Team 4
Coach: Fred Cannon
#28: 5’2 ’28 Aaron Jessup (Raleigh)
Starting things off, we look at a player who consistently found ways to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Aaron Jessup. He’s a young, smart, scrappy guard prospect with excellent defensive instincts and a well-rounded offensive skillset. Jessup creates well for himself and others, scores from all levels, and is capable of playing without the ball in his hands. Defensively, he utilizes his motor and quickness to cause a variety of problems for opposing ball-handlers. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Cannon on Jessup: “Aaron’s on-ball defense is impressive for a young player. He shoots the ball consistently and has the mental makeup of a good point guard at the high school level. Aaron needs to continue investing in strength/conditioning and work on developing his off-hand (passing, finishing).” Jessup proved to be an asset at camp and will be a prospect to watch going forward.
#29: 5’2 ’29 Logan Warren (Winston-Salem)
Next, we look at a player who made his presence felt despite being the youngest camper on this team, Logan Warren. He’s a scrappy, unselfish, high-motor guard prospect with terrific IQ and a well-rounded skillset. Warren’s ability to do a little bit of everything makes him adaptable and able to produce in various different roles. He shoots the ball at a high percentage, creates well off the dribble, and contains his assignment defensively. Warren also rebounds effectively, especially for a player of his size. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher. Coach Cannon on Warren: “Logan has a high basketball IQ and no glaring weaknesses. He can improve his conditioning and overall aggression as an on-ball defender. Logan did not look out of place playing with high school kids.” Warren enjoyed a quality showing at camp and should be poised for a productive seventh-grade season.
#44: 5’8 ’27 Christian Miranda (Jay M. Robinson)
Moving onto a player who effortlessly touched the paint and applied nonstop downhill pressure, Christian Miranda. He’s a smart, quick, heady guard prospect with a high motor and team-first mentality. Miranda displays a crafty handle and sharp first step, which allows him to reliably break down opponents and finish or set up others. That being said, he also knocked down numerous jumpers and found opportunities as an off-ball threat. Miranda stood out as an active on-ball defender and useful rebounder for his size/position. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Cannon on Miranda: “Christian gets paint touches easily. He finishes around the rim at a high level and plays through contact. Knows how to speed the other team’s guards up without forcing the action. Christian can work on becoming more consistent from outside in order to create driving lanes.” Miranda did a lot of things well during his time at camp and should be able to carve out a role for Jay M. Robinson over the coming years.
#49: 5’9 ’27 Corbin Krider (East Rowan)
Continuing onto a player who seemed to improve throughout the course of the day, Corbin Krider. He’s a wiry, unselfish, high-motor guard prospect with a quick first step and useful penetration sense. Krider handles the ball well, finishes through contact, and is capable of knocking down perimeter jumpers at a solid clip. He provides a scrappy defensive presence, both on and off-ball. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Cannon on Krider: “When asked to become more aggressive off the bounce, Corbin got to the rim with ease. He needs to become more physical/aggressive without being prompted. Corbin does a great job of identifying weaknesses within the opposition. As the camp progressed, he become more comfortable in his all-around game.” Krider enjoyed a strong showing at camp and will be a prospect to watch emerge for East Rowan going forward.
#61: 5’10 ’27 Brayden Gatling (Southwest Guilford)
Next, we look at a player who arguably stood out as the top performer on this team, Brayden Gatling. He’s a smart, tough, all-around guard prospect with an excellent combination of size, athleticism, and overall instincts. Gatling is a poised creator and polished scorer who understands how to manipulate defenses, generate clean looks for himself and others, and apply pressure from all three levels. He finishes extremely well around the basket and hits jumpers at a high percentage, but still looks to get others involved whenever possible. Gatling is a rugged defender with the tools to consistently force turnovers and push the break in transition. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Cannon on Gatling: “Brayden is an above-average athlete who uses his athleticism to be a disruptive force on defense and get paint touches as a penetrator. He plays with great pace and physicality. Brayden shoots the midrange jumper at a high percentage and shows great leadership to be a young player. Working on three-point shooting will be the next step in his growth.” Gatling shined during his time at camp and could be a notable piece for Southwest Guilford over the coming years.
#62: 5’10 ’27 Juel Tillery (Wake Forest)
Moving onto a player who really excelled through his transition presence, Juel Tillery. He’s a smart, unselfish guard prospect with a wiry frame and a natural understanding of how to fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Tillery is a useful creator, both for himself and others, and is able to score from all levels. He provides an active presence as a defender and rebounder. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more lethal off-ball threat. Coach Cannon on Tillery: “Juel is an elite transition scorer who can finish with both hands. He’s a capable shooter from beyond the arc but needs to improve his consistency. His on-ball defense is good but Juel needs to become more vocal and put more effort into fighting over ball screens. Work on having an increased emphasis on making plays for others.” Tillery did a lot of things well at camp and should emerge as a useful piece for Wake Forest sooner than later.
#77: 6’0 ’27 Isaiah Thomas (Catawba Ridge)
Continuing onto a player who highlighted a variety of intriguing flashes during his time at camp, Isaiah Thomas. He’s a long, wiry, team-oriented guard prospect with a high motor and willingness to do the dirty work. Thomas plays hard, moves without the ball, and rebounds effectively on both ends of the floor. He defends his assignment well and understands how to fills in the gaps offensively. Next in his development process is working to become a better ball-handler, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Cannon on Thomas: “Isaiah plays with physicality. He can be a great offensive rebounder when locked in. Finishes well around the basket without contact and shows flashes of being able to push the ball in transition. At his size, he needs to become more perimeter oriented.” Thomas enjoyed a solid showing at camp and will be one to watch progress going forward.
#102: 6’2 ’27 Blake Shive (East Rowan)
Next, we look at a player who showcased a solid crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Blake Shive. He’s a wiry, energetic forward prospect with solid length and a wiry frame. Shive understands how to make plays within the flow of the team structure, showing the ability to move without the ball, hit jumpers, and finish around the basket. He battles hard defensively and makes his presence consistently felt on the glass. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make hm a more complete player. Coach Cannon on Shive: “Blake showed the ability to be a high-volume rebounder on both ends of the floor. Displayed signs of sneaky athleticism and a good first step. He’s a tweener at the moment, so increasing perimeter ability will be the next step in Blake’s development. I would like to see him work on moving without the ball.” Shive made a useful impact at camp and will be one to keep an eye as he continues to progress.
#111: 6’2 ’27 Dre Cherry Jr. (Salisbury)
Moving onto a player who arguably stood out as one of the more intriguing campers in this age division, Dre Cherry Jr. He’s a smart, skilled, athletic wing prospect with the tools to impact all facets of the game. Cherry can create, score from all levels, and set up others. He’s a quality defender and rebounder, especially for his size and position, and forces turnovers at a healthy rate. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would allow him to become a better creator and finisher. Coach Cannon on Cherry: “Dre has moments of greatness and then can fall out of the action for various stretches. Improving his conditioning will help eliminate this issue. Dre showed versatility in his ability to guard multiple positions, making him valuable to any team. When playing in space, Dre gets to the rim and finishes strong. He also has the ability to knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers with range from beyond the arc.” Cherry proved to be a difference-maker at camp and should be a useful piece for Salisbury over the coming years.
#155: 6’0 ’27 Reuri Hernandez (Leesville Road)
Finishing up, we look at a player who stood out as a quality teammate throughout the day, Reuri Hernandez. He’s a big, strong-bodied post prospect with an active motor and unselfish mentality on both ends of the floor. Hernandez utilizes his frame to carve out position, both as a scorer and rebounder, and doesn’t shy away from physical play. Next in his development process is working on his conditioning, as it will allow him to play even harder and compete for extended stretches. Coach Cannon on Hernandez: “Reuri is a willing facilitator and good screen-setter, but currently lacks the conditioning to perform over extended minutes. He’s very coachable and merely needs more playing experience. Reuri has great hands when the ball is in his area. Displays the ability to cause mismatches when establishing low-post position.” Hernandez made his presence felt during his time at camp and will be a prospect to monitor going forward, especially if he continues to work.