6’4 ’24 Jordan Patton (Chambers)
It’s genuinely shocking that Patton hasn’t collected more offers as a versatile, well-rounded wing/forward who consistently produces. He checks all the boxes between size, skill, athleticism, and ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Patton can do everything offensively. Whether creating, playmaking, scoring, or operating without the ball, he’s truly able to adapt to whatever is needed. He’s able to defend multiple positions and consistently outwork opponents on the glass. Patton affects all facets of the game while standing out as a matchup problem for the opposition. Scholarship-level programs should be involved.
6’2 ’24 Coleman Lawhon (Davie County)
There are a lot of guys who are overlooked or underappreciated for no real reason, and it feels like Lawhon is one of those guys. He’s a smart, smooth, team-oriented guard with the ability to reliably run a team and set the tone on both ends of the floor. Lawhon is a lethal shooter, polished creator, and willing playmaker with an understanding of how to consistently access quality looks for himself and others. He’s also a useful defender with toughness and a high motor, which he utilizes to regularly make hustle plays and do the dirty work.
6’5 ’24 Javier Ortiz (Jordan)
Given everything he provides to this group as a glue-guy, Ortiz is someone who should appeal to various coaches at the next level. Between his motor, leadership, and two-way versatility, he does a great job of consistently affecting all facets of the game. Ortiz is a quality athlete with length, toughness, and the ability to produce in various different roles. He can initiate the offense or play without the ball. Ortiz is a useful cutter, active defender, and willing playmaker. He does a healthy amount of everything on the court.
6’7 ’25 Julian Johnson (Lake Norman Charter)
Although just a junior, it feels like schools should start getting involved with Johnson. At 6-foot-7, he’s a very steady, straightforward big man with feel, touch, and two-way instincts. Johnson does a ton of things well, but his understanding of how to be a big man is a massive part of what makes him so reliable. While it seems most guys over 6-foot-6 want to consider themselves as a “big guard,” Johnson actually identifies as a big man. He anchors the paint well defensively, controls the glass, and runs the two-man game exceptionally well.
6’6 ’25 Addison Newkirk (Greensboro Day)
Between everything he showcased last year, one should expect Newkirk to thrive in an expanded leadership role for the Bengals. He’s an incredibly smart, versatile wing/forward with an all-around skillset and a unique level of unselfishness. As someone who truly doesn’t care much about scoring (yet can apply constant pressure), Newkirk is basically an anomaly in the current high school landscape. He makes the right play with incredible consistency on both ends of the floor. Newkirk is always engaged as a defender, rebounder, and playmaker. He’s the first guy diving on the floor, making the extra pass, or positioning himself to take a charge. Newkirk is simply a winning player, and hopefully college coaches will become wise to this sooner than later.