knox. He’s their primary interior force and it’s clear on both sides of the ball. Knox plays hard, secures rebounds, alters a ton of shots around the basket, and displays athleticism around the rim. He defends well along the perimeter and embraces doing a lot of the dirty work for this group.
6’4 ’23 Stepfon Stephens (Upward Stars 704)
The Upward Stars 704 squad operates like a well-oiled machine, and Stephens was easily among their most productive performers of the day. He’s slightly undersized but possesses great hands, rebounding prowess, and toughness as an interior player. Stephens also displayed touch and made the most of his offensive opportunities.
6’8 ’22 Julian Phillips (Upward Stars)
The upward Stars organization is loaded with talent, and Phillips might be the best prospect within their program. Though he’s always had perimeter ability, he’s starting to turn flashes into legitimacy. Phillips is long, athletic, and consistently affects all facets of the game, which allows him to lead with relative ease. Right now, he’s a walking mismatch and should only continue to improve.
6’4 ’23 Caleb Foster (Collegiate Prep)
There are a ton of intelligent point guards within the state, but Foster is arguably the smartest and most poised of them all. He runs a team seamlessly, rarely having miscues or lapses in judgment, and always seems to make the right decision with the ball in his hands. Foster is a high-level shooter that can reliably create for himself and efficiently score from all levels. He has the makings of special player.
6’6 ’22 Marcus Kell (Upward Stars)
Despite being widely regarded as a strict catch-and-shoot threat, Kell has more than proven his capabilities with this Upward Stars squad. He certainly is a high-level shooter from midrange and beyond the arc, he’s displaying more off-the-bounce ability than ever before. Additionally, his body continues to develop and should ultimately become a priority for numerous Division I programs.
5’11 ’21 Noah McClahanan (Wilkes Hoop Group)
The entire Wilkes Hoop Group roster seems to work well together, but McClahanan was arguably their most vital performer to start the day. He actively looked to set up the offense, create for others, and provided a ton of toughness on defense. McClahanan displays a quality feel, motor, and understanding of how to disrupt opponents.