The inaugural Carolina High School Showcase was an unbelievable success. The gym was packed with talent at all levels and the players bought into the “three dribble rule” as they played unselfishly and played with passion and purpose. The competition was intense and fierce as players were diving on the floor for loose balls and actually talked and played aggressive defense. Now, let’s take a closer look at the camp’s award winners.
Team Before Self Award: 5’7 2023 Caleb Senyo (Fletcher, NC)
The rising freshman plays all out. He is wired to compete and plays extremely hard on both ends of the court. While the playmaking guard can score from various spots on the court, he has excellent court vision and is a passer friendly floor general. He likes getting teammates involved into the offense and takes pride in playing the game the right way.
Breakout Performer: 6’5 2020 Jacob Marshall (Reidsville, NC
Coming into the Carolina Showcase, Jacob Marshall was not on our recruiting radar. That quickly changed as Marshall demonstrated an abundance of energy throughout the camp. He has all the physical ingredients that will attract scholarship level schools. He has excellent athleticism, great bounce, and an impeccable nose for the ball. The ball is like a magnet and Marshall seemed to have his hands on rebounds and loose balls, not to mention countless hustle plays. His play earned him game MVP and was one of the camps leading scorers. Look for his stock to rise and will be a key component in Reidsville High School NCHSAA 2A title run with “all everything” Breon Pass.
Mr. Defense: 6’4 2019 De’Ante Petree (Winston-Salem, NC)
The unsigned senior played with purpose and rightfully so. With half a dozen college coaches in attendance, Petree was making his presence known on both ends of the court, but especially on the defensive side. He was taking on defense and playing aggressive man-to-man defense while yet providing weak side help. D2 schools should take an extra look at the available unsigned senior.
Mr. Hustle: 6’7 2020 Zach Shumate (North Wilkesboro, NC)
What a performance by the 6’7 hybrid forward. Shumate just keeps getting better and better each and every outing. He has extended his range and has become a complete all around player. That being said, it’s difficult to find someone who plays the game any harder and with more effort. While Shumate was up for several camp awards, it was only fitting that he won the Mr. Hustle award. Simply put, he is going to always give you maximum effort and energy every time he steps on the court. He is simply wired to complete and in his DNA.
Mr. Playmaker: 5’11 2021 Breon Pass (Reidsville, NC)
Simply put, Breon Pass has the “IT FACTOR.” He is a high level two-sport athlete that sports high major offers in football and basketball and rightfully so. Pass has the complete package and the sky’s the limit for this young man. While Pass can create his own shot and can score from all three levels, he is a very unselfish player and makes plays for his teammates. He just makes his team better and that’s one of the best attributes of a playmaker. One more thing, Pass is extremely young for his age. Can you believe he is still 15 years old'
2023 MVP: 6’4 2023 Dice Royster (Greensboro, NC)
Talk about upside and potential. Dice Royster has a promising future as he continues to improve. Already sporting a lengthy and athletic frame, Royster has a matching skill set that will enable him to be in the conversation as one of the better players in the state for his class and position. He can score from all three levels, but his ability to knock down perimeter shots with consistency will enable him to attract college interest sooner rather than later. Go ahead and put this young man in your SIM card. He has the ability to be a very special player.
2022 MVP: 6’2 2022 Lebron Thomas (Bishopville, SC)
Special, special, special player! This young man has all the tools. Lebron Thomas sports an athletic and lengthy 6’2 frame that puts him in the high major level, not to mention he has a matching skill set to boot. The southpaw has the ability to score from all three levels, but has a patented reverse spin move that allows him to get to the rim with ease. In addition, Thomas has a nifty midrange game and is evolving has an efficient 3-point shooter. While Thomas has all the physical attributes and intangibles, it is cool, calm approach that is most impressive. Thomas has an advanced game, but his maturity and poise for a rising sophomore is off the charts. Look for college offers to start pouring in sooner rather than later.
2021 MVP: 6’3 2021 Cohen Gaskins (Summerville, SC)
Talk about a fun player to watch. Cohen Gaskins just makes one winning play after another, not to mention he is one competitive dude on the basketball court. The highly cerebral, fundamentally sound Gaskins also plays with that proverbial chip on his shoulder. He crafty, heady and understands how to play the game. He was one of the camp’s best all around players and was consistent with his 3-point shooting throughout the day.
2020 MVP: 6’4 2020 Kalib Matthews (Henderson, NC)
Talk about a silky smooth and athletic wing. When you first watch Matthews play, you simply don’t appreciate his athleticism simply because he is such a smooth and fluid player. Matthews has excellent length and is a such a versatile player on both ends of the court. He has the ability to lock you up and also has terrific timing in blocking shots, Offensively, he can score from all three levels, but more importantly scores within the framework of the game. Nothing is ever rushed, forced or manufactured with Matthews! Matthews is the perfect teammate and will be valuable player to any team.
2019 MVP: 6’2 2019 Kierre McClain (Winston-Salem, NC)
The unsigned senior simply did it all on both ends of the court. The southpaw plays an aggressive game and can lock you up and also score with the best of them. He was knocking down 3-pointers, hitting the midrange, taking it to the rim and making hustle plays all over the court. More importantly, we were impressed with his overall leadership.
Carolina Showcase Camp MVP: 6’3 2021 Javonte Waverly (Henderson, NC)
The state’s biggest sleeper is getting ready to be a “sleeper NO more.” Simply put, we had him embarrassingly ranked way too low and that will quickly change when we update our NC 2021 rankings. We’re talking about a strong, athletic, and highly skilled point guard that has a chance to play at the highest level. Strong words, maybe so, but we absolutely love the upside and potential of Javonte Waverly. We’ve watched him countless times over the spring and each time, we come away a little more impressed. His court vision is outstanding and his ability to make reads are advanced for his age/grade. He has a terrific hesitation move that allows him to get to the rim with ease. That being said, we most love his poise and maturity on the court. Waverly is as cool as come. More importantly, he won’t back down from a challenge and should be one of the more heavily recruited point guards in the NC 2021 class.
