Team 7
Coach: Jordan Washington
#62: 5’9 ’23 Khamani Wertz (Providence Day)
Starting things off, we look at a player that possesses a nice crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Khamani Wertz. He’s a young, smart, slightly undersized guard prospect with a terrific three-point stroke and blossoming offensive skillset. Wertz can reliably handle and pass the ball but typically works as an off-guard, where he’s able to apply nonstop pressure as a spot-up threat. He works hard on defense and knows how to position himself for success at the point of attack. Next in his development process is working on his ability to set up others, as it would make him a more complete guard. Coach Washington on Wertz: “Khamani started slow but he really picked up his game with great decision making and taking care of the ball. He had a strong performance at camp. I would like to see him control the game more going forward.” Wertz continues to improve with each showing and will be an exciting player to watch progress over the coming years.
#66: 5’9 ’22 Daylon Houston (Parkwood)
Next, we look at a player that really stood out with his intensity and defensive prowess, Daylon Houston. He’s a smart, team-first guard with quickness, penetration skills, and the ability to make a strong impact with or without the ball in his hands. Houston has an active motor, which is evident on each defensive possession, given the way he eliminates operating space and forces turnovers. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Washington on Houston: “Daylon has set the tone defensively for our group today. He was all over the floor and getting after every loose ball. I love the competitiveness he plays with. I would love to see him improve on his jumper but I’m excited for what the future holds for him.” Houston enjoyed a nice showing at camp and could be a prospect to keep an eye on, especially if he continues to work.
#72: 5’10 ’21 Tachai Miller (Independence)
Moving onto a player that highlighted a pretty strong, team-first identity on both ends of the floor, Tachai Miller. He’s a long, wiry guard prospect that knows how to utilize his quickness on both ends of the floor, getting downhill with ease and containing his assignment extremely well throughout camp. Miller moves effectively without the ball, but can also create for himself and others quite well. He makes smart decisions on offense and consistently made his presence felt as a rebounder. Next in his development process is working on becoming a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him even tougher to contain off the bounce. Coach Washington on Miller: “Tachai was a tough guard that is really quick off the bounce and defends at a high level. I love the way he led the team today. He needs to work on his consistency from midrange and beyond but is a paint-toucher and intriguing overall prospect.” Miller did a lot of things well at camp and should be able to carve out a nice role during the upcoming season at Independence.
#82: 5’11 ’22 AJ Cook (Weddington)
Continuing onto a player that continues to quietly stand out as one of the most productive performers on display, regardless of setting, AJ Cook. He’s a smart, wiry point guard prospect that simply knows how to run a team or work without the ball and apply tremendous pressure as a spot-up threat. Cook handles and passes the ball very well, never forcing the action and always looking to make the best play available. He’s crafty and scores efficiently from all three levels, but also does a great job of working on defense and forces plenty of turnovers as a result. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more consistent finisher through contact. Coach Washington on Cook: “Shooter, shooter, shooter! AJ shot the ball at an unbelievable rate, knocking down one three-pointer after another. I would like to see him work on defending and attacking the rim more, but he was probably the best shooter in attendance.” Cook had a terrific showing at camp and should emerge as a leader sooner than later at Weddington.
#90: 6’0 ’21 Brian Keith (Wake Christian)
Next, we look at a player that was arguably the most impressive two-way performer on this team, Brian Keith. He’s a smart, strong, aggressive two-way guard prospect with a high motor, unselfish approach, and the ability to dominate his assignment on either end of the floor. Keith possesses a tight handle, sharp vision, and scores the ball with efficiency from all three levels. He’s a bulldog-like defender that knows how to suffocate opponents and force them into turnovers with consistency. Keith is also a great leader, rebounder, and decision-maker with the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find even more scoring opportunities as an off-ball cutter. Coach Washington on Keith: “BJ was my do-it-all guy. He defended at a high level and scored on all three levels against each opponent. BJ is the type of young man every coach wants on his team because he does everything. I’m excited to see what he has in store for the upcoming season.” Keith was phenomenal at camp, securing the Mr. Defense award with relative ease, and should have a big-time season at Wake Christian.
#100: 6’1 ’21 Alex Hogsett (Northern Guilford)
Moving onto a player that simply performs bigger than his size would imply on both ends of the floor, Alex Hogsett. He’s a big, strong-bodied wing/forward prospect that causes matchup problems with his interesting array of skills. Hogsett plays physical on defense and as a rebounder, but also displays a quality amount of offensive skill. He’s a quality shooter with the ability to put the ball on the floor and make plays for himself or others from within the paint. Next in his development process is working on becoming quicker, as it would make him tougher to contain off the dribble. Coach Washington on Hogsett: “Alex is a tough young man that goes really hard and competes at a high level. He can really shoot the ball and is a physical player that knows how to defend hard. He can improve his ball-handler. Other than that, he should play a great role in high school this year.” Hogsett enjoyed a nice two-way showing at camp and should be able to carve out a useful role this season for Northern Guilford.
#105: 6’2 ’20 Terrence East (Andrews)
Continuing onto a player that really stood out with his physicality and aggressive two-way approach, Terrence East. He’s a long, wiry guard prospect with a tight handle and sharp penetrating sense. East is a nice slasher with the ability to get downhill and attack the basket quite regularly, but can also knock down open jumpers on occasion. He’s a reliable defender with quick hands, which allows him to force on-ball turnovers and push transition play at a useful rate. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete offensive player. Coach Washington on East: “Terrence played very well for me today. I loved his effort and intensity on both sides of the ball. He is long and plays active all over the court. He was a joy to coach. I would like see him improve his ball-handling.” East worked extremely hard throughout camp and could be poised for a productive upcoming season, especially if he continues to work.
#120: 6’3 ’21 Pharaoh Underhill (High Point Christian)
Next, we look at a player that was simply able to make his presence consistently felt on both ends of the floor, Pharaoh Underhill. He’s a long, strong-bodied, slightly undersized forward/post prospect with a high motor, team-first approach, and the ability to make an impact without necessarily requiring offensive touches. Underhill displayed touch around the basket and a knockdown midrange jumper. He did a great job of outworking opponents for rebounds and extra possessions throughout the day. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Washington on Underhill: “Pharaoh has been our anchor in the middle for the entire day. He plays very physical and has been holding the paint down. He is a joy to coach. I will love to see his progression throughout the season.” Underhill played bigger than his size at camp and should carve out a nice two-way role this season for High Point Christian.
#125: 6’4 ’22 Isaiah Williams (Porter Ridge)
Moving onto a player that possesses clear upside but already knows how to make a quality impact on both ends of the floor, Isaiah Williams. He’s a smart, well-rounded wing/forward prospect with great size and skill for his age. Williams showed his ability to score the ball from all three levels while working within the flow of the team and containing his assignment effectively on defense. He’s a nice rebounder that knows how to utilize his body and length to secure extra possessions quite regularly. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete offensive player. Coach Washington on Williams: “Isaiah has really picked it up with his physical play. He has been strong at going to the basket and has knocked down some three-pointers. I would love to see him improve as a ball-handler.” Williams enjoyed a nice showing at camp and has the tools to emerge as a useful contributor sooner than later for Porter Ridge.
#138: 6’6 ’23 Prashant Hill (Cannon)
Finishing up, we look at a player that was easily among the most impressive long-term prospect in attendance, Prashant Hill. He’s a big, strong-bodied forward/post prospect with an advanced feel for his age, both in terms of skill and approach. Hill can operate on the block, high post, or spot-up from beyond the arc and apply tremendous offensive pressure. He’s an exceptional rebounder with great defensive timing and the ability to run the floor properly in transition. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him an even tougher matchup for opposing forwards/big men. Coach Washington on Hill: “The young 2023 prospect is long and can shoot the ball really well for his age and size. Prashant hit a bunch of three-pointers. I would like to get stronger and handle the ball more often but he has plenty of time. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this young man.” Hill was among the most impressive prospects, especially for his age, and should be monitored closely by college coaches going forward.