By: DeAjai Dawkins
2024 Brayden Crump (NC Rim Runners)
Brayden Crump is a tough interior threat with budding confidence and scoring prowess around the rim. Crump was virtually unstoppable on the boards, securing rebounds on both ends of the floor and showcasing an ability to get second chance points at a consistent rate. At 6'7, his current frame allows him to be the tallest player in most games he plays in. When you combine his demanding size with the fact that he plays with numerous other threats, it is no secret that Brayden Crump is a handful to deal with. I expect big things from his career at Winston Salem Christian, as they have a very promising young man.
2024 Maurio Hanson (Team EAT 2024)
Maurio was one of my most impressive standouts of the day. For starters, he plays the game with the poise and maturity of a seasoned varsity player; someone you would think at least 2 years of experience under his belt. To my surprise, Hanson is a freshman with absolutely no in-game varsity experience. I was surprised at the way he was able to position himself on the block with authority and demand the ball time and time again. This is a trait only seen in post players who know for a fact that they have the skill to produce every time, and Maurio has that. In addition to being surprised by his maturity and skill, he even showed flashes of athleticism with one of the nastiest dunks of the day. He was able to finish a contested one hand d flush in transition that both highlighted his ability to run the floor and finish through contact. Maurio Hanson will be extremely difficult to deal with for the next 4 years.
2025 Arrion Concepcion (CC Elite 2024)
Arrion is a very special exception to this list. This weekend I'm covering 9th-grade players primarily, but Arrion is only in the 8th grade. In addition to only being in the 8th grade, I personally feel like he could easily play high school basketball today if he wanted to. It's easy to notice that he's an extremely advanced guard for his age both physically and skillfully. When i look at the average varsity point guard, the only difference I can identify is height with Concepcion currently standing around 5'10. Even then, his height is a non-factor given how he prefers to play the game. Arrion has a reliable live dribble handle that he chooses not to overuse, even in situations where he's faced with above average pressure. He's comfortable attacking the basket with either hand and is especially dangerous on the right side of the court. When I watch him play, it's hard to believe that he doesn't dominate every middle school game he plays in with double double performances. I'm excited to see how he develops as his career progresses.
2024 Christian Foy (NC Rim Runners 9th)
Another product of Winston Salem Christian, Christian Foy is a dominant slasher that uses his size and motor to produce on both ends of the floor. He's currently listened at 6'4, but when I stand next to him as well as see him next to his 6'7 teammate Brayden Crump, Foy is easily 6'5-6'6. On top of the combination of size and length in comparison to his peers, Branden also possesses the ball skills to attack the basket. He's currently most dangerous in transition, as he's extremely difficult to stop from scoring in the open floor. Foy doesn't utilize many dribble moves and doesn't have to in order to score on his opponents. I think that as his game continues to expand, coaches will become infatuated with his game and his offers will be indicative of that.
2024 Jullian Mack (Elite 1)
Jullian definitely made good use of his time with the ball today. A combo guard with lead guard promise, Mack displayed his dominance today mostly through his play at the rim. He's a strong finisher at the basket that doesn't shy away from contact. Jullian is able to extend his game to the perimeter with a jump shot that's picking up consistency by the day. Once you pick him up behind the 3 point line, you've left yourself vulnerable to be blown by. Mack almost had what would've been one of the highlight plays of the day when he rose on a defender for a one-handed flush that ended in a full-contact layup. He was so close to finishing that dunk and the fact that he even attempted it shows that he knows he's capable. Jullian Mack should be a very important piece of Butler High School's program for years to come.