Team 1
Coach: Upchurch
#0: 6’0 ’23 Aleigh Robinson (Black Mountain)
Starting things off, we look at a player that was able to consistently affect all facets of the game at a high level, Aleigh Robinson. She’s a smart, well-rounded forward/post prospect with excellent size, especially for her age. Robinson moves very well and naturally causes mismatches against opposing forwards. She scores the ball at an efficient clip from all three levels and possesses the necessary skill to create for herself or others off the dribble. Robinson also displayed a high motor and unselfish approach on both sides of the ball. Next in her development process is working on the use of her off-hand, as it would make her a more complete player. Coach Upchurch on Robinson: “”LA” is overall an amazing player. She wants to get better and she looks for all opportunities to help reach her potential. She has a great mindset and great attitude.” Robinson proved to be a clear asset during her time at camp and looks likely to enjoy a productive upcoming season.
#2: 5’4 ’24 Layla Jones (Rock Hill)
Next, we look at a player that already possesses a pretty impressive skillset and approach for her age, Layla Jones. She’s a young, smart, well-rounded guard prospect that already understands how to contribute within a variety of different roles. Jones is a great finisher, solid shooting threat, and quality defender with a nice blend of quickness and anticipation. Next in her development process is working on her ability to move without the ball, as it would allow her to find even more scoring opportunities as an off-ball cutter. Coach Upchurch on Jones: “Layla is a great player. She listens to understand instead of understanding to respond. She understands her purpose and goals. Layla can continue to work on ball-handling skills and defense away from the ball. She is an amazing person with a great attitude and puts in a lot of effort on the court.” Jones did a lot of things well at camp, especially for her age, and should be able to carve out a useful role sooner than later for her high school team.
#3: 5’4 ’21 Madison Burgess (Rock Hill)
Moving onto a player that was seemingly able to get downhill and attack the basket whenever she desired, Madison Burgess. She’s a strong, physical, intelligent guard prospect with a high motor and the ability to thrive in transition. Burgess possesses a quick first step and utilizes it well to touch the paint. She also proved to be a reliable midrange shooter and unselfish passer when penetrating. Burgess is a great all-around defender with a nose for the ball. Next in her development process is working on her consistency from beyond the arc, as it would make her a more dynamic offensive threat. Coach Upchurch on Burgess: “Madison is a very aggressive player. She communicates very well with her teammates. She runs the floor and hustle for every loose ball. It was a pleasure coaching Madison.” Burgess offered an unselfish presence throughout camp and could be poised for a productive senior campaign during the upcoming season.
#4: 6’0 ’21 Shania Haynes (Charlotte)
Continuing onto a player that made quite a strong impact with her interior presence on both ends of the floor, Shania Haynes. She’s a strong, fluid forward prospect with leadership qualities and a long list of positive intangibles. Haynes plays with a high motor and makes a noticeable impact as a defender and two-way rebounder. She scores the ball at an efficient rate, especially within the arc, and is capable of finding success with or without the ball in her hands. Next in her development process is working on the use of her off-hand, as it would make her an even better ball-handler when breaking down opponents. Coach Upchurch on Hayes: “Shania is an excellent communicator. She shows amazing leadership on and off the court. She rebounds the ball very well. Shania works really hard on being a consistent player. With motivation and goals, she will succeed.” Haynes enjoyed a pretty strong showing at camp and should be able to carve out a quality role during her upcoming senior season.
#5: 5’6 ’21 Cayla Digsby (Charlotte)
Next, we look at a player that proved to be very impressive despite her quiet, soft-spoken demeanor, Cayla Digsby. She’s a smart, tough, well-rounded wing prospect with no glaring weaknesses and an incredible three-level scoring arsenal. Digsby proved capable of creating and converting clean shots from everywhere on the court, but did so with efficiency and within the flow of the team. She’s a great defender and rebounder with the ability to effortlessly push the break in transition. Next in her development process is working on improving her footwork, as it would make her an even better on-ball defender. Coach Upchurch on Digsby: “Cayla is your overall solid basketball player. She isn’t going to talk much but she will put the ball in the hoop. Cayla is very strong at driving to the basket and finishing plays. I enjoyed coaching Cayla.” Digsby made her presence felt in a variety of different ways during her time at camp and has the tools to be an impactful player throughout the upcoming season.
#6: 5’7 ’24 Ryann Hernandez (Asheville)
Moving onto a player that possesses an excellent crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Ryann Hernandez. She’s a long, wiry forward prospect with a terrific penetration sense and the ability to finish at a solid clip or set up her teammates for easy buckets. Hernandez is smart, unselfish, and consistently looks to make the right play with the ball in her hands. She’s a great defender, both on and off-ball, and rebounds the ball very well on either end of the floor. Hernandez didn’t display many weaknesses and understands how to find ways to contribute. Next in her development process is working on adding strength, as it would make her a better finisher through contact. Coach Upchurch on Hernandez: “Ryann is an up-and-coming standout player with motivation and improvement. She is one to play on a college team. She is very coachable and understands the importance of criticism.” Hernandez did a lot of things well during camp, especially for her age, and will be one to keep an eye on going forward.
#8: 5’7 ’22 Khalan Williams (Fayetteville)
Finishing up, we look at a player that made a lasting impression with her adaptability and ability to move without the ball, Khalan Williams. She’s a smart, unselfish forward prospect with great physical tools and a willingness to do the little things on both ends of the floor. Williams is a strong penetrator and finisher around the basket, but also capable of setting up others. She’s a steady ball-handler, reliable defender, and excellent shooter from beyond the arc. Next in her development process is working on the use of her off-hand, as it would make her a more complete player. Coach Upchurch on Williams: “Khalan’s attitude is very amazing. She accepts criticism and looks for ways to improve. Khalan’s performance during camp was more than outstanding. Her ability to move without the ball is certainly one of her strengths.” Williams stood out in numerous ways during her time at camp and looks likely to enjoy a productive upcoming season for her high school team.