5. 6’10 2019 Armando Bacot Jr: IMG Academy (UNC Signee) 15 Pts, 6 Reb, 6/7 From The Field
Bacot was excellent in this contest at taking advantage of mismatches on the offensive end and making the right reads when the United Faith zone collapsed on him, kicking it out to his shooters or dropping it off to cutters. He uses his length on defensive end to effect every shot at the rim and rebounded the ball well despite fairly limited minutes due to the score of the game. He should have an excellent career at UNC, especially after how much he’s worked on his body since getting to IMG. I’m really excited to track his career moving forward.
4. 6’7 2019 Josiah James: Porter-Gaud School (Tennesee Signee) 13 Pts, 9 Reb, 8 Ast
James was excellent in this one, particularly in the first half where he had his fingerprints all over this one, taking on a big defensive load while throwing down one of the most viscous dunks we’ve seen in the high school season thus far. His 14 footer on the baseline is as money as money gets and he knows it, constantly looking for that shot, rising up over the smaller defender, making them pay each and every time. In the 2nd half he showed his ability as a passer, getting guys like Tobias Lafayette and Nicky Schwartz involved, eventually leading his team to a close win over a feisty York Prep team.
3. 6’5 2020 Jaden Springer: IMG Academy 20 Pts, 7 Reb, 5 Ast
Jaden Springer made a serious impact in his return to the Greater Charlotte Area, he was the best player on the court in an absolute domination over United Faith. He’s bulked up in a major way, probably adding 10-15 pounds of pure muscle, furthering his progression as a slasher due to his increased ability to handle contact when attacking. He showed excellent point guard skills as well, acting as a co-primary ball handler with Noah Farrakhan, finishing with 5 assists and only 2 turnovers. He’s clearly evolving and continuing to improve as a prospect which is a scary sight for the opposition he’ll be facing this year.
2. 6’5 2019 Jalil Robinson: Gray Collegiate 23 Pts, 8 Reb, 3 Ast, 9/13 From the Field
Robinson was an absolute catalyst in Gray’s win over Northwood Temple, embracing the challenge of guarding Louisville Signee Josh Nickelberry and doing a variety of things from the wing for his squad on the offensive end. Knocking down shots, attacking the basket, working in ball screens, and adjusting to the zone that Northwood through at them very nicely. He holds an offer from South Carolina State and that should grow in a MAJOR way if he continues to play at a high level like he did on Friday night.
1. 6’3 2019 Deuce Dean: York Prep 31 Pts, 7 Reb, 3 Stl, 8/14 From the Field, 3/7 From Three, 12/14 From the Line
Deuce Dean was at his absolute best against Porter-Gaud particularly in the 2nd half where he scored 20 of his 31 points in a multitude of ways. His jumper looked incredibly smooth, it’s extremely apparent that he’s put a lot of time into that aspect of his game. He’s the clear Alpha on this team and has been thrust into a leadership position that he’s embraced. There was a mass exodus from York Prep after the coaching change and it speaks to Deuce’s character in wanting to stick it out with the new coaching staff and trying to usher in a new era at York Prep. He’s a bonafide D1 kid with offers from Southern Miss and a few others. If he continues to play like this he should have a bevy of options whenever he wants to make a decision on where he’ll be attending school.