What was great about the Phenom Summer Showcase in Bermuda Run, it gave us a chance to view some of the talent and teams coming into the high school season. A few high school programs came together to compete in showcase games, giving us an early look of what their team may look like. In this article, we look at Ben L. Smith as we dive into their roster a little more and names to remember.
Coach Partee has brought a lot of recognition to Ben L. Smith, really putting his team in the spotlight for North Carolina. Several names have come through the program and it seems more will be as coming through down the road.
One player that could quickly catch on in North Carolina is one of their true bigs down low, as 6'6 Richard Goods is a rising 2024 prospect in North Carolina. He is strong, runs the floor, is active down in the paint, and continues to develop his overall game; which is why he should become a bigger name throughout the state. 2022 Nayshaun Hale is a 6'5 versatile prospect that also brings size to the table for Ben L. Smith.
This looks like a team that will have depth at the guard position and a few names caught our eyes over the weekend. 2024 Gage Lattimore has been a consistent scorer throughout the summer so far, whether it was with Ben L. Smith or Carolina Clutch. He has led his team in scoring countless times, brings athleticism to the table and a smooth feel. 2023 Markquan Gilbert is another tough guard that plays hard, brings a motor, a sturdy frame, and does the dirty work. 2023 Braylon Collins also helped run the show as a point guard, finding teammates and getting others involved. 2022 Derrick Burris showed some flashes as well scoring the ball as well at the Summer Showcase.
These are just a few names that grabbed our attention but players like 2023 Josh Hughes, 2022 Xavier Partee, 2025 Tayshawn Mann, 2025 Carlos Neely, 2024 Ishmael Mande, and 2023 Nick Aikens rounded up the roster at the Summer Showcase and al could be ones to keep an eye on.
Though it is still early, it was a great chance to see what these teams could have this upcoming high school season and Ben L. Smith has some intriguing talent to really watch.