2024 6’7 Josh Randolph (The Burlington School): It was a good day overall for The Burlington School but I really liked the presence and impact that Randolph presented on the court. The 6’7 long prospect was able to show a little bit of everything; his ability to play multiple positions, helping out on the boards, his ability to push in transition, and his confidence from outside with range. That doesn’t even mention his length in finishing at the basket. Good showing from the junior prospect.
2025 6’3 Kenny Vera (Northwood Temple): Vera is a player that continues to progress and make a name for himself for Northwood Temple. He is a physically strong and active guard that shows the ability to help run the show and make plays, get downhill and finish around the basket, and also embrace contact and find ways to get to the line. He was the most consistent threat for his team on Day 1.
2023 Markquan Gilbert (Ben L. Smith): Gilbert came on strong early and continued to find success on the floor. He played with a ton of energy, was strong on the court, was able to penetrate and get inside the paint to score, but also make opponents pay with his jumper. Loved his hustle and motor on both ends, as he brings a physical feel to the court and made good decisions in scoring and facilitating.
2024 Laithan Akins (Atkins): The junior guard had a solid showing in this game, helping lead the way offensively with his ability to score in transition but also hit shots from outside. He mixed it up well on the court scoring, and was probably the most consistent offensive threat on Day 1 for his team.
2025 Carlos Neely (Ben L. Smith): I liked what I saw out of the 2025 sophomore guard, as he has a nice feel for the game. He was able to get downhill and create, finished well around the basket with a smooth feel, and also be a multi-level scorer. Should be a nice piece for this program down the road as he continues to build on his game. Made a nice impact on both ends for his team.
2024 Sean Birmingham (Cannon): Birmingham was the difference in the game on Day 1 between Cannon and Northwood. The 6’8 forward was absolutely lighting it up from all over the court. His ability to pick and pop, being a threat from three as well as his dribble pull-up, Birmingham was scoring with a ton of confidence and showing what he has shown since entering North Carolina. His recruitment should see his stock rise.
2024 Drake Powell (Northwood): Powell continues to show why he is one of the top players in the country; he does a little bit of everything at a high level. Powell uses his length and size extremely well on both ends, finding ways to create and score at the basket, knock down shots from all levels, showcase his IQ and feel at an elite level, and is a difference-maker defensively. There is just so much to like about his game.
2025 Isaiah Henry (Cannon): Henry simply continues to develop his overall game as a player; adding levels to his game, making good decisions, being a consistent threat from outside, showcasing his athleticism out in transition, and being that physical presence needed on the court. He mixes it up well and can hurt you in a variety of ways… and he is only a sophomore.
2023 Jakel Powell (Raleigh Christian): Powell was a difference-maker for his team, as he led the charge offensively. The 6’5 prospect did an excellent job in stretching the floor with his perimeter shooting, hitting multiple threes in rhythm and with confidence. Good release and range to his game; at his size and ability to knock down shots from outside, Powell is an intriguing prospect that could continue to earn more eyes late.
2024 Isaiah Sanders (HP Christian): Sanders led the charge for his team, doing a really good job in finding ways to create for himself, showcase his quick step to get by defenders, and be able to penetrate and score effectively. Sanders is a scrappy guard that makes plays off the dribble and shows his speed in the open floor.