Team 16
Coach: Kelvin Mills
#12: 5’9 ’28 Josh Caldwell (West Forsyth)
Starting off, we look at a player who did a lot of things well despite being the smallest camper on this team, Josh Caldwell. He’s a smart, scrappy guard prospect with a well-rounded skillset and unselfish approach to the game. Caldwell handles the ball well and effectively creates for himself and others. He’s a useful scorer from all levels, but understands how to dictate the action as a playmaker. Caldwell utilizes his quickness and physicality to stand out defensively. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Mills on Caldwell: “Josh had a very impressive camp. He displayed a high basketball IQ combined with a natural instinct as a playmaker. Josh is a versatile player who can produce from either guard spot. He possesses a distinct ability to score the ball. His toughness and athleticism allow him to play good on-ball defense. He has good footwork and a quick first step. He also uses ball screens correctly. Josh is advanced for his age. Needs to work on his off-hand.” Caldwell enjoyed a solid showing at camp and will be a prospect to monitor at West Forsyth over the coming years.
#13: 5’10 ’28 Makhai Manning (Chapel Hill)
Next, we look at a player who offered a steady presence on both ends of the floor, Makhai Manning. He’s a tough, unselfish guard prospect with a high motor and scrappy approach to the game. Manning displayed the ability to mix it up as a scorer from all levels, but also set up others at a solid rate. He’s a great defender whose quickness and nonstop effort allow him to reliably contain his assignment. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Mills on Manning: “Makhai has a high basketball IQ. At 5-foot-10, he plays like a 6-foot-3 power forward. He rebounds well for his position and has a physical frame. He plays good on-ball defense and consistently contains his assignment in transition. He is smart with the ball, sees the floor, and makes the right pass more often than not. He was among the best campers at moving without the ball. As he grows, he will need to work on having better shot selection.” Manning did a variety of things well during camp and should be able to emerge as a useful piece at Chapel Hill going forward.
#58: 6’0 ’28 Dyson Britt (Gaston Day)
Moving forward, we look at a player who arguably stood out as the main leader of this team, Dyson Britt. He’s a smart, skilled, athletic guard prospect who offers a terrific balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Britt gets downhill with ease and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. He’s a great cutter and rebounder who offers a reliable defensive presence. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Mills on Britt: “Dyson showed why he came into camp as a must-see talent! He lived up to his reputation. He’s a scoring and playmaking guard who is only just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. He’s capable of scoring in bunches. Dyson is a solid all-around player and one of the best athletes in the gym. What I like about him most is he plays hard, dives on the floor, and gives you 100% effort on every play. He will be worth the price of admission at his high school games.” Britt made a lasting impression during camp and should be an immediate contributor at Gaston Day.
#60: 6’0 ’28 Silas Tate (Kings Mountain)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who highlighted a very polished, fundamentally sound identity, Silas Tate. He’s a smart, polished guard prospect with a high motor and unselfish approach to the game. Tate consistently found ways to apply scoring pressure from all levels, but also created for others and made the right play whenever possible. He contained his assignment well on defense, forced turnovers at a solid rate, and regularly outworked opponents for rebounds. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing defender. Coach Mills on Tate: “Silas has it all. His game is like watching Larry Bird play. Shot-fake, ball-fake, buckets. He put on a clinic. Silas was easily one of the most fundamental players at camp. He can pass, handle, and play without the ball. I love his unselfishness and desire to play the game the right way. He makes an impact regardless of how much he scores. He gets others involved. What made me love this young man was when he posted up smaller guards. Displays skilled footwork.” Tate proved to be an asset during camp and should be a difference-maker for Kings Mountain going forward.
#81: 6’2 ’28 Oleksandr Havrylyuk (Panther Creek)
Next, we look at a player who really stood out through his high motor and unselfish approach to the game, Oleksandr Havrylyuk. He’s an extremely unselfish, team-oriented wing/forward prospect who shows a willingness to do whatever possible to give his team an edge. Havrylyuk displayed the ability to do a little bit of everything offensively, but doesn’t require the ball to be impactful. He offers a physical presence as a defender and rebounder. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher around the basket. Coach Mills on Havrylyuk: “Oleksandr is a blue-collar piece from the word “go!” Every team needs a guy like him. Not fancy, but simply gets it done. Runs the floor, rebounds, and plays hard defense. Constantly talked on defense and gave us high energy all day. I was impressed with his team play and general unselfishness. He showed leadership qualities that will help him out at the next level. He needs to improve his footwork and ability to move without the ball (v-cuts and l-cuts) to get open. The shots don’t come easy in high school.” Havrylyuk made a quality impact during camp and should carve out a meaningful role sooner than later for Panther Creek.
#82: 6’2 ’28 Rucker Jamison (Ambassador Christian)
Moving forward, we look at a player who showcased a ton of appeal and general upside, Rucker Jamison. He’s a smart, athletic guard prospect with a great combination of size, skill, and two-way instincts. Jamison can initiate the offense or look to apply scoring pressure in various ways. He’s a reliable defender and quality rebounder for his 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 Mills on Jamison: “I don’t have enough paper to write about Rucker. He’s athletic and plays like he’s in a contract year with a max deal pending. He’s long, wiry, and has quick feet and quick hands. Rucker is a pest on defense and turns takeaways into points. He can finish through contact in traffic. He only needs to work on his ball-handling to move into the top tier of his class. He’s just that good! Keep an eye on this kid.” Jamison did a lot of things well throughout camp and has all the tools to emerge as a prospect worth noting over the coming years.
#83: 6’2 ’28 Xavier Hutchens (Kings Mountain)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who possesses an enticing crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Xavier Hutchens. He’s a smart, tough wing/forward prospect with a high motor and well-rounded skillset. Hutchens can finish, knock down jumpers, or set up others. He’s a solid rebounder and engaged defender who forces turnovers at a solid rate and pushes the break 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 opportunities. Coach Mills on Hutchens: “Xavier has a lot of tools in his bag. He showcased them all at camp. He can shoot from midrange and beyond the arc or get to the basket whenever he wants. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and offers maximum effort on both ends of the floor. Xavier overwhelmed everyone he defended. His size and speed will make him a big problem this year in high school.” Hutchens enjoyed a quality showing at camp and should be a key piece for Kings Mountain over the foreseeable future.
#133: 6’4 ’28 Hunter Gerould (Gaston Day)
Finishing up, we look at a player who simply knows how to make an impact within his role, Hunter Gerould. He’s a smart, high-motor forward with a solid skillset and an unselfish approach to the game. Gerould can pass, dribble, and knock down shots from the perimeter. He’s an active defender and rebounder who naturally fills in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more reliable creator against pressure. Coach Mills on Gerould: “Hunter is a smart basketball player. He thinks the game. He’s a small forward who was best in catch-and-shoot scenarios. He’s not necessarily quick but knows how to get in the right position to make plays. Hunter needs to take better shots and work on his low-post game. He was a solid team player who gave 100% effort on every play, which is uncommonly seen at camp. Hunter will need to work on his rebounding presence and off-hand.” Gerould found ways to make his presence felt during camp and should be a useful piece for Gaston Day going forward.