By: DeAjai Dawkins
2025 Tristan Thompson (Upward Stars 15u 3SSB)
Thompson is a solid rebounder, arguably the best on this roster, with good hands and balance. I was impressed with the way he secures boards with both hands and is difficult to rip once the ball is in his grasps. He'll likely be responsible for a number of putbacks throughout his basketball career.
Michael Williams Jr. (Future Kings 2026)
One of my favorite guards of the day, Michael Williams Jr. has blazing speed in the open floor with impressive quickness and change of direction. The Greenville, SC product attacks the rim with aggression and creates a ton of drive and kick opportunities due to how difficult it is to stay in front of him. If he develops a strong sense of pace over time, he could be very dangerous.
2026 Donyeh Baird (14u Team Loyal)
Donyeh was the most impressive player in his contest, arguably one of the best amongst his age at the entire event. He has an impressive feel for the game on the offensive end, not necessarily shining in a particular niche, but producing nonetheless. A rising 9th grader, Baird is paired with budding athleticism in the frame of a 2024 prospect. He initiates a great deal of this team's offense.
2024 Javen Barger (Pro One Select TN-Jarnagin).
Barger is a very interesting low-post prospect standing around 6'6. He's exceptional at using his body create separation when on the low block, and has a solid array of moves given his footwork. I believe a majority of defenders at this age may not know how to approach Barger on the defensive end, making the game fairly easy for him right now.
2024 Ryan Lewis (Charlotte Royals 2024)
Ryan Lewis is an embodiment of what hard work can do for a player's overall game. Lewis has made significant strides over the course of the last year, and still has two remaining years of high school. As a rising freshman, the willingness and attitude was there. Now, as a junior, Charlotte Catholic is welcoming a legitimate scoring option that can impact the game in a number of ways. Has the frame and mentality to defend.
2023 Lleyton Thomas-Johnson (Charlotte Royals 17u)
Lleyton passes the eye-test upon seeing his team take the floor. He is a very athletic, defensive-oriented wing with long arms and proven rebounding abilities. When I first started watching, I noticed how Thomas-Johnson attacks the rim with aggression. Over time, his defensive abilities and desire to create congestion in the passing lanes is ultimately what I felt contributes most to winning.
2023 Matthew Pethel (Charlotte Royals)
Matthew Pethel has a versatile, confident game for a 6'7 forward. Bethel's build is to be entering his senior season, and he genuinely seems like he's have fun with the game. The multi-dimensional forward stands around 6'7 and can impact the game with his slashing, passing, and budding shooting capabilities.
2025 Jaden Priester (Upward Stars 15u 3SSB)
In an event where many sound rebounders have made their cases, Priester stands tall amongst them all. He is an impressive rebounder that high points the basketball in the air. Priester has arms with the frame to contest shots at the rim. He's one of the most physically intriguing frame on a team with multiple.
