On Monday, Phenom Hoops traveled out to Bishop McGuinness in Kernersville, North Carolina for the NC Spartans' workout. The practice featured three of their 16U squads in addition to a collection of guys from the 17U team. We've seen this program put kids in college on a yearly basis, but this might honestly be their most talented non-17U group in recent memory. Although most college coaches aren't focused on recruiting rising juniors, there's still a variety of prospects worth knowing within these rosters. Let's take a look at each, starting with Ian Henderson's group'
6'0 Bryson Mickey (Calvary Day)
Although there are a lot of useful pieces on this roster, Bryson Mickey simply stands out as an all-around leader. He has an extremely unassuming nature and doesn't necessarily look like someone opponents should worry about, but he's an absolute beast. Mickey is incredibly smart, tough, and polished. He makes excellent decisions with the ball in his hands, reliably creates for others, and confidently scores the ball from all levels. Mickey is a knockdown shooter with quality vision, ball-handling skills, and energy on both ends of the floor. He's the type of guy who can legitimately destroy opposing teams, especially if they allow him to get going. Mickey is the type of guy every coach would want on their team.
6'3 Nate Keegan (Calvary Day)
This group has a lot of adaptable pieces, and Nate Keegan arguably stood out as their main glue-guy. He's a smart, well-rounded wing prospect with the ability to do a little bit of everything on the court. Keegan can pass, handle, and score while making an impact as a defender and rebounder. He plays hard, battles for extra possessions, and understands how to naturally fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor.
6'0 Kam McKnight (North Surry)
Given his status as a primary ball-handler for this group, Kam McKnight brings a lot of value to the table. He's a wiry, steady point guard prospect with a great balance between scoring and playmaking. McKnight is a reliable shooting threat with penetration instincts and a desire to make the right decision with the ball in his hands. He rebounds, makes hustle plays, and contains his assignment well despite his lack of strength. McKnight is simply a useful player with feel and craftiness.'
6'0 Carson Barnett (Calvary Day)
Similar to the entry above, Carson Barnett is capable of running the team and burdening initiation responsibilities for this group. He's a wiry, unselfish point guard with the ability to set up others or find scoring chances within the flow of the action. Barnett does a nice job of pushing the pace, looking to make the right decision, and deferring to teammates on offense. He's a capable defender for his size.
6'5 Tripp McMillen (Surry Central)
Given his blend of size and skill, there's a nice level of appeal with someone like Tripp McMillen. He's a long, wiry forward prospect with a fairly well-rounded skillset and the ability to play inside or out. McMillen is a capable shooting threat with solid touch, fluidity, and energy on both ends of the floor. He battles on the glass, works hard defensively, and handles the ball effectively for his size. McMillen does a nice job of competing for second-chance opportunities.
6'4 Lincoln Jackson (Reagan)
Rounding out the roster, Lincoln Jackson provides a strong, physical interior presence on both ends of the floor. Similar to his brother (Cooper), Jackson is a tough, bouncy forward/big man with a high motor and great nose for the ball. He's a useful finisher, both below and above the rim, and can knock down perimeter jumpers as needed. Jackson rebounds at a consistent rate, runs the floor hard in transition, and regularly outworks opponents on defense. He willingly does the little things for this group. Although quite productive, Jackson still has considerable upside remaining.
DNP:
6'0 Fisher Leftwich (North Surry)