Team 15
Coach: Kevin Dawkins
#42: 5’11 ’27 Zaiyir Phillips (Hunter Huss)
Starting things off, we look at a player who understands how to set the tone on both ends of the floor, Zaiyir Phillips. He’s a smart, rugged guard prospect with the ability to run a team or produce as an off-ball threat. Phillips is a reliable three-level scorer with a strong penetration sense, useful pull-up game, and quality shooting from midrange and beyond the arc. He touches the paint at a high volume, where he’s able to finish or set up others. Phillips is also an excellent defender with a terrific blend of strength, quickness, and sheer instincts. Next in his development process is working to involve himself in the rebounding battle more often, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Dawkins on Phillips: “Zaiyir is very gritty. Love how he is a willing defender and moves his feet at a high level. Physical player. Knows the game and knows how to get his teammates involved in the action.” Phillips stood out as a leader at camp and should be a poised for a very productive freshman season with Huss.
#48: 5’7 ’27 William Haarlow (Pinecrest)
Next, we look at a player who showcased great balance as a floor general, William Haarlow. He’s a scrappy, unselfish point guard prospect with a tight handle and sharp penetration sense. Haarlow is a reliable shooter and overall spot-up threat who understands how to play with or without the ball in his hands. He breaks down opponents and sets up others on a consistent basis. Haarlow is great at outworking his assignment and making hustle plays. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a better on-ball defender. Coach Dawkins on Haarlow: “William is a great teammate to have. He has a great “we before me” attitude. He struggled to finish mainly due to a lack of size and strength, but gets paint touches and makes the right reads with the ball in his hands. William provides great energy defensively and excelled in help situations and off-ball defense.” Haarlow made a nice impact during his time at camp and will be a prospect to watch emerge for Pinecrest over the coming years.
#60: 5’10 ’27 Zavion Haymon (Trinity Christian)
Moving onto a player who consistently seemed to get better throughout the course of the day, Zavion Haymon. He’s a strong, physically overwhelming guard prospect with a nice skillset and quality feel for the game on both ends of the floor. Haymon knocked down shots, made plays with the ball in his hands, and consistently finished through contact. He’s a tough defender and rebounder who doesn’t shy away from contact or physical play. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Dawkins on Haymon: “It took a while for Zavion to get doing, but showcased a lot of ability once he warmed up. He was able to get into the paint as well as highlight a good change of pace to keep defenders off balance. His build allows him to bounce off defenders and finish at the basket.” Haymon enjoyed a quality showing at camp and has the tools to emerge for Trinity Christian sooner than later.
#66: 5’11 ’27 Omari Whiteside (Shelby)
Continuing onto a player who consistently produced and found ways to involve himself in the action, Omari Whiteside. He’s a tough, scrappy guard prospect with a high IQ and nonstop motor on both ends of the floor. Whiteside is a well-rounded offensive player who can do a little bit of everything, though he’s arguably at his best when getting downhill and touching the paint. He’s an excellent penetrator with the ability to consistently finish through contact or set up others. Whiteside is a terror defensively, where he’s able to mirror opposing ball-handlers and force turnovers at a constant rate. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him even more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Dawkins on Whiteside: “I love what Omari brings to the table. When his shot isn’t falling, you can always bank on Omari playing defense and making athletic plays. He will always have a role on a team due to controlling what he can control. Displays great effort, great attitude, and a high motor.” Whiteside made a lasting impression during camp and should be poised for a productive freshman season at Shelby.
#76: 6’0 ’27 Jazir Wright-McGhee (New Hanover)
Next, we look at a player who overwhelmed opponents through his defensive presence, Jazir Wright-McGhee. He’s a tough, unselfish guard prospect with a high motor and excellent defensive prowess. Offensively, Wright-McGhee does a great job of penetrating and finishing or setting up others. He’s a capable shooter but at his best in transition or getting downhill. Wright-McGhee is a rugged defender who contains his assignment well and regularly forces turnovers at the point of attack. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Dawkins on Wright-McGhee: “Jazir is a kid who will realize that offense becomes easy when he’s focused and locked in on defense, as points will naturally come to him. He’s a great athlete who utilizes his physical tools to his advantage. Does a great job of jumping passing lanes and attacking the basket.” Wright-McGhee highlighted a variety of enticing qualities during his time at camp and will be a prospect to monitor for New Hanover throughout the coming years.
#84: 6’1 ’27 Karon Watlington (Burlington Christian)
Moving onto a player who has made clear strides over the last calendar year, Karon Watlington. He’s a long, skilled guard prospect with a high IQ, nonstop motor, and unselfish approach to the game. Watlington displayed reliable creation skills and a polished scoring arsenal from all levels. He’s comfortable dictating the action and setting the tone by example on both ends of the floor. Watlington outworked his assignment on defense and consistently made his presence felt in transition. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a shooter off the dribble, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Dawkins on Watlington: “I have seen Karon in multiple settings but he always played the role as a secondary player. This was my first time seeing him as an alpha, and I love it for him. He showed his full arsenal and was a great teammate through it all. The state is in good hands with this up-and-coming point guard.” Watlington turned heads with his performance at camp and should be a key piece for Burlington Christian over the foreseeable future.
#94: 6’2 ’27 Amazin Dixon (Southeastern Homeschool)
Continuing onto a player who seemed to get better and better throughout the course of the day, Amazin Dixon. He’s a long, intelligent guard prospect with a tight, crafty handle and the ability to consistently create off the bounce. Dixon is a great penetrator who breaks down opponents, touches the paint, and makes the correct read with the ball in his hands. He knocked down jumpers, but was arguably at his best when getting downhill and finishing. Dixon is also an terrific defender and rebounder. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Dawkins on Dixon: “Amazin can really handle the ball. Once he realized he didn’t have to make two moves (and could get by the defender in one), things opened up for him. With him being so crafty, he was great at getting in the lane and finishing at the basket whenever he wanted. Amazin really excelled on defense with his quickness and overall physicality.” Dixon proved to be an asset at camp and will be a prospect to watch closely going forward.
#95: 6’2 ’27 Chris Gomez (Forsyth Country Day)
Next, we look at a player who continues to rapidly trend upward, Chris Gomez. He’s a smart, rugged guard prospect with a strong combination of motor, unselfishness, and the willingness to do whatever possible to provide his team with an edge. Gomez knows how to dictate the action, get others involved, and assert his scoring presence as needed. However, he’s shown the ability to fill it up as a scorer. Gomez is an active rebounder and quality all-around defender who applies consistent pressure in transition. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it will only make him more overwhelming for opponents. Coach Dawkins on Gomez: “Chris’ game has really matured since I last saw him play. He’s a smart player who uses angles well and gets into the lane with consistency, where he’s able to set up others or finish through contact. Has great form and range on his shot. Makes winning plays on both ends of the floor.” Gomez showcased a lot of ability at camp and will be a key piece for Forsyth Country Day over the coming years.
#107: 6’3 ’27 Parker Watkins (Hickory Ridge)
Moving onto a player who consistently found ways to impact the game within the flow of the action, Parker Watkins. He’s a long, fluid wing prospect with great size and a well-rounded skillset. Watkins plays hard and utilizes his ability to do a little bit of everything to reliably fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor. He can create, operate without the ball, and outwork his assignment defensively and on the glass. Watkins is capable of producing in several different roles. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing player. Coach Dawkins on Watkins: “Parker is solid. Doesn’t do anything at an elite level but is solid and reliable in every facet of the game. Athletic defender with the ability to shoot the ball. Knows where to be on defense and when to get there.” Watkins did a lot of things well during his time at camp and should be able to carve out a useful role for Hickory Ridge sooner than later.
#130: 6’6 ’27 James Mineland (Concord Academy)
Finishing up, we look at a player who possesses an enticing combination of tools and ability, James Mineland. He’s a long, skilled, athletic wing/forward prospect with flashes of versatility on both ends of the floor. Mineland is capable of scoring from all levels and displays the ability to create for himself and others with the ball in his hands. Defensively, his motor and instincts allow him to cause problems for opponents and force turnovers on a regular basis. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would open him up to more scoring chances within the flow of the offense. Coach Dawkins on Mineland: “James has a world of talent. Once he realizes his own potential, he can really take off. As an on-ball defender, he uses his length well and has the ability to guard all five positions on the court. He’s able to get rebounds and take off as the lead guard in transition when needed.” Mineland highlighted tons of appeal at camp and has the tools to become one of the best prospects in his class as he continues to develop.