Team 8
Coach: George Marshall
#8: 6'0 '23 Jordan Cooper (Wayne Country Day)
Starting things off, we look at a player who continues to steadily trend upward with his reliable two-way presence, Jordan Cooper. He's a smart, wiry guard prospect with the necessary combination of IQ, vision, and scoring prowess to effectively operate from either backcourt position. Cooper is arguably at his best when slotted off-ball, as it highlights his phenomenal three-point shooting. He's also a reliable defender with quality instincts for forcing turnovers at the point of attack. Cooper does a terrific job of playing within the team concept. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it will help prepare him for the physicality of the college game. Coach Marshall on Cooper: 'Jordan is a great shooter with solid mechanics. He's a good on-ball defender with quality positioning. Improved strength will benefit him significantly in the long run. He should continue to working on dribble penetration and decision-making as a lead guard.' Cooper enjoyed a nice showing during his time at camp, and should be a definite leader for Wayne Country Day over these next two seasons.
#9: 6'0 '23 Josh Bullock (Lake Norman Christian)
Next, we look at a player who showcased a clear willingness to do whatever possible to provide his team with an edge, Josh Bullock. He's a strong, sturdy, team-first guard prospect with penetration ability and excellent defensive instincts. Bullock utilizes a combination of strength, toughness, and energy to wear down opposing guards. He's also a great finisher, passer, and midrange shooter with the understanding of how to run a team. Next in his development process is working to become a more consistent three-point shooter, as it would make him a more lethal scoring threat. Coach Marshall on Bullock: 'I loved coaching Josh at the NC Top 80! Great kid with a chance to be an impactful lead guard at the next level. I think his willingness to defend will help him long term. In the future, he will need to find confidence in his three-point shot. Once he does that, the lanes for him to drive will open for his playmaking ability.' Bullock did a lot of things well at camp and should be a major contributor for Lake Norman Christian over these next two seasons.
#24: 6'3 '23 Dallas Gardner (Charlotte Country Day)
Moving onto a player who arguably stood out as one of the top overall performers on display, Dallas Gardner. He's a long, wiry, rugged guard prospect with the ability to get downhill and finish seemingly whenever he desires. Gardner handles and passes the ball nicely, but also knows how to apply nonstop scoring pressure. He prefers to finish or hit midrange jumpers, but can also reliably hit shots from beyond the arc. Gardner also defends his assignment well and provides solid effort on the glass. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would open up more scoring opportunities as a cutter and spot-up threat. Coach Marshall on Gardner: 'Dallas was a great teammate at the event! His dribble-drive mentality is rare for someone his age, and he was consistently helping his teammates gets better. I think the next step for Dallas lies within his midrange and three-point shooting. With his ability to drive, he would have an elite repertoire to match his athleticism if he were to develop an instinct for stopping on a drive and shooting.' Gardner enjoyed a very productive showing at camp and should be poised for a breakout junior season at Charlotte Country Day.
#25: 6'3 '25 Howard Herbert (Trinity Christian)
Continuing onto a player who consistently found ways to make an impact despite being one of the younger players in attendance, Howard Herbert. He's an unselfish, high-motor wing prospect with a pretty well-rounded skillset and the ability to make plays with or without the ball in his hands. Herbert displays a nice feel and naturally seems to do a little bit of everything on the court. He hit jumpers, made smart passes, defended his position, and filled in the gaps as needed. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better ball-handler against pressure. Coach Marshall on Herbert: 'I really enjoyed coaching Howard during the NC Top 80 camp. He took feedback extremely well, and made some timely plays during the event. He stepped up in a big way on defense and guarded some elite opponents. His next step is all about building his offensive repertoire. Ball-handling and a consistent ability to catch and shoot will help him go a long way.' Herbert showed a lot of enticing flashes throughout camp and will undoubtedly be a prospect to monitor over the foreseeable future at Trinity Christian.
#40: 6'5 '22 Karon Boyd (Cannon)
Next, we look at a player who simply exudes production in every possible setting or context, Karon Boyd. He's a strong, athletic, extremely versatile two-way wing/forward prospect with the ability to do literally everything on the court. Boyd is a smart, natural leader who sets the tone with his rugged defensive nature and unselfish offensive approach. He can initiate the offense and create fairly well, but often dominates the opposition with his toughness as a defender, finisher, and rebounder. Boyd scores the ball well from all levels and simply outworks opponents with his nonstop motor on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a shooter off the bounce, as it would make him an even more dynamic offensive threat. Coach Marshall on Boyd: 'There is an absolute ton to like with Karon. First, he is humble and wants to improve. Second, he uses his size as well as anyone in the camp. He rebounds well, and his effort is fantastic. The next step for Karon is becoming a knockdown shooter. Adding that to his game will make him a threat at next level. Lots of intangibles.' Boyd enjoyed a very productive showing at camp and should be a priority for various college coaches over the coming months.
#41: 6'5 '24 Langston Boyd (Concord Academy)
Moving onto a player who possesses a nice crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Langston Boyd. He's a strong, athletic, high-motor wing prospect with toughness, excellent penetration ability, and an advanced frame for his age. Boyd thrives in transition, where he's able to get downhill and finish whenever he wants, but also makes a ton of plays in the half-court. He's a very reliable defender with great instincts and the ability to consistently outwork his assignment on the glass. Boyd is an excellent all-around athlete. Next in his development process sis working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him a more complete offensive player. Coach Marshall on Boyd: 'Langston has an elite motor, which will take him a long way. That, in combination with his humility, make him a great long-term prospect. His athleticism allows him to guard the other team's best player on a consistent basis. His major area to improve is shot mechanics. If he adds that then there's no telling how good he can be.' Boyd stood out as an asset throughout camp and will definitely be a prospect to monitor over the foreseeable future.
#56: 6'7 '23 Avion Pinner (The Burlington School)
Continuing onto a player who possesses nice defensive versatility and a blossoming offensive identity, Avion Pinner. He's a long, wiry, fairly well-rounded forward prospect with a high motor, unselfish approach, and the ability to affect all facets of the game. Pinner is a strong finisher with the necessary athleticism to finish above the rim. He makes smart passes, works for extra opportunities, and actively toggles between multiple positions defensively. Pinner rebounds the ball well, pushes the break effectively in transition, and shows the tools to occasionally knock down three-pointers. Next in his development process is working on becoming a more consistent three-point shooter, as it would make him a more dynamic offensive threat. Coach Marshall on Pinner: 'Avion has a ton of potential. I love his motor and the willingness he has to get his other teammates involved. He is unique in that he can lead the break at 6-foot-7 and make great decisions with the ball in his hands. Physical strength, shooting, and ball-handling are the keys to his success moving forward. Time in the gym will help him significantly at the next level.' Pinner made his presence felt in various different ways at camp and will be one to keep an eye on going forward at The Burlington School.
#57: 6'6 '23 Michael Wilson (Metrolina Christian)
Next, we look at a player who simply understands how to excel within his role and produce in every type of setting, Michael Wilson. He's a wiry, unselfish, well-rounded forward prospect with IQ, skill, and the ability to consistently make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. Wilson can post-up or space the floor effectively from the perimeter, but also makes the extra pass whenever available. Next in his development process is working to become a better ball-handler, as it would make him even more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Marshall on Wilson: 'Michael had a great day at the NC Top 80! He plays hard and understands how to work within the confines of the team concept. His well-rounded game allows him to naturally make plays without having to force the action. He can finish or hit jumpers while making an impact as a defender and rebounder. Runs the floor well in transition and works well with his teammates.' Wilson enjoyed a quality showing at camp, and should be a very productive piece over these next two seasons for Metrolina Christian.
#72: 6'9 '25 Gevonte Ware (1 of 1)
Moving onto a player who legitimately possesses all the necessary tools to become a nationally recognized name, Gevonte Ware. He's a big, strong, mobile post prospect with incredible fluidity for his size/age. Ware finishes very well around the basket, passes nicely from the post, and shoots the ball at a quality percentage from beyond the arc. He already possesses IQ, post moves, and an excellent rebounding sense, making him fairly unstoppable against his actual age group. Ware also displays great defensive instincts and runs the floor well in transition. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him an even better defender when operating in space. Coach Marshall on Ware: 'Gevonte might have the most potential in the entire camp! His footwork (as a player that young) is ridiculous. Also, has great toughness around the rim and rebounds at an extremely high level. His next step will be continuing to mature physically and add his repertoire of moves other than a power-dribble.' Ware highlighted a ton of ability at camp and will be a prospect for Division I coaches to start tracking immediately, as he has the tools to be special.
#73: 6'9 '23 Samuel Martin (Apex)
Finishing up, we look at a player who can cause matchup problems with his quality inside-out presence, Samuel Martin. He's a steady, fundamentally sound post prospect with touch, strength, and nice skill for his size. Martin can reliably finish with either hand or space the floor from midrange and beyond the arc. He also can attack closeouts, make smart passes, and finish through contact or above the rim. Martin also makes a strong impact as a two-way rebounder and shot-altering presence. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him even better when attacking closeouts against opposing big men. Coach Marshall on Martin: 'Sam simply finds ways to be successful in games. He rebounds, blocks shots, makes open jumpers, and finishes at the rim with consistency. He is also super-humble, and has a change to be a great contributor at the college level. His next step is to improve strength and meanness down low. Once he develops his monster mindset, it will be almost impossible to cover him.' Martin did a lot of things well during his time at camp and should be poised for a breakout upcoming season at Apex.