6’4 ’25 Jaylen Cross (Caldwell Academy)
Given his status as the top prospect and performer in the event, it came as no surprise to see Cross continuing to showcase the full arsenal. Few players of his caliber are truly comfortable at doing what is best for the team, but Cross’ team-oriented approach seemingly never wavers. Throughout the event, he was at his best when attacking the basket (both in transition and the half-court) and finishing, yet also knocked down jumpers at a solid rate. Cross utilizes his size and athleticism exceptionally well to physically overmatch opponents on both ends of the floor. He’s a strong rebounder and unselfish decision-maker who does a great job of setting up his teammates in their preferred scoring positions. Add in his notable defensive ability, and it’s easy to see why his stock keeps trending upward.
6’5 ’24 Jamias Ferere (Southern Guilford)
There were several reasons the Storm entered this event with an undefeated record, but none more significant than Ferere and his nightly production. He’s a big wing prospect with a terrific combination of IQ, skill, and athleticism. Ferere creates well for himself and others, displaying the ability to apply pressure from all levels while actively getting others involved as the primary decision-maker. He attacks the basket and finishes through contact or above the rim, but also effectively knocks down jumpers from midrange and beyond the arc. Ferere is a great rebounder and routinely toggles between multiple positions defensively. It’s definitely surprising that he hasn’t gotten more traction from scholarship-level programs.
6’5 ’25 Kenny Miller (Smith)
Despite this being his first season with the Golden Eagles, it’s easy to see how comfortable Miller is producing for this group. Between his general size and skillset, he’s somewhat of a unique player. Though he’s comfortable initiating the offense and setting up others, Miller is an absolute force when slotted at the free-throw line against zone defenses. His incredible length and explosiveness make him a real problem for opponents when attacking the basket. Miller finishes through contact, above the rim, and effectively with either hand. He’s a capable perimeter shooter but clearly at his best when applying pressure from inside the arc. Miller defends multiple positions, rebounds at a nice rate, and pushes the break well in transition. His recruitment should take a leap over the next calendar year.
6’9 ’24 Ahmed Jawo (Caldwell Academy)
As previously stated, there is real value in knowing one’s identity as a player—and few prospects in the state know themselves better than Jawo. There’s been a lot of attention directed towards similar prospects, so it’s actually quite surprising that the 6-foot-9 big man hasn’t received more offers. Although Jawo has shown steady progression as an offensive player, his strengths still clearly lie within his rim-protection and rebounding ability. He’s a phenomenal two-way rebounder whose length and motor allow him to compete for every single board. Jawo does possess a great nose for the ball, but it’s difficult to overlook his effort on second and third jumps. He understands how to block shots or secure rebounds, locate a guard, and then run the floor properly in transition. Given his low-maintenance, yet impactful presence, more schools should be pursuing Jawo.
6’1 ’25 Kassidy Jackson (Green Run)
The Stallions of Green Run enjoyed a strong showing at the Gate City Classic, and it was quite clear everything Jackson does to set the tone for this group. He’s a smart, tough, balanced floor general who displays a calm demeanor and excellent leadership by example. Jackson is a useful scorer from all levels, but stands out more often as a playmaker and creator for others. He’s great at touching the paint, forcing the defense to shift, and making the proper read. Jackson displays phenomenal vision, and frequently made difficult passes appear basic. He rebounds his position well and contains opposing ball-handlers well at the point of attack. Jackson is a definite name for college coaches to remember.
