Team 7
Coach: Austin Collins
#7: 5’9 ’25 Nikayle Hodge (Westminster Catawba)
Starting things off, we look at a player who did a variety of things well despite being the smallest camper on this team, Nikayle Hodge. He’s a smart, unselfish point guard prospect with great balance between scoring and playmaking. Hodge utilizes his tight handle and quick first step to break down opponents, touch the paint, and set up others. He’s a capable perimeter shooter and solid finisher for his size. Hodge is a scrappy defender at the point of attack who does a nice job of containing his assignment and forcing turnovers. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would allow him to become a more physical player. Coach Collins on Hodge: “Nikayle plays with good control and great pace. He can drive and kick very well. Knows how to lead his team on both ends of the floor.” Hodge enjoyed a quality showing at camp and should be a key piece for Westminster Catawba over these next two seasons.
#10: 5’10 ’26 RJ Brown (Lancaster)
Next, we look at a player who made a lasting impression through his intense, tenacious approach to the game, RJ Brown. He’s a smart, tough, team-oriented guard prospect who knows how to consistently outwork opponents on both ends of the floor. Brown possesses a well-rounded skillset with the ability to knock down shots, attack the basket, and create for himself and others off the bounce. He’s comfortable operating as the primary creator, but can also apply scoring pressure as an off-ball threat. On the other end, Brown is an incredibly rugged defender who naturally causes problems for his assignment. He mirrors opposing ball-handlers, forces turnovers, and pushes transition play with regularity. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more reliable spot-up threat. Coach Collins on Brown: “RJ is a ball-hawk and lockdown defender. He’s very quick and can play with great control. RJ is also very coachable.” Brown proved to be an asset at camp and should be a focal point for Lancaster over the coming years.
#23: 6’1 ’26 Caden Coleman (Hillcrest)
Moving onto a player who did an excellent job of making his presence felt on both ends of the floor, Caden Coleman. He’s a smart, tough, unselfish guard prospect with strength and a nonstop motor. Coleman displayed the ability to penetrate, set up others, and knock down jumpers within the flow of the action. He finishes extremely well through contact and draws fouls at a quality rate. Coleman is a terrific all-around defender who disrupts opponents with his combination of activity and athleticism. Next in his development process is working on his shooting consistency off the dribble, as it would make him more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Collins on Coleman: “Caden is a very athletic player who can get to the rim with ease. He can knock down shots when open, both from midrange and beyond the arc, and knows when to make the extra pass. Caden plays defense and listens well to coaching. He also does a great job of causing problems for the opposing defense.” Coleman made a strong impact at camp and should be a key piece for Hillcrest over the foreseeable future.
#26: 6’1 ’25 Eyan Byrd (Legion Collegiate)
Continuing onto a player who stood out through his consistency as a perimeter shooter, Eyan Byrd. He’s a smooth, unselfish guard prospect with solid creation skills and a reliable spot-up presence from beyond the arc. Byrd can initiate the offense and set up others at a useful rate, but is arguably at his best when operating without the ball. He displays great quickness, which allows him to attack closeouts and effectively defend the point of attack. Byrd shows a willingness to rebound and make hustle plays whenever possible. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Collins on Byrd: “I need Eyan to shoot with confidence. When he does, he is automatic from beyond the arc. He plays good defense and has the upside to be a great shooter. Eyan also has a good attitude and accepts coaching well.” Byrd highlighted a lot of flashes at camp and should be a difference-maker for Legion Collegiate over these next two seasons.
#39: 6’2 ’25 Jaiden Haltiwanger (Hammond)
Next, we look at a player who did an excellent job of actively filling in the gaps on both ends of the floor, Jaiden Haltiwanger. He’s a tough, well-rounded guard prospect who possesses the ability to affect all facets of the game. Haltiwanger is a nice creator and useful scorer from all levels, but doesn’t require the ball to make an impact. He’s a great defender and strong two-way rebounder for his size/position. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find even more scoring opportunities as a cutter. Coach Collins on Haltiwanger: “Even though Jaiden is young, he understands a lot about the game. He knows how to push the ball with good pace; I would just like to see him keep his head up more on fast-break situations to see open teammates. He’s athletic and can score in several different ways. Loved his attitude and willingness to accept coaching.” Haltiwanger enjoyed a quality showing at camp and should be a leader for Hammond going forward.
#42: 6’2 ’24 Justin Ray (Eastside)
Moving onto a player who easily stood out as one of the top performers on this team, Justin Ray. He’s a smart, skilled, athletic guard prospect with the ability to outwork his assignment and produce in various different roles. Ray is a reliable creator, both for himself and others, who can set up his teammates, attack the rim, and convert clean looks off the bounce. He shoots the ball well from the perimeter, but does a nice job of consistently getting downhill and making plays. Ray contains his assignment well defensively, forces turnovers on a consistent basis, and thrives in transition. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would open him up to even more scoring chances. Coach Collins on Ray: “Justin has an all-around game. I am definitely a fan after watching him today. He’s a great athlete who can pass, dribble, and shoot. Consistently stood out as one of the best players on the floor.” Ray made a lasting impression at camp and should be a target for various college coaches over the coming months.
#55: 6’3 ’25 TJ Lewis (Blythewood)
Continuing onto a player who displayed a steady, reliable presence on both ends of the floor, TJ Lewis. He’s a smart, team-oriented guard prospect with a polished skillset and incredibly calm demeanor. Lewis displayed the ability to score at an efficient rate from all levels, but was arguably at his best when hitting jumpers and applying pressure as a spot-up threat. He’s a willing passer who sets up others whenever possible and asserts himself within the flow of the action. Lewis is a great defender with the necessary motor, toughness, and instincts to contain his assignment. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would allow him to become a more physically imposing player. Coach Collins on Lewis: “TJ is a very quiet kid but can get hot and shoot the lights out, point blank. He’s a really good defender. TJ Is a good kid; I would just like to see him become more vocal on the court.” Lewis enjoyed a quality showing at camp and should be a key piece for Blythewood going forward.
#58: 6’4 ’24 Cooper Wiley (AC Flora)
Next, we look at a player who seemingly got to the rim whenever he desired, Cooper Wiley. He’s a smart, skilled, athletic wing prospect with a strong frame and well-rounded identity. Wiley showed the ability to do everything offensively, from hitting jumpers to creating for himself and others, but was arguably at his best when getting downhill and attacking the basket. Wiley is an excellent penetrator and phenomenal finisher who plays very well through contact. On the other end, he’s able to outwork and physically overwhelm opponents as an all-around defender. Wiley forces turnovers and pushes the break well in transition. He’s also a quality rebounder. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find more scoring chances as a cutter. Coach Collins on Wiley: “Cooper is a solid lefty that can get to the rim with ease. He reminds me of a James Harden-type when he drives to the cup or pulls from deep. Love his skillset and defense.” Wiley proved to be an asset at camp and should be a target for college coaches over the coming months.
#74: 6’7 ’24 Darius Carr (Carolina Forest)
Finishing up, we look at a player who did an exceptional job of operating as the main interior piece for this team, Darius Carr. He’s a long, tough, athletic forward/post prospect with a strong frame and high motor. Carr is a phenomenal two-way rebounder who simply knows how to outwork opponents and position himself for success. He carves out space very well around the basket to secure post position and apply scoring pressure on the block. Carr is a capable perimeter shooter, but plays to his strengths and mainly looks to do his work around the paint—where he finishes seemingly everything he attempts. He also alters/blocks shots well defensively. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him even better when switching onto smaller guards. Coach Collins on Carr: “Darius is a strong kid who finishes at the rim with ease. Coachable. Rebounds the ball really well at 6-foot-7. Plays great post defense as well. Darius has a bright future.” Carr did a lot of things well at camp and should be a target for various college coaches over the coming months.