The summer has come to a close and now that just means we are one step closer to high school basketball. That also means there will be several new names that burst onto the scene in North Carolina, as these fresh faces will certainly be players you will want to know heading in. Here are just five players that are new to the NC scene but should really make their impact felt this upcoming high school season.

2022 Jayden Epps (Combine Academy):

Epps is going to be a name you hear quite often and being part of the program at Combine Academy, he is going to give this program even more firepower offensively.' Considered one of the top prospects in the class, Epps (who is committed to Illinois) can absolutely fill it up offensively and has done so countless times.' He plays with a great motor, is a leader on the floor, and with his strong, playmaking ability, Combine will have some of the best weapons in the country.' The smooth shot-making prospect will be a huge part of Combine's team this season and will be showing just how special he is on several big stages this upcoming season.

2023 Brandon Gardner (Word of God):

Gardner is a name many may have already heard or known about around the region, especially since he is coming from South Carolina.  But now joining a loaded program at Word of God, Gardner instantly becomes one of the top talents in the Class of 2023 and he continues to quickly rise up the ranks nationally. The forward instantly brings a big-time prospect down low and around the basket, as Gardner has the size, athleticism, and motor that has college coaches attention from all around the country. He protects them rim defensively, is all over the boards, and is such an athletic forward that creates him a tough matchup for anyone; and he is only continuing to develop. 

2023 Michael Nwoko (Burlington School):

Coming from Ontario, Nwoko is going to be a name you will want to know more about.  He has already made his presence known this summer during the LIVE Period with The Burlington School.  Over the summer, we got our first glance of the big man's game, as Nwoko is a 6'10 physically strong post presence that is only going to get better as he adjusts here in NC.  Huge paint presence, strong hands, great frame, and plays with a physical mindset that you just simply have to love.  He battles through contact and looks to rip the rim down every time when he can or finish with great touch.  He racked up some impressive offers this summer and more should be coming his way after this high school season.

2023 Emanuel Richards (Christ School):

Another South Carolina prospect that will be looking to make his name well known here in North Carolina.  Christ School has had talent but with a few key losses, they are looking to reload and with Coach Coley leading the charge, they have done just that.  One of those dudes will be Richards, who has already made it known about his impact in NC.  When talking about his game, you immediately notice the strength and physical attributes he brings, playing bully ball against defenders, finishing strong and through contact around the basket, but also his developing outside feel, whether it is initiating the offense, being more of a focus offensively, and his ability to stretch the floor with his outside game (which has only continued to improve). 

2023 Dante Oliver (Asheville Christian):

Another prospect coming into North Carolina that we got to see over the summer with his new team, Oliver comes from a basketball background and looks like a flourishing talent to be reckoned with in NC.  He is a 6'5, long prospect that has a tremendous feel and understanding of the game but you see that there is still stuff left in the take in what he could be at the end.  He creates well off the dribble, uses his length well to rise over defenders and score from multiple levels, and is terrific in getting downhill and showcasing good body control.  He is a rising name and think he could be a name people come quite familiar with around the area.