By: DeAjai Dawkins
2025 6’5 D’arrae Goodwin (WV Gold 2025)
My favorite prospect of the evening, D’arrae Goodwin shows a ton of upside as a shot-making wing that can currently take on 3-5 defensive assignments as a rising sophomore. Toned frame with a bit of length, Goodwin shoots a smooth 3-ball both contested & uncontested. I believe Goodwin would be respected amongst the more coveted NC 2025 prospects if he lived here. Contrary to what people may think these articles are intended for, Goodwin needs to simply block out the noise, keep his head down and work. Positive results will yield.
6’6 2025 Alex Reese (WV Gold 2025)
Alex is a valuable interior piece for a team that boasts an array of perimeter talent. Reese’s current calling card(s) are his rebounding and ability to score off of dump passes. The forward has budding skill from both the interior, as well as the perimeter. I saw him knock down a catch and shoot perimeter jumper midway through the first half. If he incorporates pick and pop perimeter scoring into his arsenal, his value will continue to blossom. Takes up space in the paint, and makes use of his length when disrupting shots.
6’0 2025 Will Taylor (WV Gold 2025)
Will is a very sharp lead guard with a strong handle and impressive decision-making. The very first play I saw from Taylor was a mistimed pass, and he made up for the minor error by completely quarterbacking this team’s charge throughout the rest of the game. Taylor is confident and aware, keeping his head up and on a swivel in the open floor. Awareness and IQ extend to the defensive. Obvious varsity-level point guard now, which could start for a number of NC 4A public schools right now.
5’4 2026 Tristen Gordon (Carolina A&M)
Tristen is a quick, compact lead guard with a tight handle. Compensates for a lack of positional size with a relentless attitude and quick hands-on defense. Presents himself as one of, if not the most skilled player(s) on the floor. Playing against a loaded roster, Gordon made us of combinations to get downhill and delivers tough passes to open teammates off the drive. The Gastonia-native could learn valuable lessons at either level of high school ball entering his freshman season. If he ends up playing JV in year one, I anticipate productivity from the young guard.
6’2 2026 Marcel Gray (1 of 1 Elite).
Marcel is one of those players you see as a rising 9th grader and can’t help but anticipate positive things from. A positionally versatile player for this group, Marcel is a natural wing currently slotting between the wing and the forward spot. The lefty is comfortable hitting pull-ups from the midrange specifically, and already makes use of his size advantage against smaller guards on the low block. While neither jump off the page at the moment, solid length and lateral movement aid an already competent skillset. A player that could potentially spend all 4 years playing varsity basketball, if that’s the route his coach sees the best fit for him.
5’11 2026 Marquis Bryant (1 or 1 2026)
Arguably the best player in Friday evening’s contest, Marquis is a balanced scorer that plays at a comfortable pace for himself. Operated most comfortably finishing downhill in transition, Bryant plays at a unique pace, teetering between slow and game speed, even in the open floor. Finished with both hands, and often led the break in transition. Steady combo guard with a comfortable feel for the game, another guy that could potentially contribute all 4 years on varsity. All dependent on how his coach feels he’ll develop best in their program.
6’0 2027 Caden Jones (1 of 1 2026)
When I saw Jones’ game, I told one of my colleagues that he possessed solid high school level size for a young combo guard, with a complimenting game. To my surprise, Jones is only a rising 8th grader with a ton of room to develop both physically and mentally. He got to the rim well Friday evening, impacting the game both in transition, as well as making use of his length defensively. His middle school team has a talented, contributing leader that will transition finely into high school.