Team 1
Coach: Gerroid Doughty
#15: 5'0 '28 Gideon Mount (Lewisville)
Starting things off, we look at a player who continues to perform well despite his young age, Gideon Mount. He's a sturdy, high-motor guard prospect with an unselfish approach and the understanding of how to consistently make an impact without necessarily requiring the ball in his hands. Mount provides excellent two-way energy and looks to do whatever possible to provide his team with an edge. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a better penetrator at the point of attack. Coach Doughty on Mount: 'Gideon is a young player with a bright future. He works really hard. Needs to learn how to defend on the fast break. He got a few key defensive rebounds inside amongst the tall trees. His basketball IQ is improving and will improve more the older he gets. When Gideon hits his growth spurt, be on the lookout. My favorite thing about him was how coachable he was throughout the day.' Mount enjoyed another solid showing at camp, and will be a prospect to monitor over the coming years.
#58: 5'9 '26 Max Van Weerdhuizen (Winston-Salem)
Next, we look at a player who possesses a pretty enticing array of skills, especially at his current age, Max Van Weerdhuizen. He's a young, wiry, very well-rounded guard prospect with a quality blend of IQ, skill, and motor. Weerdhuizen can create, operate without the ball, and naturally understands how to affect all facets of the game. 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 Doughty on Weerdhuizen: 'Max is a baller. His game speaks for itself. He rebounds well for his size. He's a go-getter with a high motor. Max came through with a lot of key baskets. He has quick hands, which enable him to get steals on and off the ball. He gets up high for rebounds. Max is also a great passer with a great feel for the game.' Weerdhuizen proved to be an asset during his time at camp, and should be poised for a very productive eighth-grade season.
#63: 5'10 '24 Frederico Whitaker (Northwood)
Moving onto a player who continues to showcase a fairly dynamic identity on the court, Frederico Whitaker. He's a smart, quick, heady point guard prospect with excellent vision, toughness, and three-level scoring ability. Whitaker is a suffocating on-ball defender, and displays the ability to breakdown opponents and touch the paint at will. He thrives in transition but is more than capable of running a team in the half-court. Next in his development process is working to improve his rebounding presence, as it would allow him to grab boards and immediately push the break in transition. Coach Doughty on Whitaker: 'Fred is a star. He makes his presence felt. He's a scorer, passer, penetrator, finisher, shooter, and defender. He makes the team go. He has the ability to guard his man for the length of the court and shut him down. Fred can shoot it from deep, both off the dribble or as a spot-up threat. He's a terrific finisher in the lane with contact. Keep an eye on his progress.' Whitaker had another high-level showing at camp, and should be a major contributor for Northwood over the foreseeable future.
#65: 5'10 '22 CJ Jamison (Franklinton)
Continuing onto a player who utilized his strong body and unselfish nature to consistently make his presence felt, CJ Jamison. He's a sturdy, fairly well-rounded guard prospect with nice quickness and the ability to get downhill on a regular basis. Jamison is a great finisher, reliable passer, and does a solid job of outworking opponents with his two-way energy. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Doughty on Jamison: 'CJ has a lot of strength for his size. He surprised me with his ability to power through contact when attacking the rim. He knocked down open jumpers from deep and some that were heavily contested. His first step is lightning-quick. When he gets by his defender, he can score or find the open teammate. Very positive attitude and unselfish player. I enjoyed coaching him.' Jamison did a lot of things well at camp, and should have a productive upcoming season at Franklinton.
#75: 5'11 '22 Matthew Liles (Lexington)
Next, we look at a player who has the necessary tools to appeal to various college coaches, Matthew Liles. He's a wiry, unselfish, high-motor guard prospect with IQ, vision, defensive prowess, and shot-making ability from the perimeter. Liles is a capable finisher, but arguably at his best when applying spot-up pressure from beyond the arc. He can run a team as needed and understands how to outwork his assignment defensively. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better ball-handler against defensive pressure. Coach Doughty on Liles: 'Matt came in camp with an 'I came to play attitude.' This guy is a winner. He can make plays for himself and his teammates. I love his game. He plays the right way. Matt got some steals in the passing lanes and off the bounce. He penetrated and made positive things happen all day. He's my guy, I hope I have another opportunity to coach him.' Liles enjoyed a strong showing at camp, and should be poised for a productive senior campaign at Lexington.
#76: 6'0 '23 James McCreary (North Surry)
Moving onto a player who consistently found ways to make his presence felt by operating bigger than his size would imply, James McCreary. He's a smart, wiry, high-motor guard prospect with a well-rounded skillset and useful presence without the ball in his hands. McCreary is a quality defender with instincts for forcing turnovers and making plays in transition. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a better penetrating threat. Coach Doughty on McCreary: 'Big-game James is his name. Be prepared, because he plays larger than his height. He worked his tail off in the drill session and continued that same effort during the games. He can score inside or out, strictly depending on the need of the team. James rebounds on both ends of the floor. He has my vote for the hustle award.' McCreary consistently found ways to make an impact at camp, and should be a useful contributor for North Surry over these next two seasons.
#86: 6'0 '23 Jabreil Cooper (JFK)
Continuing onto a player who is truly only beginning to scratch the surface of his long-term abilities, Jabreil Cooper. He's a wiry, scrappy guard prospect with a solid spot-up presence and understanding of how to operate within the team concept on both ends of the floor. Cooper contained his assignment well defensively and pursued rebounds at a useful rate. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher around the basket. Coach Doughty on Cooper: 'Jabreil is a guy whose game can only go up. He has very good upside to his game. He can work hard, but in spurts. He needs to get more consistent with his overall effort. Jabreil shot the ball well today. The next step in his game should be handling the ball more effectively. As he matures, so will his court awareness. When his potential meets skill, watch out.' Cooper highlighted a variety of intriguing flashes at camp, and has the tools to carve out a nice role for JFK sooner than later.
#180: 6'7 '22 Gabe Bennett (Western Alamance)
Next, we look at a player who simply understands how to make an impact within the flow of the team structure, Gabe Bennett. He's an active, unselfish forward/post prospect with a fairly well-rounded skillset. Bennett can knock down midrange jumpers at a solid percentage or operate effectively with his back to the basket. Next in his development process is working on become a more consistent three-point shooter, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Doughty on Bennett: 'Mr. Bennett was very active in the drill session. He showed strong post moves. Gabe has a large frame and wide body. The next step in his maturation process is to learn how to use his body more effectively and efficiently. He also needs to learn how to take coaching advice better. We would have liked to see him give more effort as a rebounder. He waits for the ball to fall in his hands. We know he can be a beast on the glass, so when he realizes it'look out.' Bennett enjoyed a nice showing at camp, and has the tools to be a quality contributor for Western Alamance during the upcoming season.
#190: 6'3 '23 Logan Dukes (Cary Christian)
Moving onto a player who showcased a lot of ability on both ends of the floor during his time at camp, Logan Dukes. He's a long, crafty, skilled guard prospect with great IQ, size, and the tools to work with or without the ball in his hands. Dukes is a capable penetrator and finisher with solid vision and efficiency as a perimeter shooter. Next in his development process is working on his ability to get others involved, as he possesses the necessary vision and playmaking sense to do so. Coach Doughty on Dukes: 'Logan had a huge impact on all three games today. He was a star above the rest. If you have to ask the question, 'what can Logan do on the court'' A better question is, 'what can't he do'' As far as I can see, he does it all. He scores on all three levels. Rebounds are not a problem. Three-pointers are not a problem. Passing is not a problem. You get the picture. The name is Logan Dukes, and basketball heads should remember that. If you are a college scout or college coaches and he's not on your recruiting list, put him down.' Dukes proved to be one of the top prospects on display, and should be one for coaches to monitor over the next two seasons.
#194: 6'4 '23 Trey Tisdale (RJ Reynolds)
Finishing up, we look at a player who highlighted a pretty enticing inside-out presence on both ends of the floor, Trey Tisdale. He's a strong, sturdy forward prospect with great finishing ability, rebounding instincts, and nice defensive prowess. Tisdale works hard and naturally seems to make hustle plays within the flow of the action. He's also a solid shooter, passer, and ball-handler'especially for his position. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it would make him a better on-ball defender when operating in space. Coach Doughty on Tisdale: 'Trey's athletic ability and frame make him an intriguing prospect. He uses his length to extend on layups, as well as to get deflections. Look for him to improve on his already good ability to shoot the basketball. He knows when to push the ball or slow it up for good offense. We are excited to see where he takes his game from here. College coaches of all levels should put him on their radar.' Tisdale displayed a lot of promise at camp, and should be a quality piece for RJ Reynolds going forward.
