Player of the Year
Collin Kuhl – Senior – Holly Springs
Kuhl ran away with this award after leading Holly Springs to the regional final and averaging 20.1p, 11.3r, 1.8a, and 1.3s while shooting 70%(!!!) from the field. The Georgia Southern commit is incredibly technically sound and athletic. His high motor and elite footwork make him a matchup nightmare in the post. Not a single opponent had an answer for him no matter what they tried and you can’t say that for anyone else in the county. He played better when the game was bigger, specifically dominating in the John Wall Holiday Invitational and in the playoffs. Had Wake Hoops been around a year ago this award would’ve gone to him then too.
Co-Defensive Players of the Year
Jake Hart – Senior – Fuquay-Varina
Hart led the county in steals and was able to shut down entire areas of the court.
“He has the best instincts and feel in the county and if you watch any Fuquay-Varina game from this season you can actually see him using hand fakes, head fakes, and jab steps on defense to trick opponents into making the wrong decision.”
Gabe Cerda – Senior – Millbrook
Cerda was 2nd in the county in steals and is known everywhere as an absolute nightmare to line up against.
“The senior point guard is a tenacious and aggressive on-ball defender that creates all sorts of havoc. His strength and physical style is a nightmare for opponents who aren’t both physically and mentally tough enough.”
6th Man of the Year
Liam O’Donnell – Senior – Green Level
O’Donnell is the epitome of a senior leader, providing value on and off the court as the 6th man for the Gators. He averaged 5.2p, 4.6r, 1.2a, and 0.8s this season.
“O’Donnell impacts winning as much as anyone on the young Gator roster. His senior leadership (along with his brother Braden’s) is truly some of the best in the county…He would start for probably 20+ teams in Wake County and his impact and high floor would help each and every program.”
Newcomer of the Year
Jayan Walker – Junior – Millbrook
Walker ran away with this award, being Millbrook’s top option for large stretches of the season. He averaged 17.2p, 6.6r, 1.3a, 1.8s, and 0.6b per game this season.
“Walker has been a top 3 transfer in NCHSAA basketball this season. He’s a 6’7” wing that has a great frame and the athleticism to match. His hands are huge and his body isn’t done filling out. He can create his own shot with ease and he’s extremely comfortable in the midrange and transition.”
Freshman of the Year
Aiden Smalls – Freshman – Cardinal Gibbons
Smalls was far and away the best frosh in Wake County this season and was one of the best in all of public school as well. He averaged 15.6p, 4.7r, 4.6a, and 2s per game on the season while leading Cardinal Gibbons to a CAP-6 regular season title and a playoff win.
“His efficiency was up and down but you can’t deny his raw numbers and impact. It’s so rare for any freshman to step into a varsity rotation on day one and it’s even rarer for a freshman to be the guy on a competitive team on day one. He led one of the most injury-riddled teams in the county to a regular season conference title and a second-round playoff berth.”
Breakout Player of the Year
Cash McSweeney – Sophomore – Cardinal Gibbons
McSweeney came on incredibly strong as the season progressed, seemingly getting better and more confident every week. He averaged 12.7p, 8.9r, 1.1a, 0.9s, and 0.8b per game, and his numbers improved seemingly week by week.
“His sophomore jump is probably the biggest of any 2025s in the county. He’s grown as a finisher and rim protector and his game will only expand as he matures. Cardinal Gibbons has as great a young core and McSweeney (along with Aiden Smalls) leads it.”
Coach of the Year
Roy Roberson – Sanderson
Coach Roberson has completely changed the way we think about new coaching hires. Sanderson wasn’t supposed to be good and outside of promising sophomore Nathan Fife, they didn’t have the talent, depth, or size to compete with the teams in their conference or even sniff the playoffs. Coach Roberson spun that on its head when he led the Spartans to a 2nd place finish in the CAP-6, helped develop Fife into a 1st Team All-Wake and CAP-6 POY level of player, and led Sanderson to a 19-8 record, a far cry from last season’s 7-17 record. Roberson is an elite coach and will consistently get more out of his roster than what seems feasible while at Sanderson.
1st Team All-Wake
Micah Jones – Senior – Holly Springs
Jones was a superstar in the playoffs which catapulted him onto our first team. He averaged 15.8p, 5.8a, 2.5r, and 1.4s per game on the season and led Holly Springs to the postseason number 1 ranking in Wake County. He missed a few weeks due to an ankle injury, which would make it nearly impossible for a player to make first-team all-county, but his elevated status during the Hawks final four run was more than enough to secure his spot on this team. He has the ability to completely take over games like very few people in the area can.
Awards: 1st Team All-SWAC, 1st Team All-Wake
Jake Hart – Senior – Fuquay-Varina
Hart led all of NC in triple-doubles and the county in assists and steals en route to winning GNRC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. He consistently dominated games from every possible angle and is arguably the best two-way guard in the county. He averaged 13p, 8.3r, 8.1a, 3.7s, and 0.9b per game on the season and shot 59% from inside the arc. His impact on winning and sheer production earn him a spot on this team.
Awards: 1st Team All-GNRC, GNRC Player of the Year, GNRC Defensive Player of the Year, GNRC All-Defensive Team, Wake Hoops Co-Defensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Wake
Nathan Fife – Sophomore – Sanderson
Fife was the most productive sophomore in the county and led Sanderson to arguably the biggest turnaround in 4A. He averaged 20.6p, 5.6r, 4.8a, and 2s per game on the season. Fife was absolutely everything to the Sanderson offense, being one of the very few heliocentric stars in the state. His ability to produce and win while carrying such a massive load was more than enough to earn him his spot on this team, not to mention winning CAP-6 POY and making the conference All-Defensive team. Only a sophomore, he should be one of the frontrunners for POY next season.
Awards: 1st Team All-CAP6, CAP6 Player of the Year, CAP6 All-Defensive Team, Wake Hoops 2nd Team All-Defense, 1st Team All-Wake
Colt Langdon – Sophomore – Millbrook
Langdon was second in the county in scoring (barely behind POY Collin Kuhl). He led Millbrook to a NAC regular season and tournament championship while scoring the 1,000th point of his career. Langdon won our NAC POY award and made this team thanks to his consistency and star power. He’s one of the smoothest scorers in the class and the shooting combination of volume and efficiency makes him unstoppable when matched up against the average public school team. Langdon should be the preseason POY in the county and next year’s award will be his to lose.
Awards: 1st Team All-NAC, NAC Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Wake
Collin Kuhl – Senior – Holly Springs
See Player of the Year.
Awards: 1st Team All-SWAC, SWAC Player of the Year, Wake Hoops Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Wake
2nd Team All-Wake
Chris Uwayo – Junior – Panther Creek
Uwayo had one of the most electric seasons of anyone, emerging as a legitimate superstar and being one of the most prolific scorers in the state. Uwayo averaged 18p, 2.5r, 3.5a, and 2s per game on the season while shooting 39% from three on 136 attempts.
“Uwayo is so hard to guard. He’s one of the best pure shot makers in the county and has really come on as a creator as well.”
Awards: 1st Team All-SWAC, 2nd Team All-Wake
Ryan Crotty – Junior – Holly Springs
Crotty is arguably the best shooter in the county, which combined with his 6’5” frame makes him a lethal matchup for opponents. He averaged 14.9p, 4.5r, 3.1a, and 1.1s per game while shooting over 40% from three.
“He consistently defended an opposing top option while running the second guard spot next to Micah Jones. His development has been extremely positive and he’ll enter next season as one of the top candidates for county POY.”
Awards: 1st Team All-SWAC, 2nd Team All-Wake
Jayan Walker – Junior – Millbrook
See Newcomer of the Year.
Awards: 1st Team All-NAC, NAC Newcomer of the Year, Wake Hoops Newcomer of the Year, 2nd Team All-Wake
Ethan Montague – Senior – Enloe
Montague has been grossly underrated all season. The 6’5” wing is one of the best scorers around and has the defensive upside to match. He averaged 20.5p, 6.5r, 1.5a, and 1.5s per game while shooting 41% from three on 117 attempts.
“At 6’5”, his ability to shoot and make tough shots is elite for a senior in high school. He shot 44% from three on 43 attempts in conference play. That’s great volume and even better efficiency. He’s the most talented player in the conference and one of the best seniors in the county.”
Awards: 1st Team All-CAP6, 2nd Team All-Wake
Sam Martin – Senior – Apex
Martin has been one of the most productive players in the county over the past four seasons and finished his career with arguably his best individual season yet. He averaged 17.1p, 9r, 2.3a, 1.2s, and 3b per game on the year while shooting 58% from the field and 33% from three.
“He was top five in the county in points and rebounds and was first in blocks by a large margin.”
Awards: 1st Team All-SWAC, SWAC All-Defensive Team, Wake Hoops 1st Team All-Defense, 2nd Team All-Wake
3rd Team All-Wake
Aiden Smalls – Freshman – Cardinal Gibbons
See Freshman of the Year.
Awards: 1st Team All-CAP6, CAP6 Freshman of the Year, Wake Hoops Freshman of the Year, Wake Hoops All-Freshman Team, 3rd Team All-Wake
Gabe Cerda – Senior – Millbrook
Cerda impacts winning as much as anyone in the state. The senior guard averaged 12.9p, 5.2r, 5.6a, and 3.1s per game on the season.
“Cerda is one of the most impactful players in the state, making winning plays on both ends with unmatched intensity.”
Awards: 1st Team All-NAC, NAC Defensive Player of the Year, NAC All-Defensive Team, Wake Hoops Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Wake Hoops 1st Team All-Defense, 3rd Team All-Wake
Jaevian Alston – Junior – Wake Forest
Alston is one of the most exciting players in the county, able to make big play after big play. The junior hybrid forward averaged 15.6p, 6.7r, 1.6a, 1s, and 1.5b per game on the season.
“He was a dominant inside-out presence for the Cougars this season, acting as their stretch big. He’s great at attacking closeouts and can even create his own shot off the bounce from time to time.”
Awards: 1st Team All-NAC, 3rd Team All-Wake
Cash McSweeney – Sophomore – Cardinal Gibbons
See Breakout Player of the Year.
Awards: 1st Team All-CAP6, CAP6 Breakout Player of the Year, CAP6 All-Defensive Team, Wake Hoops Breakout Player of the Year, 3rd Team All-Wake
Isaac Ericksen – Sophomore – Green Level
Ericksen has more potential than just about anyone in the county thanks to his size and skill combination. The 6’8” sophomore wing averaged 16.2p, 7.3r, 1.9a, 0.8s, and 0.7b per game on the season.
“He improved throughout the season and as his efficiency and handle continue to develop he will be one of the top prospects in the state.”
Awards: 2nd Team All-SWAC, 3rd Team All-Wake
1st Team All-Wake
Micah Jones – Senior – Holly Springs
Jones was a superstar in the playoffs which catapulted him onto our first team. He averaged 15.8p, 5.8a, 2.5r, and 1.4s per game on the season and led Holly Springs to the postseason number 1 ranking in Wake County. He missed a few weeks due to an ankle injury, which would make it nearly impossible for a player to make first-team all-county, but his elevated status during the Hawks final four run was more than enough to secure his spot on this team. He has the ability to completely take over games like very few people in the area can.
Awards: 1st Team All-SWAC, 1st Team All-Wake
Jake Hart – Senior – Fuquay-Varina
Hart led all of NC in triple-doubles and the county in assists and steals en route to winning GNRC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. He consistently dominated games from every possible angle and is arguably the best two-way guard in the county. He averaged 13p, 8.3r, 8.1a, 3.7s, and 0.9b per game on the season and shot 59% from inside the arc. His impact on winning and sheer production earn him a spot on this team.
Awards: 1st Team All-GNRC, GNRC Player of the Year, GNRC Defensive Player of the Year, GNRC All-Defensive Team, Wake Hoops Co-Defensive Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Wake
Nathan Fife – Sophomore – Sanderson
Fife was the most productive sophomore in the county and led Sanderson to arguably the biggest turnaround in 4A. He averaged 20.6p, 5.6r, 4.8a, and 2s per game on the season. Fife was absolutely everything to the Sanderson offense, being one of the very few heliocentric stars in the state. His ability to produce and win while carrying such a massive load was more than enough to earn him his spot on this team, not to mention winning CAP-6 POY and making the conference All-Defensive team. Only a sophomore, he should be one of the frontrunners for POY next season.
Awards: 1st Team All-CAP6, CAP6 Player of the Year, CAP6 All-Defensive Team, Wake Hoops 2nd Team All-Defense, 1st Team All-Wake
Colt Langdon – Sophomore – Millbrook
Langdon was second in the county in scoring (barely behind POY Collin Kuhl). He led Millbrook to a NAC regular season and tournament championship while scoring the 1,000th point of his career. Langdon won our NAC POY award and made this team thanks to his consistency and star power. He’s one of the smoothest scorers in the class and the shooting combination of volume and efficiency makes him unstoppable when matched up against the average public school team. Langdon should be the preseason POY in the county and next year’s award will be his to lose.
Awards: 1st Team All-NAC, NAC Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Wake
Collin Kuhl – Senior – Holly Springs
See Player of the Year.
Awards: 1st Team All-SWAC, SWAC Player of the Year, Wake Hoops Player of the Year, 1st Team All-Wake
2nd Team All-Wake
Chris Uwayo – Junior – Panther Creek
Uwayo had one of the most electric seasons of anyone, emerging as a legitimate superstar and being one of the most prolific scorers in the state. Uwayo averaged 18p, 2.5r, 3.5a, and 2s per game on the season while shooting 39% from three on 136 attempts.
“Uwayo is so hard to guard. He’s one of the best pure shot makers in the county and has really come on as a creator as well.”
Awards: 1st Team All-SWAC, 2nd Team All-Wake
Ryan Crotty – Junior – Holly Springs
Crotty is arguably the best shooter in the county, which combined with his 6’5” frame makes him a lethal matchup for opponents. He averaged 14.9p, 4.5r, 3.1a, and 1.1s per game while shooting over 40% from three.
“He consistently defended an opposing top option while running the second guard spot next to Micah Jones. His development has been extremely positive and he’ll enter next season as one of the top candidates for county POY.”
Awards: 1st Team All-SWAC, 2nd Team All-Wake
Jayan Walker – Junior – Millbrook
See Newcomer of the Year.
Awards: 1st Team All-NAC, NAC Newcomer of the Year, Wake Hoops Newcomer of the Year, 2nd Team All-Wake
Ethan Montague – Senior – Enloe
Montague has been grossly underrated all season. The 6’5” wing is one of the best scorers around and has the defensive upside to match. He averaged 20.5p, 6.5r, 1.5a, and 1.5s per game while shooting 41% from three on 117 attempts.
“At 6’5”, his ability to shoot and make tough shots is elite for a senior in high school. He shot 44% from three on 43 attempts in conference play. That’s great volume and even better efficiency. He’s the most talented player in the conference and one of the best seniors in the county.”
Awards: 1st Team All-CAP6, 2nd Team All-Wake
Sam Martin – Senior – Apex
Martin has been one of the most productive players in the county over the past four seasons and finished his career with arguably his best individual season yet. He averaged 17.1p, 9r, 2.3a, 1.2s, and 3b per game on the year while shooting 58% from the field and 33% from three.
“He was top five in the county in points and rebounds and was first in blocks by a large margin.”
Awards: 1st Team All-SWAC, SWAC All-Defensive Team, Wake Hoops 1st Team All-Defense, 2nd Team All-Wake
3rd Team All-Wake
Aiden Smalls – Freshman – Cardinal Gibbons
See Freshman of the Year.
Awards: 1st Team All-CAP6, CAP6 Freshman of the Year, Wake Hoops Freshman of the Year, Wake Hoops All-Freshman Team, 3rd Team All-Wake
Gabe Cerda – Senior – Millbrook
Cerda impacts winning as much as anyone in the state. The senior guard averaged 12.9p, 5.2r, 5.6a, and 3.1s per game on the season.
“Cerda is one of the most impactful players in the state, making winning plays on both ends with unmatched intensity.”
Awards: 1st Team All-NAC, NAC Defensive Player of the Year, NAC All-Defensive Team, Wake Hoops Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Wake Hoops 1st Team All-Defense, 3rd Team All-Wake
Jaevian Alston – Junior – Wake Forest
Alston is one of the most exciting players in the county, able to make big play after big play. The junior hybrid forward averaged 15.6p, 6.7r, 1.6a, 1s, and 1.5b per game on the season.
“He was a dominant inside-out presence for the Cougars this season, acting as their stretch big. He’s great at attacking closeouts and can even create his own shot off the bounce from time to time.”
Awards: 1st Team All-NAC, 3rd Team All-Wake
Cash McSweeney – Sophomore – Cardinal Gibbons
See Breakout Player of the Year.
Awards: 1st Team All-CAP6, CAP6 Breakout Player of the Year, CAP6 All-Defensive Team, Wake Hoops Breakout Player of the Year, 3rd Team All-Wake
Isaac Ericksen – Sophomore – Green Level
Ericksen has more potential than just about anyone in the county thanks to his size and skill combination. The 6’8” sophomore wing averaged 16.2p, 7.3r, 1.9a, 0.8s, and 0.7b per game on the season.
“He improved throughout the season and as his efficiency and handle continue to develop he will be one of the top prospects in the state.”
Awards: 2nd Team All-SWAC, 3rd Team All-Wake
Wake County All-Defensive First Team
Jake Hart – Senior – Fuquay-Varina
See Defensive Player of the Year.
Gabe Cerda – Senior – Millbrook
See Defensive Player of the Year.
Houston Wills – Senior – Holly Springs
Our SWAC DPOY, Wills was the key to one of the best and most aggressive defenses in the county.
“Wills is one of the most versatile defenders in the county, creating havoc and snuffing out advantages in all of the (many) roles that Coach Hepp and his staff play him in. He can guard on the perimeter, in the post, in passing lanes, and as a weakside ‘free safety’.”
Gift Moses – Junior – Enloe
Our CAP-6 DPOY, Moses is one of the best pure rim protectors in the county and is growing as a perimeter threat.
“He finished top 10 in the county in rebounds per game and top 3 in blocks per game. He’s 6’6” with great length and instincts. His ability to alter shots at the rim, whether they were blocks or contests, was a big reason why Enloe finished third in the conference in points allowed.”
Sam Martin – Senior – Apex
Our SWAC DPOY runner-up, Martin led the county in blocks for a second straight year.
“Opposing guards and bigs alike have to consistently change their shot angles and find creative ways to use their bodies just to get a clean look off. He rarely falls for fakes and is great at not fouling.”
Wake County All-Defensive Second Team
Nathan Fife – Sophomore – Sanderson
A member of our CAP-6 All-Defensive team, Fife is one of the craftiest defensive guards around, averaging 2 steals per game on the season.
“The best passers tend to be sound defenders and this is a prime example. Fife is extremely savvy on and off the ball, baiting opponents into bad passes or into on-ball turnovers (travels and double-dribbles).”
Dashaun Grant – Senior – Wake Forest
A member of our NAC All-Defensive team, Grant is one of the most rugged defenders in the county.
“He’s one of the best at keeping his man in front of him and rarely gets beat off the dribble. Grant consistently wins 50/50 balls and excels at disrupting his opponent’s rhythm with his dominance on the defensive end,”
Khaim Taylor – Junior – Knightdale
A member of our NAC All-Defensive team, Taylor is a versatile guard that led the NAC in blocks while collecting over 3 stocks per game.
“Taylor was a rare 3+ stocks per game guy while averaging over 1.5s and 1.5b per game in conference play. That type of versatility and havoc creation cannot be overlooked. He’s got good length for his position and the athleticism and instincts are obviously there given the counting stats.”
Nigel Lucas – Senior – Wake Forest
A member of our NAC All-Defensive team, Lucas dominated games with his constant pressure on and off the ball.
“Lucas is one of the most well-rounded defenders in the county, which is a fitting statement for a D1 football player. He’s one of the most impressive players in the county as far as strength, speed, and athleticism are concerned. Lucas is an elite-level ball hawk and one of the very best on and off-ball defenders around.”
Caleb Surgers – Senior – Panther Creek
A member of our SWAC All-Defensive team, Surgers’ calling card is his versatile rim protection.
“Surgers has elite instincts around the rim that allows him to alter shots and rack up defensive rebounds. His ability to disrupt angles and force opponents to shoot around him is something that is incredibly underrated and usually goes unseen.”
Wake County All-Defensive First Team
Jake Hart – Senior – Fuquay-Varina
See Defensive Player of the Year.
Gabe Cerda – Senior – Millbrook
See Defensive Player of the Year.
Houston Wills – Senior – Holly Springs
Our SWAC DPOY, Wills was the key to one of the best and most aggressive defenses in the county.
“Wills is one of the most versatile defenders in the county, creating havoc and snuffing out advantages in all of the (many) roles that Coach Hepp and his staff play him in. He can guard on the perimeter, in the post, in passing lanes, and as a weakside ‘free safety’.”
Gift Moses – Junior – Enloe
Our CAP-6 DPOY, Moses is one of the best pure rim protectors in the county and is growing as a perimeter threat.
“He finished top 10 in the county in rebounds per game and top 3 in blocks per game. He’s 6’6” with great length and instincts. His ability to alter shots at the rim, whether they were blocks or contests, was a big reason why Enloe finished third in the conference in points allowed.”
Sam Martin – Senior – Apex
Our SWAC DPOY runner-up, Martin led the county in blocks for a second straight year.
“Opposing guards and bigs alike have to consistently change their shot angles and find creative ways to use their bodies just to get a clean look off. He rarely falls for fakes and is great at not fouling.”
Wake County All-Defensive Second Team
Nathan Fife – Sophomore – Sanderson
A member of our CAP-6 All-Defensive team, Fife is one of the craftiest defensive guards around, averaging 2 steals per game on the season.
“The best passers tend to be sound defenders and this is a prime example. Fife is extremely savvy on and off the ball, baiting opponents into bad passes or into on-ball turnovers (travels and double-dribbles).”
Dashaun Grant – Senior – Wake Forest
A member of our NAC All-Defensive team, Grant is one of the most rugged defenders in the county.
“He’s one of the best at keeping his man in front of him and rarely gets beat off the dribble. Grant consistently wins 50/50 balls and excels at disrupting his opponent’s rhythm with his dominance on the defensive end,”
Khaim Taylor – Junior – Knightdale
A member of our NAC All-Defensive team, Taylor is a versatile guard that led the NAC in blocks while collecting over 3 stocks per game.
“Taylor was a rare 3+ stocks per game guy while averaging over 1.5s and 1.5b per game in conference play. That type of versatility and havoc creation cannot be overlooked. He’s got good length for his position and the athleticism and instincts are obviously there given the counting stats.”
Nigel Lucas – Senior – Wake Forest
A member of our NAC All-Defensive team, Lucas dominated games with his constant pressure on and off the ball.
“Lucas is one of the most well-rounded defenders in the county, which is a fitting statement for a D1 football player. He’s one of the most impressive players in the county as far as strength, speed, and athleticism are concerned. Lucas is an elite-level ball hawk and one of the very best on and off-ball defenders around.”
Caleb Surgers – Senior – Panther Creek
A member of our SWAC All-Defensive team, Surgers’ calling card is his versatile rim protection.
“Surgers has elite instincts around the rim that allows him to alter shots and rack up defensive rebounds. His ability to disrupt angles and force opponents to shoot around him is something that is incredibly underrated and usually goes unseen.”