2026 Cameron Newman (Gaston Christian): Not sure what else there is to say about Newman’s game that already hasn’t been said; he is a young point guard that simply understands the game at a high level. Love his IQ and feel, he is tremendous in running the offense but also showing more of his ability to be an incredible offensive weapon. Has really flourished as a player and should be getting a ton of attention his way.
2027 Jacob Mills (Carson): Talk about shooting the cover off the ball to start his day, Mills was excellent in showing how much of a weapon he can be on the court with his ability to knock down shots from deep. He has an extremely confident shot, but also is one that constantly moves around, staying active, and playing hard on both ends. He should be a nice young piece to watch for Carson.
2026 Rivers Knight (Jordan): Knight is such an interesting young big man that should only continue to get better and better with his overall feel. He shows a little bit of everything as a rising big man, whether it is his comfort level in stepping out from behind the arc, showing touch around the basket, and being an effective rebounder.
2024 Makoi Mabor (Gaston Christian): I believe that he is a big man that deserves much more attention than he is getting. Mabor is just scratching the surface though of what he could ultimately be in the end, but you know that he will play hard, with a motor, remain active on the boards, and simply be a presence on both ends in the paint. But again, he will only get better and better with more experience and time.
2024 Xavier Johnson (Fayetteville Academy): Johnson continues to thrive and put pressure on the defense. He is strong and consistent, always seems to be attacking, making plays and putting pressure on the defense, and finding ways to get to the free-throw line. He creates second-chance opportunities for his team, has good athleticism, and can play multiple positions.
2025 KJ Younger (Weddington): Got a feeling that he is going to be more of a breakout player this year, as he starts to show more of what he can bring to the table. Younger’s ability to be that strong force for this team, finish through contact and make plays, and finds ways to help his team on both ends should only help his stock rise more this season as a junior.
2026 Rassell Young (Mallard Creek): It had been a little while since seeing Young in action, and he has had a terrific summer so far. But when you watch him on the court, you can see that he is a young man that fits the mold of what college coaches are looking for. He plays with a steady feel and pace, is a confident shooter from multiple levels from the floor, strong in getting downhill, and does a nice job of making unselfish plays for his teammates. Really like what I saw from the young man.
2024 Mason Mitchell (Northwestern): Mitchell continues to be a favorite of mine, and one that honestly goes a bit under the radar more than he should The 6’5 prospect just knows how to fill it up and just does so much on the court for his team, whether it is scoring from a variety of levels, bringing a ton of energy, and also doing the little things that his team needs on the floor such as be active defensively and on the boards.