By; DeAjai Dawkins
2023 Avion Pinner (Team Curry)
Avion Pinner has consistently impressed me when I've watched him play, but it is not for his high flying ability or overall versatility. Pinner's ability to impact the game on the defensive end specifically is an incredibly special skill. Aside from moving his feet well, Pinner shows solid timing when protecting the rim and gives opposing scorers a tough time scoring over him. I felt that he was the most impressive defensive player at last year's #NCTop80 camp. He's a state champion that impacts winning with his athleticism and defensive presence.
2023 Riley Allenspach (Team Curry)
Allenspach is a mobile forward with soft enough hands to finish effectively around the rim. I enjoy the mature presence Riley maintains on the floor, and I'm certain he gives his team a valuable boost of confidence when he's on the floor. He's shown an ability to knock down shots from behind the arc, runs hard in transition, and out-will opponents on the glass. Will serve a scholarship-level program well, and has likely become a priority for certain Division One schools.
2023 Patrick Tivnan (Team Hope)
Tivnan is quite possibly the player on this list that I've been able to watch develop for the longest span of time. Since the first time I watched him almost 2 and a half years ago, Tivnan has maintained an imposing frame that commands attention from 15 feet and within. He's oftentimes the biggest player on the floor at the high school level and takes heavy advantage of that. Tivnan is coming off of a Conference POY season and is looking to earn another one. He's shown a knack for using his body to create contact at the rim and finish or get to the line.
2023 Takorrie Faison (Team Curry)
One of the most athletic players at last year's #NCTop80 camp, Takorrie Faison has proven more than once that his capabilities on the floor span past his highflying nature. Faison shows an ability to hit an array of tough jump shots, in addition to his athletic presence. I believe he's a scholarship-level player that some people may have sitting in a box due to his athletic reputation. I suggest on-lookers pay closet attention to the developments in his game, specifically his shooting.
2025 Jonah Lawrence (Team Curry)
Jonah saw a ton of production in his freshman season at East Meck, and looks to see an even more productive sophomore year. The first time I watched Jonah, he was a young 8th grader making his way on a team full of promising young talent. Now, Lawrence is a scoring guard that is trending upward as a marksman, showing a somewhat newfound level of athleticism that oftentimes sees him challenging defenders at the rim.
2022 Michael Wilson (Team Hope 2023)
I noticed Michael during the second half of his first game on Friday, and came away concluding that Wilson is a solid spot up shooter with sound mechanics. He's not afraid to use his noticeably strong frame to finish through contact at the rim. He plays at Metrolina Christian Academy, and should provide a ton of value in his senior year.
2025 Danny Kidd (GATA Academy Basketball)
Danny is a high IQ player with noticeable instincts & passing ability on the offensive end. Kidd's shooting mechanics are constant, giving him a perimeter jumper with good rotation. I believe that he can take over a game in an AAU setting & present his team with a leader at the high school level as well