Team 4
Coach: Obe Gray
#11: 5’3 ’30 Ayson Whitmire (Oak Ridge)
First up, Ayson Whitmire is a 5-foot-3 prospect in the Class of 2030. He’s a smart, unselfish guard with great athleticism and a nonstop motor. The next step in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing player. Coach Gray on Whitmire: “Ayson has a high basketball IQ, elite speed, and a very strong handle, making him a standout on both offense and defense. Despite being undersized, he competes fiercely on both ends of the floor, utilizing his intelligence and speed to outmaneuver opponents. To further his development, he should focus on improving his shooting consistency as he physically grows. With these improvements, he will be the reason his team wins.” Whitmire proved to be an asset during camp and will be worth monitoring going forward.
#12: 5’3 ’30 Cooper Masencup (Chestnut Grove)
Next, Cooper Masencup is a 5-foot-3 prospect in the Class of 2030. He’s a steady, low-maintenance guard with a high IQ, strong motor, and unselfish mentality on both ends of the floor. The next step in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more reliable creator against defensive pressure. Coach Gray on Masencup: “Cooper is a really good shooter with a high basketball IQ, demonstrating a strong understanding of the game and a commitment to playing the right way. Competes fiercely on both ends and has the ability to change a game with his effort alone. Cooper’s playmaking instincts allow him to excel as a point guard, creating opportunities for his teammates and leading the offense. To further his game, he should focus on improving his pace, ball-handling, and embrace his scoring potential.” Masencup stood out as a key piece at camp and has the tools to be a difference-maker at the high school level.
#23: 5’4 ’30 Wesley Masencup (Chestnut Grove)
Next, Wesley Masencup is a 5-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2030. He’s a smart, skilled guard with a high IQ, unselfishness, and great energy on either side of the ball. The next step in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more reliable creator off the bounce. Coach Gray on Masencup: “Wesley, like his brother, is a really good shooter with a high IQ and a strong commitment to playing the right way. Ferocious competitor on both ends of the floor and capable of changing a game with his effort. Wesley showcases impressive scoring instincts at his size and consistently finds ways to put the ball in the basket. He can enhance his game by improving his playmaking skills and becoming a more versatile player at his position. Together, Wesley and his brother bring a dynamic presence to the team and, with continued development, they have the potential to impact winning for years to come. I’m not surprised their middle school team is undefeated.” Masencup did a lot of things well at camp and should continue progressing over the coming years.
#24: 5’4 ’31 Spalding Gray (Community House)
Next, Spalding Gray is a 5-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2031. Despite playing up an age group, he stood out as a tough, heady, intelligent guard on both ends of the floor. The next step in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact and more physically imposing defender. Coach Gray on Gray: “Spalding has a lot of tools at this stage in his progression. Playing up, he did a terrific job of dictating the offense through penetrating, setting up others, and taking advantage of scoring opportunities within the flow of the action. He utilizes his crafty handle and quick first step to break down opponents off the dribble. Gray has reliable playmaking instincts and looks to make the right play with the ball in his hands. He’s also a pesky defender who positions himself well to mirror opponents and force turnovers.” Gray found success throughout camp and should be a name to remember over the foreseeable future.
#55: 5’8 ’30 Carter Johnson (Hawfields)
Next, Carter Johnson is a 5-foot-8 prospect in the Class of 2030. He’s a steady, unselfish guard who shoots the ball at a high clip and scores the ball from multiple levels. The next step in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more reliable creator against defensive pressure. Coach Gray on Johnson: “Carter shows strong potential with his shooting accuracy. He has natural scoring instincts and impressive size for his position. His athleticism allows him to get paint touches on his matchups and he has good touch around the basket. To further elevate his game, he should focus on improving his ball-handling and rebounding skills by working on timing and positioning. With these improvements, he can become an even more impactful player.” Johnson highlighted a lot of enticing traits during camp and has the tools to continue progressing going forward.
#90: 5’10 ’30 Andrew Seed III (Cary Academy)
Next, Andrew Seed III is a 5-foot-10 prospect in the Class of 2030. He’s a smart, unselfish guard who plays hard and understands how to impact the game with or without the ball in his hands. Seed is a reliable spot-up threat who sets up others and takes advantage of open opportunities along the perimeter. Coach Gray on Seed: “Andrew shot the ball well because he was always prepared to take the shot and only took high-quality attempts. His court vision and willingness to pass make him a crucial part of any team. To enhance his game, he should focus on developing greater defensive versatility and using his length to guard multiple positions so that when he matures physically it will be impossible to take him off the floor.” Seed produced effectively within his role and has the tools to be a meaningful contributor at the high school level.
#91: 5’10 ’30 Jackson Smith (Turrintine)
Next, Jackson Smith is a 5-foot-10 prospect in the Class of 2030. He’s a smart, dynamic, polished guard who set the tone with his impressive scoring prowess. Whether attacking the basket, knocking down jumpers, or applying pressure in transition, Smith found success. The next step in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Gray on Smith: “Jackson is an elite three-level scorer with incredible shot creation and shot-making ability. He has a really good handle and can get to any spot on the floor against any defender. He can guard all five positions on the court with his size. To enhance his game, he should focus on improving his vision and playmaking ability, positioning, and timing to win more rebounds and 50/50 plays. With these improvements, Jackson has many levels he can reach with this game.” Smith shined as a focal point throughout camp and will be a difference-maker at the high school level.
#152: 5’5 ’30 Myles Williams (CPLA)
Finishing up, Myles Williams is a 5-foot-5 prospect in the Class of 2030. He’s a crafty, skilled guard who displayed the ability to finish around the basket, knock down jumpers, and move without the ball. The next step in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a more imposing defender. Coach Gray on Williams: “Myles has a really crafty handle with great scoring instincts. He handles pressure well and finds creative ways to get his shot off against taller, more athletic defenders. To enhance his game, Myles should focus on improving his strength, conditioning, and playmaking. These improvements will easily allow him to dominate opponents and impact winning.” Williams highlighted a lot of enticing flashes during camp and will be one to watch going forward.