Team 5
Coach: Erik Whaley
#5: 6’0 ’24 Carson Daniel (Central Cabarrus)
Starting things off, we look at a player who already stands out as one of the more reliable, productive floor generals in the state, Carson Daniel. He’s a smart, skilled, unselfish point guard prospect with an excellent balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Daniel typically looks to set up the offense and get others involved whenever possible, but is more than capable of asserting himself as a scorer when needed. He’s a pesky defender, sharp ball-handler, and genuinely understands how to set the tone as a leader on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it would make him a more physically imposing player on either end of the floor. Coach Whaley on Daniel: “Carson is a coach’s dream. Consistently stands out as an extension of the coach on the floor. He’s a great on-ball defender. Makes the right play every single time.” Daniel proved to be an asset at camp, and should continue to be very productive as a clear leader for Central Cabarrus over the foreseeable future.
#10: 6’0 ’22 Shane Peterson (The Burlington School)
Next, we look at a player who is easily one of the top shooters and overall role players within the state, Shane Peterson. He’s a smart, unselfish, extremely low-maintenance guard prospect with vision, toughness, and elite three-point shooting. Peterson is able to pose a constant threat without the ball in his hands, given his instincts as a cutter and spot-up threat. He makes terrific passes, defends his position very well, and can truly dominate a game without ever needing to force the action. Next in his development process is working to become a better finisher, as it would make him even more reliable when attacking closeouts. Coach Whaley on Peterson: “Shane has the tools to change the flow of a game with his ability to shoot the ball in bunches. Once he heats up, he has the ability to get by the defense with a simple head-fake and will make the right play immediately after. He’s a willing defender and displays a high basketball IQ.” Peterson enjoyed a quality showing at camp, and should be an obvious target for college coaches as an x-factor for The Burlington School during the upcoming season.
#12: 6’1 ’25 Eli Ellis (Moravian Prep)
Moving onto a player who already carries a strong reputation as one of the top guys within his class, Eli Ellis. He’s a smart, crafty guard prospect with phenomenal perimeter shooting and the ability to apply scoring pressure with or without the ball in his hands. Ellis can create for himself or others, or find opportunities as a spot-up threat. He’s a useful defender with toughness, energy, and a clear desire to win. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a better defender at the point of attack. Coach Whaley on Ellis: “Eli is what you call a “hooper.” Whatever you need him to do, he will do it in order to win a game. Whether scoring, passing, or defending, he’s capable. He’s gotten much better as an on-ball defender and uses his strength to not allow opposing ball-handlers to overpower him. On offense, while not the quickest, Eli knows how to outsmart defenders on most possessions through ball manipulations and change of speed. Once he gets to his spots, you are at his mercy.” Ellis did a lot of things well at camp, securing the Mr. Top 80 award, and should be a leader for Moravian Prep over the foreseeable future.
#21: 6’2 ’22 Xavier McKelvy (United Faith)
Continuing onto a player who legitimately trended upward as aggressively as any prospect over the last calendar year, Xavier McKelvy. He’s a strong, rugged, athletic guard prospect with incredible abilities as a penetrator and transition threat. McKelvy is smart and unselfish enough to effectively control the offense as a primary ball-handler, especially given how effortlessly he scores the ball. He displays a nice handle and sets up others at a useful rate, but also understands how to overwhelm his assignment defensively and on the glass. McKelvy is a natural leader who welcomes physicality and opponents to challenge him at the rim. Next in his development process is working on his playmaking sense, as it would allow him to effectively operate as a secondary floor general in a pinch. Coach Whaley on McKelvy: “The Winthrop commit is an absolute freak athletically on both ends of the floor. He utilizes his athleticism to blow by defenders and, at 6-foot-2, plays well above the rim. He’s continued to improve his range and will be a capable shooter at the next level, especially as he continues to work. Baby Westbrook.” McKelvy did a lot of things well at camp and should have an exciting senior season as he prepares to further his playing career at Winthrop.
#37: 6’5 ’24 Isaiah Washington (Winston-Salem Christian)
Next, we look at a player who definitely stood out as one of the top all-around performers on display, Isaiah Washington. He’s a smart, skilled, athletic wing prospect with size, creation skills, and the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Washington is a lethal offensive player with the necessary instincts to basically get any shot he wants against any type of opponent. He actively mixes up his approach, gets others involved, and forces turnovers on a regular basis defensively. Washington is severely under-recruited and legitimately as talented as anyone in the state. Next in his development process is working to become a better rebounder, as it would allow him to grab boards and immediately push the break in transition. Coach Whaley on Washington: “Isaiah has been one of, if not the, best player at the Top 80 camp. Known for his ability to score the ball, Isaiah did it all out here today. Not only did he score the ball at an extremely high rate from all three levels, but he also took the challenge in guarding the best opposing player in each game as well.” Washington was an obvious standout at camp, and should truly see his recruitment take off after his recent reclassification at Winston-Salem Christian.
#44: 6’6 ’23 Collin Tanner (Wayne Country Day)
Moving onto a player who made a pretty lasting impression with his lethal scoring prowess, Collin Tanner. He’s a long, smart, fairly well-rounded wing prospect with lethal perimeter shooting—both off the catch and bounce. Tanner is a phenomenal spot-up threat from distance, but can also attack closeouts and make plays off the bounce. He utilizes his blend of length, motor, and athleticism effectively to make his presence felt defensively and as a rebounder. Next in his development process is working on his craftiness as a ball-handler, as it would make him even more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Whaley on Tanner: “Collin not only has the ability to be a top kid in the state, but nationally as well. He has all the tools offensively and defensively. At 6-foot-6, he can guard four positions comfortably and is a nightmare on the wing—no matter who is defending. I would like to see Collin get more vocal on the court.” Tanner enjoyed an excellent showing at camp, and could be due for a potential breakout campaign during his upcoming season at Wayne Country Day.
#53: 6’6 ’24 Rakease Passmore (AC Reynolds)
Continuing onto a player who truly possesses as much upside as anyone within his class, Rakease Passmore. He’s a long, fluid, incredibly explosive wing prospect with a strong frame and unique physical tools. Passmore is a quality perimeter shooter off the catch, and understands how to create for himself or others within a few dribbles. However, he’s undoubtedly at his best when attacking the basket in the open floor and finishing at the rim. Passmore is a willing passer, useful defender, and rebounds the ball at a solid rate on both ends of the floor. He will only continue to get better with time. Next in his development process is working on his craftiness as a ball-handler, as it would make him a more complete offensive player. Coach Whaley on Passmore: “Rakease will be a nationally touted kid when it’s all said and done. He’s improved his half-court game tremendously. Showed the ability to knock down open shots. Elite finisher on the break and showed the ability to set up others.” Passmore continues to showcase a ton of intrigue and excitement, and will certainly be a prospect for college coaches to monitor closely over the coming years.
#60: 6’8 ’23 Joseph Bachman (Laney)
Next, we look at a player who simply understands how to provide a steady, consistent interior presence in every possible setting, Joseph Bachman. He’s a strong, mobile, high-motor post prospect with touch, toughness, and a clear willingness to outwork opponents on both ends of the floor. Bachman typically operates with his back to the basket, where he’s proven to be a polished scorer, but can also step out and knock down perimeter jumpers at a respectable clip. He’s an excellent rebounder who utilizes his body and truly just outworks opponents for extra opportunities. Bachman alters shots effectively and runs the floor properly in transition. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a more reliable defender when hedging or operating in space. Coach Whaley on Bachman: “Joseph is very good with his back to the basket. He’s a good finisher and passer out of the post. Plays with a high IQ on both ends of the floor.” Bachman continued to highlight an extremely reliable identity at camp, and should be an obvious target for college coaches going forward.
#69: 6’9 ’23 Anthony Robinson (Christ School)
Moving onto a player who understands how to capitalize on opportunities within the flow of the action, Anthony Robinson. He’s a long, fluid, athletic post prospect with excellent physical tools and a ton of long-term upside remaining. Robinson plays with a high motor, unselfish nature, and looks to involve himself through making hustle plays. He’s already a strong defensive presence inside the paint, but also moves well in space on switches. Robinson also stood out as one of the top rebounders on this team. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him an even better finisher through contact. Coach Whaley on Robinson: “Anthony is an athletic rim-protector who plays hard and above the rim. He’s a constant threat for lobs. Can keep working to refine his skillet. Possesses a lot of favorable tools.” Robinson enjoyed a nice showing at camp, and will definitely be a prospect to keep an eye on over the coming years at Christ School.
#76: 6’10 ’23 James Scott (Seventy-First)
Finishing up, we look at a player who possesses a quality crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, James Scott. He’s a long, fluid, wiry post prospect with IQ, touch, and an active motor on both ends of the floor. Scott displays a variety of useful post moves and finishes well from the block or above the rim. He’s very mobile for his size and moves like a perimeter player, but still embraces his identity within the paint. Scott displays great defensive instincts, both as a rim-protector and when intercepting passing lanes to force turnovers. He rebounds the ball at a strong rate and runs the floor hard in transition. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it would make him a more physically imposing player inside the paint. Coach Whaley on Scott: “James rim-runs extremely well. He’s a lob threat with instincts as a rim-protector. James is a special shot-blocking presence.” Scott highlighted a lot of ability at camp, and should only continue to collect scholarships over the next few years at Seventy-First.