Team 5
Coach: Ryan Bernardi
#0: 6’2 ’21 Demar Anderson (Victory Christian)
Starting things off, we look at a player that simply possesses a natural feel and understanding as a scorer, Demar Anderson. He’s a strong, tough, smart wing prospect with the ability to assert himself from all three levels while being an effective defender and two-way rebounder. Anderson can create for himself with relative ease and mixes it up quite regularly with the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working to become a better passer, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Bernardi on Anderson: “Demar’s shot-making ability impressed during the day. He took and made tough contested shots. His strong frame allows for him to touch the paint at will. He operates well out of the midrange. He has all of the tools to be a high-level defender. His attitude and acceptance of criticism gives him the ability to grow. Look for him a big year at Victory Christian for Coach Marcus.” Anderson proved to be a definite asset at camp and should see an uptick in his recruitment throughout the coming months.
#1: 6’2 ’22 Jordan Crawford (North Mecklenburg)
Next, we look at a player that has proven himself as one of the top shooting threats in North Carolina, Jordan Crawford. He’s a smooth, smart, low-maintenance guard prospect with the ability to operate from either backcourt position. Crawford is unselfish and looks to set up others whenever possible, but is more than capable of creating for himself. He’s a quality athlete and defender with quickness and anticipation. Next in his development process is working on his overall presence as a rebounder, as it would allow him to grab boards and immediately push the break in transition. Coach Bernardi on Crawford: “Jordan is a jitterbug, hard-playing point guard who gets in the paint and plays well in the pick-and-roll. He can really penetrate the first and second line of defenses well. Jordan is a good on-ball defender that can really disrupt other teams with his foot speed and hard quickness. Jordan will have a huge year at North Meck—a great program.” Crawford only seems to get better and better with each new viewing, and should be a standout contributor throughout the upcoming season.
#2: 6’3 ’21 Javonte Waverly (Henderson Collegiate)
Moving onto a player that always seems to stand out with his natural playmaking sense and desire to set up others, Javonte Waverly. He’s a tough, smart, passer-friendly point guard prospect with incredible vision and timing on his passes. Waverly is a decisive decision-maker and gets others involved at an excellent rate. He’s also a rugged defender with the ability to grab rebounds and push transition play. Next in his development process is working to become a more consistent three-point shooter, as it would take his offensive game to another level. Coach Bernardi on Waverly: “Javonte improved as the day progressed. He was a team-first guy that embraced making plays for his teammates while picking his spots to score. Javonte can guard the ball and is a good transition defender. He single-handedly halted multiple fast-breaks Javonte comes from a well-coached program and it is clear by the way he carries himself and the way he plays.” Waverly continues to highlight a next-level game and identity, and should have a productive senior season as the undisputed leader of Henderson Collegiate.
#4: 6’5 ’23 Jakel Powell (The Burlington School)
Continuing onto a player that is already shaping up to be one of the most enticing prospects within his class, Jakel Powell. He’s a long, wiry, smooth wing prospect with impressive shooting ability and overall understanding as an off-ball threat. Powell displays a quality feel for the game and will truly only continue to get better over time. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing player on both ends of the floor. Coach Bernardi on Powell: “Jakel can really shoot the ball. He finds holes on the perimeter and hunts his shot well. His positional size allows him to get his shot off over other players of his size. Jakel’s ability to create shots with his movement and off the dribble is advanced for his age. Jakel’s game will go to the next level with increased use of his body. He has the potential to be a high-level defender due to his size. I’m excited to track his progress in the next three seasons.” Powell continues to showcase all the tools to be a highly coveted Division I prospect, and looks poised for a breakout upcoming season at The Burlington School.
#5: 6’6 ’23 Wesley Tubbs (Northside Christian)
Next, we look at a player that possesses a strong crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Wesley Tubbs. He’s a long, wiry, skilled wing prospect with a high motor and great physical tools. Tubbs is unselfish and plays a passer-friendly game, but is also a capable penetrator and finisher around the basket. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing player on both ends of the floor. Coach Bernardi on Tubbs: “Wesley’s ceiling is through the roof! He plays very hard and has the requisite skills at his size to be able to really impact the game. Despite not having the best day by his standards, he still found ways to impact winning. As his game matures, he will drive under control and off two feet more frequently. I am a big fan of Wesley as a person and believe that he is a big name to track in the 2023 class. Coach Hatchett gets it done at Northside and is primed to do the same with Wesley.” Tubbs continues to display flashes of greatness and will certainly be a prospect to monitor closely over the foreseeable future.
#6: 6’7 ’22 Sam Perez (Trinity Academy of Raleigh)
Moving onto a player with the combination of skill and toughness to make an impact with any collection of teammates, Sam Perez. He’s a smart, skilled, strong-bodied forward prospect with size, strength, and athleticism. Perez plays with nonstop energy, which allows him to overwhelm opponents on the glass. He’s a reliable shooter and passer with versatility as a creator. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a better defender when moving along the perimeter. Coach Bernardi on Perez: “Sam’s IQ and court vision are his greatest strengths, though his shooting is not far behind. Sam will thrive at the next level in a Princeton system, or one that values playmaking and shooting. He is a good teammate who truly wants to win. Sam’s defensive instincts and ability to see the game one play helps him be an above-average defender. Coach Bryan Burrell develops players with the best of them at Trinity; look for Sam’s ability and stock to increase greatly.” Perez highlighted his adaptable, well-rounded game at camp and should be a focal point for Trinity Academy of Raleigh for the next two seasons.
#7: 6’8 ’22 Jeremy Gregory (North Mecklenburg)
Continuing onto a player that is simply one of the more consistently productive prospects in the state, Jeremy Gregory. He’s a sturdy, strong-bodied post prospect with great length, touch, and footwork around the basket. Gregory utilizes his soft hands to secure a ton of rebounds and displays a great understanding of how to position himself for success. He runs the floor well in transition and offers a reliable scoring presence from the block. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a more reliable defender in space. Coach Bernardi on Gregory: “Jeremy was very effective today. Although being slightly undersized for his position, he makes up for it with his footwork, finishing ability, and quick-twitch ability. He carves out space for himself very well in the paint and uses his frame to his advantage. As he continues to get faster and leaner, Jeremy’s effectiveness will get better. He is at the best of the best with Coach Lewis and North Meck! Great kid as well!” Gregory continues to make an impact in every possible setting and should be poised for another productive upcoming season for North Mecklenburg.
#8: 6’8 ’22 Asa White (Garner)
Next, we look at a player that possesses an incredible amount of long-term potential on both ends of the floor, Asa White. He’s a long, skilled, blossoming forward prospect with great physical tools and the ability to operate within a variety of different roles. White is a nice athlete with rebounding ability and the understanding of how to defend multiple positions. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Bernardi on White: “Asa showcased a three-level ability today. He made a three-pointer in each game. He operated out of the mid-post and finished/rebounded at the rim. Asa’s handle needs to get lower and tighter, but he has the potential to be a straight-line driver. His ability to push through fatigue and to do the little things while tired can be improved. Asa plays for a great Garner program that has a great piece for the next two years.” White continues to highlight excellent flashes and will be a prospect to monitor closely over these next few seasons.
#9: 7’0 ’22 Christian Reeves (Cannon)
Finishing up, we look at a player that continues to steadily progress into one of the most enticing prospects in North Carolina, Christian Reeves. He’s a long, wiry, fluid post prospect with rebounding prowess and phenomenal rim-protection instincts. Reeves blocks shots with regularity, runs the floor effectively in transition, and finishes with soft touch around the rim. He can also knock down perimeter jumpers at a nice clip. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it will only help improve his physicality on both ends of the floor. Coach Bernardi on Reeves: “Every time I see Christian, he is getting better. He played tougher, stronger, and more assertive this weekend than when I had ever him. He has such natural timing blocking shots and protecting the rim. He is a great kid that understands how to impact the game on all levels. Che Roth and Cannon are excellent developers and winners, so Christian will undoubtedly continue to improve.” Reeves truly possesses all the tools to become a priority for various types of Division I coaches, and should only continue trending upward for the foreseeable future.