Team 2
Coach: Dre Simmons
#126: 5'7 '24 Colson Priddy (West Davidson)
Starting things off, we look at a player that found ways to stand out with his perimeter shooting and off-ball instincts, Colson Priddy. He's an young, unselfish, team-first guard prospect with a high motor and the understanding of how to maximize his role on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing player on either end of the floor. Coach Dre on Priddy: 'Colson is a really good shooter. He has a great knack for moving without the ball and getting to open spots. In catch-and-shoot situations, he is going to regularly knock down a high volume of his shots. I was also impressed with his ability to handle the rock and make good decisions. I also saw a little flair and fire in his game, and when his confidence is rising'he can be very dangerous. Colson also doesn't back down from any challenge and plays really good on-ball defense. Overall, I would love to have this guy on my team any day of the week. Side note: this kid has a killer-instinct and can take over a game.' Priddy made a lot of valuable contributions during his time at camp and should emerge as an impactful high school player sooner than later.
#151: 5'11 '22 Hunter Washer (Upstate Bearcats)
Next, we look at a player that showcased a pretty balanced skillset and approach, Hunter Washer. He's a steady, fairly well-rounded guard prospect with the ability to effectively pass, handle, and score the ball within the flow of the action. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a shooter off the dribble, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Dre on Washer: 'Hunter showed flashes of being a very reliable two-guard. He is a sniper in catch-and-shoot situations, and even showed flashes of beating people off the bounce. I really liked his intensity and overall desire to get better. He has a sneaky-deceptive type of handle that can rock opponents to sleep, which often leads to finishes at the cup. One thing I was also very impressed with was Hunter's toughness. He got banged up early, had a nagging injury, and just showed will and determination to play through it. Overall, I was very happy with his output on the day.' Washer enjoyed a quality showing at camp and will be one to watch as he prepares to enter his senior season, especially given his previous production for Upstate Bearcats.
#172: 6'0 '22 Willie Turner (Walter Williams)
Moving onto a player that displayed the ability to defend multiple positions while applying scoring pressure in numerous ways, Willie Turner. He's a big, strong-bodied guard prospect with a high motor, unselfish mentality, and nice nose for the ball. Turner rebounds the ball well for his position, makes smart passes, and operates well within the framework of the team structure. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him an even better penetrator. Coach Dre on Turner: 'Willie is high-motor, high-intensity all game long. He is up in his man for the duration of a given contest and doesn't give up much. Defensively, he can guard several positions from 1-4, and can be a great asset to a coach. I was also pleased with his pull-up game and overall comfort level in the midrange area. He has a solid frame to finish through contact and gets downhill at a high consistency. With continued hard work, I can see Willie making an impact on any team he plays on.' Turner did a variety of things well for his team during camp and should be poised to enjoy a quality senior campaign.
#175: 6'1 '24 Derek Grant (Conway)
Continuing onto a player that possesses a solid crossroads between production and long-term upside, Derek Grant. He's a young, fairly skilled wing prospect with a quality motor and frame for his age. Grant scored in various ways, operated within the flow of the offense, and made his presence consistently felt as a rebounder. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a shooter off the dribble, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Dre on Grant: 'Derek is a very intriguing player. He has a body to play the three with the tools to handle and create opportunities for himself and his teammates. He showed his ability to score from all three levels and wasn't afraid to crash the offensive glass for putbacks. I also liked the way he could be used on defense, as he was able to guard multiple positions. Derek was also bouncy and could punch it as well. Tremendous upside. Derek is a good-looking prospect.' Grant made a lot of useful contributions during his time at camp and will be one to watch throughout his continued progression.
#199: 6'2 '23 Darius Caldwell (Glenn)
Next, we look at a player that easily stood out among the most impressive performers on display, Darius Caldwell. He's a smart, tough, versatile two-way wing prospect with a well-rounded skillset and maturity within his overall demeanor. Caldwell led by example while still showing a willingness to do the little things on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to become more consistent in catch-and-shoot situations, as it would make him a more lethal spot-up threat. Coach Dre on Caldwell: 'Darius is a dawg!!! This kid has the confidence to be a legit prospect. He has great court vision and can make people better on his team. He plays with great pace and is very knowledgeable with IQ. Darius also showed the potential to be a sniper. He made more pull-up threes off the bounce than I could count, and was a very reliable scoring threat throughout the day. Darius was also very vocal and just made an impression as a natural-born leader. He has all the intangibles to be a very talented player. He is just a great kid overall and was a pleasure to coach.' Caldwell was undeniably impressive at camp, securing the Mr. Station award with relative ease, and should be an extremely productive piece for Glenn going forward.
#223: 6'3 '24 Tai'Yon Mackey (Piedmont)
Continuing onto a player that possesses a lot of intrigue with his combination of size and skill at an early age, Tai'Yon Mackey. He's a long, wiry, athletic wing/forward prospect with Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find more scoring opportunities as an off-ball cutter. Coach Dre on Mackey: 'Tai'Yon has good length and rebounds very well. He has a good handle and is able to rebound and push the break in transition. He is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and is very appealing on defense. He gets to the rack with ease and has nice touch on his midrange shot. He can be a Swiss-army knife for a team and is capable of doing a lot of different things when called upon.' Mackey made a pretty lasting impact during his time at camp and will be one to watch over his continued progression as a high school prospect.
#226: 6'4 '24 Cal Barrett (Bishop McGuinness)
Next, we look at a player that showcased quite a bit of promise as a contributor and long-term prospect, Cal Barrett. He's a young, wiry, long-bodied wing prospect with the ability to score from all levels, both with and without requiring the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working to add strength to his wiry frame, as it would make him a more physically imposing player on either side of the ball. Coach Dre on Barrett: 'Cal has tremendous upside. As a freshman, he already has the body of a senior. He can shoot the rock from three-point range effortlessly and has an equally strong midrange game. He also showed flashes of ball-handling with shifty finishing moves. He plays at a great pace and seems to be wise beyond his years. I think Cal has the potential to be a very a very desirable recruit here in the near future. He scores from all three levels, has good ball-handling skills, and sneaky bounce. It was a pleasure coaching Cal.' Barrett did a lot of things well, especially for his age, and will be one to watch going forward.
#247: 6'9 '23 Samuel Martin (Apex)
Moving onto a player that was arguably the top all-around prospect in attendance, Samuel Martin. He's a smart, skilled, well-rounded post prospect with an extremely reliable presence on both ends of the floor. Martin possesses touch, footwork, face-up ability, and a terrific arsenal of moves from the block. While his all-around scoring regularly stands out, his rebounding and defensive impact also shined throughout his time at camp. Next in his development process is working to become a better ball-handler, as it would allow him to take advantage of bigger/slower opponents by attacking from the perimeter. Coach Dre on Martin: 'Sam was an absolute man. His footwork down low was truly a blessing to see. The traditional big man seems to be a thing of the past but this kid is a legit force out of the post. He runs the floor well, possesses great touch on his shot, and will put it on your head. If he gets caught in a switch, he is capable of staying in front of guards. As a sophomore, this kid should definitely start picking up attention. He was dominant throughout camp, and I am excited to see what the future holds for him.' Martin has all the tools and ability to emerge as a top big man within his class, so it'll be exciting to monitor his progression over the foreseeable future.
#248: 5'11 '23 Christopher McDuffie (Southern Wayne)
Finishing up, we look at a player that consistently stood out with his ability to make hustle plays and do the dirty work, Christopher McDuffie. He's a strong, physical, high-motor guard prospect with an unselfish mentality and two-way toughness. McDuffie is a great finisher, rebounder, and utility player that can adapt and mesh with any collection of teammates. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him an even more reliable ball-handler. Coach Dre on McDuffie: 'Chris is a gritty, dirty work type of guy. He bangs for every rebound and gives 110% on every possession. It seems like he takes pleasure in doing all the little things for his team and he makes plays that win games. He also plays with a great pace and never seems to be rushed or out of control. He has a nice pull-up midrange jumper and really nice finishing moves going to the rack. Defensively, this kid is a pest and just loves the challenge of locking down his man. Point-blank, this kid is a winner.' McDuffie made a lasting impact on both ends of the floor throughout camp, and should be able to emerge as a productive piece for Southern Wayne over the next calendar year.
