6’3 ’24 Austin Swartz (CB Hoops)
Although CB Hoops is fairly balanced as a group, Swartz was arguably their most reliable performer throughout their first contest of the day. Between his IQ, size, and well-rounded skillset, he understands how to consistently affect all facets of the game. Swartz displays a pretty advanced feel for his current age, and should only continue to get better with time. He can run a team or operate without the ball. Swartz will be a prospect to keep an eye on.
6’2 ’25 Jerron Blackwell (Page)
Despite being the youngest player on the roster, Blackwell showcased a ton of two-way ability for the Pirates. He’s well beyond his years in terms of IQ, poise, maturity, and overall skillset, which is clearly evidenced by how he runs a team on both ends of the floor. Blackwell is a smart passer with the ability to penetrate and finish or set up others with regularity. He also possesses a useful perimeter jumper and change-of-pace to his game. Blackwell could easily be the future of this program.
6’6 ’25 Addison Newkirk (Greensboro Day)
It’s no surprise that Greensboro Day consistently reloads with talent, but Newkirk truly has a chance to be as special as anyone in recent memory. He’s already blessed with favorable physical tools and the necessary skillset to be an impact player as a freshman. Newkirk moves extremely well without the ball, yet also displays creation skills and the understanding of how to be an effective cog within an efficient offensive attack. He’s truly brimming with upside.
6’8 ’23 Donovan Raymond (West Charlotte)
At this point, pretty much everyone across North Carolina should be familiar with Raymond and his incredible appeal. He’s long, wiry, and already has the physical tools to overwhelm opponents on either end of the floor. Raymond displays terrific defensive instincts, both when intercepting passes and altering/blocking shots, and rebounds the ball at a strong rate. Although already impressive, he should only continue to progress.
6’5 ’22 Adam Vincent (Piedmont Classical)
Given the amount of roster turnover on Piedmont Classical, it makes sense for Vincent to see an expanded role. Already a noteworthy shooter, he’s showcased far more than spot-up ability with this squad. Vincent attacked closeouts, handled the ball, and provided great effort as a defender and rebounder. He’s a very useful role player with the tools to set up as needed.
6’0 ’24 Liam Gates (CC Elite)
Despite CC Elite missing some of their key pieces, Gates rapidly emerged and stepped up as a catalyst for this group. Arguably the top spot-up threat on the roster, he continually maximized his role while applying consistent pressure from beyond the arc. Gates moves well without the ball and possesses quick, repeatable mechanics, which ultimately forces the opposition to account for him at all times.
6’6 ’22 Jordan Pyke (Basketpoint)
The Basketpoint roster has an abundance of appealing unsigned seniors, but Pyke was arguably their top junior in this contest. He possesses great size and useful versatility, which makes him somewhat of an offensive matchup problem for opponents. Pyke displays quality vision and can score the ball in various different ways. Numerous types of college coaches would be wise to monitor Pyke over the next calendar year.
6’7 ’22 Treyvon Byrd (NLPB)
After collecting his first Division I offer earlier this week, Byrd continues to stand out with this NLPB squad. He’s a long, wiry, explosive wing prospect who thrives as a finisher in the open floor. Byrd also displays nice defensive instincts, especially for intercepting passing lanes, and looks to make plays at the rim whenever possible. He rebounds the ball well and looks to push the break in transition.
6’4 ’21 Jalen Thorns (Team Howard)
There’s a lot to like about this Team Howard roster, and the unsigned Thorns is arguably as valuable as anyone on the squad. His motor, unselfish approach, and two-way versatility allow him to regularly overwhelm opponents. Thorns can defend multiple positions, operate with or without the ball in his hands, and score in a variety of ways. He typically maximizes playing within a low-maintenance role, but can expand his production as needed.
6’6 ’23 Abrahm Driver (WBC Elite)
Regardless of context or setting, Driver simply knows how to produce and make his presence felt in every single contest. He’s quietly one of the more consistent players across the state, simply because everything he does is smart, straightforward, and fundamentally sound. Driver displays touch, feel, and footwork around the basket, but can also knock down perimeter jumpers at a solid clip. He’s a steady rebounding presence and runs the floor properly in transition.
6’4 ’22 Luke Riggs (NC Wildcats)
The NC Wildcats have basically restructured their entire roster over the last week, which has allowed Riggs to stand out as a leader for this group. He’s a long, athletic, rugged forward prospect with toughness and a willingness to utilize his body to make hustle plays. Riggs finishes well around the basket, runs the floor hard in transition, and defends with purpose on that end of the floor.
6’6 ’22 Austin Ball (West Virginia Generals)
After entering the event with a pretty lofty reputation, Ball only further solidified himself as an obvious target for scholarship-level coaches. He’s long, skilled, and fairly versatile for his size/position, which makes him somewhat of a matchup problem for most opponents. Ball can reliably create for himself or others while applying scoring pressure from all three levels. He’s a useful rebounder and defender with clear upside with physical maturity.