Team 15
Coach: Dre Simmons
#11: 5’9 ’28 Grant Locklear (Excelsior Classical)
Starting off, we look at a player who did a lot of things well despite being the smallest camper on this team, Grant Locklear. He’s a steady, scrappy point guard prospect who knows how to manage the offense, get others involved, and apply pressure as a shooting threat. Locklear displays great feel and pace with the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Dre on Locklear: “Grant is a reliable option at the point guard position. He plays with a nice pace and always seems comfortable and hard to speed up. He makes a high percentage of good reads and knows when to call his own number. He has a consistent jumper and also finishes nicely at the hoop. Overall, he has a great feel for the game and is a team player who added value to my team.” Locklear enjoyed a quality showing at camp and will be a prospect to monitor over the foreseeable future.
#17: 5’10 ’28 Aaron Lawler (Garinger)
Next, we look at a player who really stood out through his general scoring ability, Aaron Lawler. He’s a skilled, crafty guard prospect who can initiate the offense or find success without the ball in his hands. Lawler is a solid ball-handler and passer who can create for himself and others. He’s a reliable shooter and spot-up threat who applies consistent pressure from all levels. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more imposing player. Coach Dre on Lawler: “Aaron has a scorer’s mentality. Although he can facilitate and make the appropriate pass, you can tell that he is trained to go. I loved his confidence and his ability to create his own shot. His handle was able to get him opportunities at the rack and also plenty of paint touches. I wasn’t always in love with his shot selection, but I understand time and place. I truly believe he can fill it up, so I trust in his abilities. I think he is going to become a combo guard worth noting.” Lawler did a lot of things well during camp and should be an immediate contributor at Garinger during the upcoming season.
#24: 5’10 ’28 Paul Cauthen (Statesville)
Moving forward, we look at a player who already stands out as a difference-maker at the varsity level, Paul Cauthen. He’s a smart, athletic guard prospect with a rugged mentality and quality feel for the game on both ends of the floor. Cauthen displays excellent pace, speed, and toughness. He’s a reliable defender and well-rounded offensive piece. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Dre on Cauthen: “Paul was amazing! I was truly impressed by his pure speed and ability to simply blow by defenders. He accelerates from end to end like a blur and is still able to finish or facilitate under control. At the point guard spot, he is a natural leader and never takes possessions off. He competes hard every single play. Quite frankly, he is an absolute dawg. The fact that he is flushing already speaks to his athleticism. Having seen him in the past, I also noticed his jumper out to three-point range has developed and is way more fluid. He can knock down shots off the catch or dribble. What coaches get in Paul is a two-way, high-IQ point guard who never backs down from a challenge and cares about the team winning more than his individual accolades. I believe he is a next-level prospect in the making. Excited to see his development.” Cauthen made a strong impact during camp and will be a key piece for Statesville going forward.
#26: 5’10 ’28 Josiah Barnes (Mooresville)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who knows how to excel within his role, Josiah Barnes. He’s a scrappy, unselfish guard prospect with a nice combination of IQ, motor, and shooting ability. Barnes is comfortable finding success as a spot-up threat, but can also attack closeouts, make the extra pass, and outwork opponents defensively. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more dynamic creator. Coach Dre on Barnes: “Josiah brought a lot of value to the team over the course of the day. His ability to find soft spots in the defense and hit spot-up jumpers was impressive. He plays within the flow of the game and doesn’t need the ball to be effective. He moves well as a cutter and often catches the defense falling asleep. I was also impressed with the range on his shot. With continued work, he has the potential to have a very nice high school career.” Barnes enjoyed a quality showing during camp and will be a prospect to watch emerge for Mooresville over the coming years.
#79: 6’5 ’28 Bagonley Donzo (Trinity Christian)
Next, we look at a player who stood out through his physically imposing presence on both ends of the floor, Bagonley Donzo. He’s a strong, athletic forward/post prospect who simply utilizes his strength and high motor to overwhelm opponents. Donzo is a great rebounder, finisher, and useful shot-blocker who moves well for his size. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a more reliable defender when switching onto smaller guards. Coach Dre on Donzo: “Bagonley is a beast! He is a man amongst boys and has no doubt in his ability to dominate. Just pencil him in for a double-double every night he takes the court. He has great footwork in the low post area and runs the floor very well for easy opportunities. Needless to say, he will put it on your head, so opponents better box him out. He also showed range and touch on his jumper. I can tell he has good training and intimate time in the gym developing his craft. I will not be surprised when his stock goes crazy, nor will I be late to the party. I’ll go ahead and stamp today. He is official!” Donzo made a lasting impression during camp and should be a difference-maker at Trinity Christian going forward.
#90: 6’3 ’28 Ellington Wall (Albemarle)
Moving forward, we look at a player who made a lasting impression with his blend of size and shooting, Ellington Wall. He’s a long, skilled wing/forward prospect who knows how to find success with or without the ball in his hands. Wall knocks down shots at a reliable clip, especially in spot-up scenarios, and can attack the occasional closeout. He works to make an impact as a defender and rebounder. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more reliable creator. Coach Dre on Wall: “Ellington is a lengthy shooter who brings versatility at the forward position. He is great in pick-and-pop scenarios and forces the defense to stay honest. When you look at him, you just see the potential. At his age with his skillset, training, and development, I believe he is definitely a prospect to keep an eye out for. I’m expecting growth in his game.” Wall enjoyed a quality showing at camp and should emerge as a key piece for Albemarle sooner than later.
#95: 6’3 ’28 Travis Cooper Jr. (Southeast Raleigh)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who showcased a really polished scoring arsenal, Travis Cooper Jr. He’s a smart, skilled guard with a crafty handle and the ability to score in an impressive variety of ways. Cooper can dictate the action as a playmaker or create for himself off the bounce. He’s a scrappy defender and capable rebounder with the ability to push the break in transition. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more imposing player. Coach Dre on Cooper: “Travis is an absolute bucket. He is a natural scorer with a nice blend of handle, swag, bounce, finesse, and flair. I was really a true fan of his game and, honestly, gave him the green light to take advantage wherever he saw fit. As a spot-up threat, you had to trust Travis was going to get a bucket. He’s a three-level shot-maker who gets above the rim and makes timely assists. I am easily convinced that Travis is that guy, period. Look forward to him cooking throughout high school and putting up big numbers throughout his career. I’m here early! Buckets!” Cooper made a strong impact during camp and should emerge as a difference-maker at Southeast Raleigh sooner than later.
#129: 6’4 ’28 Brayden Miles (The Burlington School)
Finishing up, we look at a player who possesses an enticing array of tools and long-term upside, Brayden Miles. He’s a strong, athletic wing/forward with a useful versatility on both ends of the floor. Miles displayed the ability to create, defer to others, and apply scoring pressure in a variety of ways. He made his presence consistently felt as a defender and rebounder. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more reliable creator. Coach Dre on Miles: “Brayden can get whatever he wants on the basketball court. He is a smooth operator blended with a physical presence to get to the hoop and finish. Left hand, right hand, downhill pressure, or three-pointers…he can get it going in several ways. Honestly, he makes the game look easy and knows how to manipulate the defense. He consistently beats his man off the bounce and makes the right read when the defense collapses. He can control the flow of the game and play multiple positions. Definitely 1-3 but possibly could give you some minutes at the 4 if needed, because he is that tough. This young man has a very bright future. Knowing the culture of his high school and coaching staff, I believe he is next-level college material for sure.” Miles proved to be an asset during camp and should be able to carve out a meaningful role during his upcoming freshman season.