Team 3
Coach: Dre Simmons
#34: 5'5 '25 Dean Ruthstrom (Lake Norman Charter)
Starting things off, we look at a player who continues to highlight steady improvement within his progression, Dean Ruthstrom. He's a young, wiry, unselfish guard prospect with an active motor and the ability to apply pressure as a spot-up threat from beyond the arc. Ruthstrom moves well without the ball, hits shots off the catch, makes extra passes, and competes hard defensively. 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 Dre on Ruthstrom: 'Dean is a gritty competitor. He's a good spot-up shooter that can knock down open shots at a nice rate. He moves really well without the ball and does a good job of going backdoor. He has good instincts and just seems to be in the right place at the right time. He has a great desire to get better and is willing to put in the work. I believe he can really help a team stretch the floor.' Ruthstrom enjoyed another quality showing at camp, and should emerge as a useful contributor for Lake Norman Christian over the coming years.
#52: 5'8 '22 Quentin Rice (Patton)
Next, we look at a player who simply knows how to run a team on both ends of the floor, Quentin Rice. He's a smart, tough, heady point guard prospect with a great balance between scoring and playmaking. Rice is quick and utilizes his sharp first step to mirror his assignment on defense and touch the paint at a high volume offensively. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to play alongside another primary ball-handler if needed. Coach Dre on Rice: 'Quentin is a real threat on the offensive end. This kid is a gamer and can run an offense as a true point guard. He plays with great confidence, and has a certain swag. I really like his vocalism and team-first mentality. He has a lot of different finishing packages and shot the three-pointer effectively. Quentin has a great vertical for his height and rebounds very well for his position. I think 'winner' when I think of Q.' Rice proved to be a definite asset during camp, and should be poised for a very productive senior season at Patton.
#64: 5'10 '25 Jalen Walker (North Stanley)
Moving onto a player who did a great job of capitalizing within his role on both ends of the floor, Jalen Walker. He's a young, scrappy, high-motor guard prospect with an understanding of how to make an impact without the ball in his hands. Walker is a solid spot-up threat from the perimeter and provides nice energy as an all-around defender. 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 Dre on Walker: 'Jalen is a scrappy guy who isn't afraid to mix it up. He has a nice jumper and moves well without the ball. He's a team-first guy who plays within the flow of the game. He is very coachable and plays attention to detail. Jalen has a good basketball IQ and seems to have been around the game for a long time. With continued work, I believe he will have much success.' Walker made his presence felt throughout camp, and should emerge as a nice contributor for North Stanley over the coming years.
#73: 5'11 '23 Grayson Cathey (Page)
Continuing onto a player who consistently found opportunities through his low-maintenance approach, Grayson Cathey. He's a wiry, fairly skilled guard prospect with a solid motor and team-first mentality on both ends of the floor. Cathey can knock down shots or handle the ball whenever necessary. He provides great effort as a defender and rebounder. 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 Dre on Cathey: 'Grayson can go! He is comfortable on or off the ball, and does a good job of getting to his spots. He is a legit problem off the bounce and finishes very well around the cup. He also showcased the midrange and three-pointer. Defensively, he applies pressure and guards for the length of the floor. He has great court vision and makes the right read. I believe Grayson is one to keep an eye on.' Cathey did a variety of things well at camp, and should be a useful contributor for Page over these next two seasons.
#78: 6'0 '23 Micah Hudnall (West Forsyth)
Next, we look at a player who was able to reliably affect all facets of the game without requiring a ton of touches, Micah Hudnall. He's a tough, scrappy guard prospect with a wiry build, active motor, and unselfish mentality. Hudnall is a capable shooter from the perimeter, but can also make plays with the ball in his hands while outworking his assignment defensively. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Dre on Hudnall: 'Micah is a versatile player. He can do a lot. He can handle, shoot, penetrate, or be a playmaker. He has a lot of confidence and plays with a chip on his shoulder. He has great pace to his game and is a good decision-maker. Micah works hard on defense and can lock up his assignment. I really enjoyed what he brought to the table.' Hudnall made a lot of plays at camp, and should be able to carve out a nice role for West Forsyth during the upcoming season.
#81: 6'0 '23 Tyriq Little (Andrews)
Moving onto a player who found ways to make his presence felt within the flow of the action, Tyriq Little. He's a wiry, active guard prospect with the ability to do a little bit of everything on the court. Little is a solid penetrator and finisher, but can also set up others as needed. 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 Dre on Little: 'Tyriq is a quick guard who is comfortable on or off the ball. He plays the game with great energy and knows how to get to his spots. I was very confident in his ability to get downhill and make a play. He brings a lot to the game and can be used in multiple ways. He has decent length and plays great on-ball defense. He has a high motor and was a great teammate. Pleasure to coach.' Little did a variety of things well during his time at camp, and should be a solid piece for Andrews going forward.
#187: 6'2 '22 Thomas Mandell (Pinecrest)
Continuing onto a player who made a lasting impression with his blue-collar approach and willingness to do the dirty work, Thomas Mandell. He's a tough, wiry guard prospect with a high motor, unselfish mentality, and the ability to consistently make plays without requiring the ball in his hands. Mandell is a capable shooting threat and reliable all-around defender with an understanding of how to simply outwork others. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a more dynamic penetrating threat. Coach Dre on Mandell: 'Thomas is just an overall high-IQ ball player. He is a hard worker that scraps for everything. He rebounded well, was able to push the break in transition, and made good reads when going downhill. He also proved to be a reliable shooter in spot-up situations. He has a really good feel for the game, and also brings joy and enthusiasm when he plays. He was defensively a huge part of our team success.' Mandell enjoyed a great showing at camp, and should be a useful contributor for Pinecrest during his upcoming senior season.
#192: 6'3 '24 Ezra Jamison (Northside Christian)
Next, we look at a player who possesses a pretty intriguing array of skills, especially at his current stage, Ezra Jamison. He's a big, strong-bodied wing/forward prospect with the necessary skill to naturally cause mismatches. Jamison is a useful creator, both for himself and others, and does a great job of applying downhill pressure with the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it will only open up more scoring opportunities. Coach Dre on Jamison: 'Ezra is a man!!! He is built like a tight end and plays with a blend of power and grace. He has an uncanny ability to get to the rack with his shifty handle, and has the power to finish through contact. He has a great handle for his height and creates matchup problems for the defense. He also shoots the ball at a decent rate and can stretch the floor, bringing out opposing big men. Ezra has the potential to be really good. Pleasure to coach.' Jamison continued to make a strong impact at camp, and should be able to carve out a nice role sooner than later for Northside Christian.
#197: 6'5 '23 McCaskill Rivers (East Gaston)
Finishing up, we look at a player who was easily among the top all-around performers on display, McCaskill Rivers. He's a big, strong-bodied post prospect with soft hands, touch around the basket, and a great rebounding sense on both ends of the floor. Rivers utilizes his body very well to simply overpower opponents in a variety of different ways. He led by example and through his seemingly nonstop production. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would only improve his defense when operating in space. Coach Dre on Rivers: 'Mac was a magician on the block. His footwork was very advanced and he knows how to make great use of his body. Whether with force or grace, he is very crafty when finishing at the rim. He also has a quick second jump and great timing on offense rebounds. Mac also showcased his ability to stretch the floor with the three-ball and his nice midrange game. He was dominant and calm under pressure, as he hit the buzzer-beater to help us go undefeated.' Rivers was undeniably impressive at camp, securing the MVP award, and should be a major contributor for East Gaston over these next two seasons.
