by: Ethan Reece
2025 Kellen Karr (NLPB)Kellen had eye-popping coordination for a big his age. He’s not your typical big, having a lot of athleticism and natural skills that make basketball look rather easy. His adjustments around the basket and ability to handle the ball in transition make him a tough matchup and unique talent. And while he was the tallest guy that could be put to use down low as well. he’s just too good on the perimeter to not take advantage of the mismatches he’ll draw.
2025 Jay McGruder (Crown Academy)Jay would get my hustler award for the day. He’s someone who always finds his way to the ball and made it a point to outwork everyone. He’s not big but his impact is huge. His hustle and role in being in the right places are already so valuable offensively, receiving dish-offs for countless layups, but he also provided numerous second-chance opportunities to keep his team in it. 23 points and half of them were putbacks, deflating the defense.
2024 Kaleb Roope (NC Spartans)The mark of a good shooter heavily relies on their confidence, and Kaleb has no hesitation with getting his shot up. He torched the nets for 6 threes and they were all deep, like volleyball line range. Hands up to contest were no problem with his length and quick trigger, and you just knew when the shot was going up with his automatic set up into it, he’s one you can’t lose defensively. He’ll be making his presence felt this spring and next season with what I know is a talented young squad at Atkins.
2024 David Gray (NC Spartans)Something to be said for point guards that play balanced off two feet. David is a natural playmaker that will set the pace as the motor for this offense this spring. The lefty is able to change direction well and escape trouble with a quick handle, shields off defenders as well to protect the ball as he changes speed getting to the basket. He’ll be making it a habit to set up Kaleb Roope for shots and get others involved while also getting his, and will be showing off the family athleticism over at East Forsyth with his brother Will.
2026 Kenan Dixon (Team HOPE)It’s not often that eighth-graders go for 30+ in a game, and when they do it’s something special. Kenan was seemingly everywhere on the court, flying around making plays both for himself and others. He really showed an all around game scoring it from all over, getting steals and leading in transition, finishing at the basket and he also found his stroke hitting 5 threes to lead the offense of a well-oiled machine in a dominant opening win.