Team 18
Coach: Evan Neisler
#2: 5’9 ’28 Paxton Coon (Wake Christian)
Starting off, we look at a player who did a lot of things well despite being the smallest camper on this team, Paxton Coon. He’s a smart, skilled guard prospect who can run an offense or apply lethal pressure as a shooting threat. Coon is a useful creator with the handle, vision, and scoring prowess to make plays with the ball in his hands. He’s a reliable spot-up threat who moves well without the ball and makes quality decisions off the dribble. Coon displayed nice defensive instincts and forced several turnovers at the point of attack. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more imposing defender. Coach Neisler on Coon: “Paxton is a great shooter with a high IQ. Not afraid to penetrate and finish over bigger opponents. Provides great effort on defense and consistently took up the challenge on that end of the floor.” Coon enjoyed a terrific showing at camp and should be a focal point for Wake Christian going forward.
#57: 6’0 ’28 Doc Caldwell (Mooresville)
Next, we look at a player who made a lasting impression with his knockdown shooting ability, Doc Caldwell. He’s a smart, unselfish guard prospect who offers a steady presence and lethal spot-up threat. Caldwell does a terrific job of moving without the ball, finding open seams, and capitalizing on shooting opportunities. He’s capable of attacking the basket or pulling up from midrange. Caldwell is a willing passer who looks to make the right play with the ball in his hands. He’s also a reliable defender who plays with a consistent motor on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a more imposing player. Coach Neisler on Caldwell: “Doc is a great shooter with a high IQ. Worked really hard defensively. Great teammate and a high-character kid. Really enjoyed coaching him.” Caldwell made a quality impact during camp and should be a key piece for Mooresville over the coming years.
#64: 6’1 ’28 Cohen Edwards (Lake Norman)
Moving forward, we look at a player who found success through his ability to fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor, Cohen Edwards. He’s a scrappy, high-motor guard prospect with an unselfish approach to the game. Edwards is a solid finisher, shooter, and passer who is comfortable with or without the ball in his hands. He stood out through his motor and toughness defensively, and made hustle plays whenever possible. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Neisler on Edwards: “Cohen is a solid player. There were times when he was looking for that “moment” offensively and forced a couple of things. Very positive attitude and great teammate. Role player at the moment but has to be on the floor. Made big defensive stops and took up the defensive challenges.” Edwards enjoyed a quality showing at camp and should be able to emerge as a useful piece for Lake Norman over these next few seasons.
#67: 6’1 ’28 JJ Sati-Grier (Charlotte Performance)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who easily stood out among the top performers at camp, JJ Sati-Grier. He’s a smart, dynamic point guard prospect with an excellent combination of vision, creation skills, and scoring polish. Sati-Grier already possesses a strong understanding of how to properly run an offense with the right balance of unselfishness and assertiveness. He does a terrific job of breaking down opponents, applying consistent downhill pressure, and making intelligent decisions with the ball in his hands. Sati-Grier utilizes his quickness and high motor to make his presence felt defensively. His sharp instincts allow him to force turnovers and regularly push transition play. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would open him up to even more scoring opportunities. Coach Neisler on Sati-Grier: “JJ is a quick, decisive lead guard. Shifty with a bag. Needs to work on communicating defensively and guarding ball screens.” Sati-Grier enjoyed an impressive showing at camp, securing the MVP Award, and truly has all the tools to be a notable prospect going forward.
#71: 6’1 ’28 Mack Jordan (Charlotte Catholic)
Next, we look at a player who already possesses a strong understanding of how to run a team, Mack Jordan. He’s a smart, steady point guard prospect who provides a reliable presence on both ends of the floor. Jordan handles the ball with poise and pace. He offers a great balance between scoring and playmaking while consistently operating within the flow of the team structure. Jordan picks his spots well as a scorer and contains his assignment well defensively. He’s a capable rebounder and useful threat in transition. 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 Neisler on Jordan: “Mack is a solid guard who makes good decisions with the ball. Could be more disruptive on defense with intention and focus. He has the tools to be an effective varsity guard.” Jordan made a solid impact during camp and should be a key piece at Charlotte Catholic over the foreseeable future.
#91: 6’3 ’28 Jack Baker (The Burlington School)
Moving forward, we look at a player who showcased a steady, well-rounded identity, Jack Baker. He’s a smart, unselfish wing prospect with quality size, skill, and adaptability. Baker is a reliable shooting threat who can knock down shots, finish through contact, and make decisions with the ball in his hands. He’s a great passer who locates open teammates and sets them up in scoring positions. Baker doesn’t require the ball to impact a game and is polished enough to produce in various roles. He provides consistent effort as a defender and shows a willingness to make hustle plays whenever possible. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a more physical rebounder. Coach Neisler on Baker: “Jack is a very consistent, smart player. Finishes well and finds teammates when open. He can improve defensively to keep opponents in front. I enjoyed coaching him.” Baker did a lot of things well during camp and should be a key piece for The Burlington School over the coming years.
#128: 6’4 ’28 Aaron Parker Jr. (Southeast Raleigh)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who possesses an incredibly enticing crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Aaron Parker Jr. He’s a smooth, athletic wing prospect with a strong blend of size, feel, and two-way ability. Parker applied consistent scoring pressure from all three levels, but was arguably at his best when getting downhill and finishing at the rim. He’s a willing passer and useful off-ball threat. Parker provides a reliable defensive presence and routinely overwhelms opponents with his physical tools. Next in his development process is working to tighten up his handle, as it would make him a more reliable creator. Coach Neisler on Parker: “Aaron is a hard-working athlete with a decent midrange and the ability to attack strong towards the rim. Has a very high ceiling but still has plenty to work on, like consistency, rebounding, and improving his awareness/court vision. Use length and quickness well for on-ball defense. Pick and choose spots to drive.” Parker proved to be an asset during camp and has the tools to emerge as a potentially special prospect over the foreseeable future.
#160: 6’8 ’28 Chase Smith (Queens Grant)
Finishing up, we look at a player who showcased consistent dominance throughout camp, Chase Smith. He’s a smart, skilled, physically advanced forward/post prospect with the ability to rebound, block shots, and score in a variety of ways. Smith displays soft touch with either hand and can space the floor as needed. He’s a great passer for his size and understands how to get others involved in the offense. Smith utilizes his body well to position himself for rebounds and help defense. He also runs the floor well in transition. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a better defender when switching onto smaller guards. Coach Neisler on Smith: “Chase possesses clear ability. However, I need to see better overall effort and consistency. His size and athleticism will not be enough to carry him long-term. It can catch up to you. Play/run as hard as you can with maximum effort and teach your body to always play hard.” Smith was among the top campers on display and should be poised for a highly productive freshman season at Queens Grant.