Greensboro, North Carolina- Day two at the JMAC showcase was full of drama, highlights , and more importantly story lines. Here are a few that stood out to me during the action filled Thursday.
- Team ENC is on a mission to put on for Eastern North Carolina
This group is as tough and scrappy as the place in the state they all love to rep, Coach Andre Sutton had his guys giving everything on both ends.
Team ENC have a strong nucleus that work to get everyone else to buy in and in turn they all shine. In the back court; 2020’s Reginald Walton and Marcus Boykin spearhead the back court, both guards proved capable of scoring the ball and creating for teammates. Walton is the primary floor general, playing up didn’t seem to bother him Walton looked poised and kept the boat steady when it was rocked.
Walton is a shot maker and he has the rock on a string ,we rarely saw him commit turnovers, defensively you can’t blink or Walton will pick your pocket opposing ball handlers can’t afford to take a play off.
Walton holds an offer from Mars Hill and currently has interest from; VMI, Radford, and Unc Pembroke, Walton will also attend NC A&T’s elite camp next month.
Boykin is a new addition to the team and he offers this unit another ball handler to take pressure off of Walton, these two played off each other well Boykin acclimated himself in a hurry in front of dozens of college coaches. Boykin is a score first guard, he was money on catch and shoot plays, Boykin also finished strong at the cup he was aggressive on the drive. Defensively Boykin fell in line with the group, this team truly values the defensive side of the ball.
6’5, 2019 Brandon Murray, may possess the most upside of anyone on the roster currently, his combination of size and ball skills on the perimeter are intriguing. Murray is a long athletic slasher, his handle is good enough to play on the wing at the next level, and he’s tough to contest without fouling. Murray is a decent shooter he can get hot at times but consistency will be key. Defensively Murray was one of the best on ball defenders present all day, Murray will absolutely get in your chest and no matter the competition he’s going to make you work for everything. Murray is an underrated shot blocker as well, he’s got long arms and Murray plays big.
Murray holds an offer from Lees McRae and has drawn interest from Presbyterian and Furman among others.
6’4, 2020, Jaden Scriven is another versatile athlete on Team ENC, he’s able to guard four positions defensively, Scriven is a load in the paint he eats the glass up and embraces contact on the finish. On the perimeter Scriven is confident enough in the handle to take his man off the bounce. Scriven has a motor that few will be able to match. If Scriven can continue to add a jumper division one’s will have no choice but to come calling.
“ I work really hard on my game and I also want to show coaches I can shoot the ball from three. I want to prove I’m an all around player I’m going to keep growing and keep grinding, and continue to upgrade my game and everything will workout.” Scriven told Phenom hoops.
Currently Scriven has interest from NC Central and Montclair St.
- Heart over Height
A number of guards under six feet proved their worth on the big stage in front of hundreds of coaches. This group of guards gets a bad rap, they won’t impress initially in the initial eye test, and they have to work twice as hard as their taller counterparts. This group ranges from, Division two to low major division one . These prospects all have the skills to be difference makers at the next level. 
5’10, 2019, Bryson Childress- has borderline logo range from deep and he can light you up in a hurry. Childress knocked down eight 3-pointers in one contest against Team Felton, it was quite a match up between him and KJ Marshall. Childress is also a wise decision maker with the rock, he understands the role- of a floor general.
5’10, 2019, KJ Marshall- Marshall is a winner and he plays the right way. Marshall is the smooth tide for Team Felton, he makes sure everything is running smooth.
Marshall is the line of communication on both ends, constantly directing traffic and calling out switches. Marshall is solid in the pick N roll and he’s a capable shot maker.
5’11, 2019 Elijah Haynes- Haynes had one of the tightest handles on display, he absolutely has the rock on a string. In the open floor he’s tough to stay in front of, and if you reach Haynes will snatch you up. Haynes is a tough finisher for his stature and he strokes it from deep.
5’10, 2020, Kedrick Hickman- Hickman is a crafty guard he can create space off the bounce, and he’s a willing shot taker. Hickman also moves well off ball, he got several easy buckets by cutting and being aware of spacing. Hickman is somewhat of a combo guard at this stage due to his scoring paralysis, but the lead guard skills can be polished over the next two years.
- 6’3, 2019, Chico Carter looks ready to break into Power 5 contention
Carter can play either guard spots but he looks suited to run the point guard position at the next level. Carter is a big time scorer; he’s improved his shot off the dribble, Carter continuously made tough shots and even put a defender on the floor in front of South Carolina Head Coach Frank Martin. Carter strokes it well from deep and he’s a problem in the lane where he can finish with either hand.
Carter posses a tight handle and he’s an underrated passer, Carter sees the floor well and he rarely turns the ball over. Defensively Carter communicates well and on ball he’s lock-down. Carter has long arms and quick hands, he moves his feet well laterally, Carter embraces the challenge of matching up with the oppositions top scoring threat.
Bottom line Carter is a winner he is the type of kid programs can build around and he will demand excellence from guys around him.