Team 3
Coach: Dre Simmons
#113: 5’10 ’26 Caden Ryker (High Point)
Starting things off, we look at a player who contributed quite well, especially for his age, Caden Ryker. He’s a young, team-first guard prospect with reliable spot-up abilities and a willingness to make hustle plays whenever possible. Ryker didn’t force the action and impacted all facets within the flow of the action. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more physical player on both ends of the floor. Coach Dre on Ryker: “Caden has the potential to play both guard spots if necessary. He has great poise to his game and doesn’t force the action. He showcased the ability to be a good spot-up shooter and also drive to get to the rack. On defense, he applied pressure and did a good job of staying in front of his man. He was consistent throughout the day and showed potential to get hot and get things going on offense. Caden has lots of upside, if he continues to work hard.” Ryker enjoyed a nice showing at camp, and should be able to steadily progress over these next few years.
#118: 5’10 ’25 Nasir Hines (Rocky River)
Next, we look at a player who showcased a pretty appealing skillset and approach, Nasir Hines. He’s a young, wiry guard prospect with toughness, well-rounded scoring ability, and an unselfish approach on both ends of the floor. Hines is a useful defender, rebounder, and offensive threat in transition. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would open up more scoring opportunities. Coach Dre on Hines: “Nasir can hoop! He has a confidence to his game that you see in true ballers. He can control the pace of the game and make the right reads when attacking. Can facilitate or take on scoring duties. Getting to the cup, he can finish over bigger defenders and has a nice floater. He has range out to the three-point line and lets it fly with confidence. I believe Nasir has a chance to be really good if he keeps working on his craft.” Hines proved to be an asset at camp and should be able to carve out a nice role sooner than later for Rocky River.
#130: 6’0 ’22 Baron Williams (Cleveland)
Moving onto a player who made a pretty lasting impression with his polish as a scorer, Baron Williams. He’s a smart, wiry guard prospect with solid vision, creation skills, and the ability to apply quality scoring pressure from all three levels. Williams can find opportunities with or without the ball in his hands, and plays with great energy on defense. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Dre on Williams: “Baron is a solid three-point shooter with great pace at the point guard position. He makes good decisions with the ball and can also make plays as an off-guard. He has a high basketball IQ and runs a team very well. Baron can get hot quickly and really light it up. I witnessed him going on a crazy stretch, where he scored about 12-15 points in a matter of minutes. His confidence is off the charts. I believe he has a lot of talent and a bright future.” Williams made a strong impact at camp, and should be poised for a productive senior campaign at Cleveland.
#135: 6’0 ’25 James Barham II (Northwest Guilford)
Continuing onto a player who consistently found ways to thrive within his role on both ends of the floor, James Barham. He’s a young, wiry, low-maintenance guard prospect with nice vision and a reliable spot-up presence. Barham displays a high motor and clear willingness to make hustle plays whenever possible. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it will only help prepare him for the physicality of the high school game. Coach Dre on Barham: “James has really good court vision and makes great decisions with the ball. He is a lefty who can shoot out to three-point range. He has a clean-looking shot with good mechanics. He also has good moves to the rack and can finish with either hand. Defensively, he gets after it and doesn’t take possessions off. He has a winning mentality, and I believe he is an asset to any team he is on.” Barham enjoyed a quality showing at camp, and will be a prospect to keep an eye on over the coming years.
#145: 5’5 ’26 Tymieer Smith (Statesville)
Next, we look at a player who made a strong impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Tymieer Smith. He’s a young, wiry, crafty guard prospect with a tight handle, quality passing ability, and nice instincts defensively. Smith scored in various ways, and understands how to operate with or without the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would help prepare him for the physicality of the high school game. Coach Dre on Smith: “Tymieer has a shifty handle and can easily create his own shot. He does a good job of breaking down the defense and creating open shots for his teammates. Tymieer is also a reliable three-point shooter that really opens things up for his driving lanes. As an eighth-grader, he didn’t seem to be overwhelmed against older competition and actually seemed really poised under pressure. His crossover is a dominant move and he can make the defense look silly. Tymieer has a shot at being really good.” Smith highlighted a variety of enticing flashes at camp, and will be a prospect to monitor throughout his continued progression.
#146: 6’1 ’22 Neeko Taylor (South Central)
Moving onto a player who easily stood out as one of the top performers on display, Neeko Taylor. He’s a smart, tough, very well-rounded guard prospect with the combination of IQ, vision, and three-level scoring to find success from either backcourt position. Taylor is a great perimeter shooter with defensive prowess and the understanding of how to consistently make plays in transition. Next in his development process is working to highlight his playmaking ability more regularly, as it would allow him to run a team whenever necessary. Coach Dre on Taylor: “Neeko is a legit problem! This young man has a great understanding of the game and makes high-IQ decisions. He has a great handle and can get downhill with ease. He also can make the right read when penetrating and locates the kick-out pass effectively. I like the fact that he gets above the rim and can put opponents on a poster if they are lacking. He has a lot of tools in his bag and can use them all equally. He also shoots it at a high level and can shoot off the dribble or spot-up. This kid is a gamer, a certified bucket, and has next-level potential.” Taylor enjoyed a phenomenal showing at camp, securing the MVP award, and should be a target for college coaches throughout his upcoming senior season.
#152: 6’2 ’25 Mikey Phipps (South Garner)
Continuing onto a player who possesses a very useful array of tools, especially at his current age, Mikey Phipps. He’s a tough, wiry guard prospect with great length, an active two-way motor, and the ability get downhill and attack with regularity. Phipps is a great rebounder and defender with the instincts to force turnovers and make plays in the open floor. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more physical player on either side of the ball. Coach Dre on Phipps: “Mikey is an intriguing prospect. At his length, he can guard multiple positions and really works hard on the defensive end. He’s really good at getting downhill and putting pressure on the opposition. He displays a good basketball frame and rebounds the ball effectively for his position. He’s a high-motor guy who plays hard all game. He can finish at the hoop with either hand and showed good range out to the three-point line. Mikey has a lot of potential and a chance to be really good.” Phipps offered a lot of appeal during his time at camp, and will be one to keep an eye on over these next few years.
#164: 6’3 ’25 Wilson Mulford (Myers Park)
Next, we look at a player who possesses an enticing crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Wilson Mulford. He’s a wiry, long-bodied wing/forward prospect with a useful amount of skill and flashes of offensive versatility. Mulford played bigger than his size would imply on both ends of the floor, and possesses the tools to transition out to the wing if desired. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him more physically overwhelming around the basket. Coach Dre on Mulford: “Wilson is a bruiser down low. He rebounds well on both sides of the ball. He runs the floor well and has great hands to finish around the rim. He has pretty good footwork and a nice amount of moves at his disposal. He plays with intensity and doesn’t mind doing the dirty work. I also liked his midrange game, which was solid, and his ability to stretch the defense out with his shooting. Wilson had a good camp and was a contributor to our success.” Mulford proved to be an asset during camp, and has the tools to carve out a nice role for Myers Park over the foreseeable future.
#171: 6’4 ’24 Warren Stukes (Mallard Creek)
Finishing up, we look at a player who showcased a pretty intriguing skillset and approach, Warren Stukes. He’s a strong, mobile forward/post prospect with a sturdy frame and clear willingness to utilize his body to his advantage on both ends of the floor. Stukes is great around the basket, both as a finisher and rebounder, and contains his assignment well defensively. Next in his development process is working to become a better passer, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Dre on Stukes: “Warren has good size and is a physical force. He has good hands and can handle passes to the post. I like the way Warren maneuvers around the paint. He has a knack for losing the defense with crafty finishing moves. He also crashes the offensive glass for second-chance opportunities. He uses his body and big frame well to box-out opponents on a consistent basis. He sticks to his strengths, and I really enjoyed working with him. Overall, great young man.” Stukes enjoyed a quality showing at camp, and has the tools to emerge as a useful contributor for Mallard Creek going forward.