Team 2
Coach: Colby Lewis
#2: 5’3 ’25 Zanquel Baldwin (North Charleston)
Starting things off, we look at a player who competed and produced quite well despite being the smaller camper on this team, Zanquel Baldwin. He’s a smart, unselfish guard prospect with a balanced skillset and team-first approach on both ends of the floor. Baldwin is a reliable passer and shooter who consistently positions himself for success. He’s particularly difficult for opponents of his size to contain, but also made plays against bigger/stronger guards. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it will only improve his physicality in the high school ranks. Coach Lewis on Baldwin: “Zanquel is a small point guard but plays tough. He’s not afraid to drive into the paint and go into the contact. Unselfish playmaker who does a good job of driving into the paint and kicking out to open shooters. Regularly stands out as a tough, scrappy defender who plays bigger than his size would imply. Forces steals, puts a body on opponents when crashing the glass, and dives on the floor for loose balls. Extremely coachable!” Baldwin enjoyed a quality showing at camp and has the skillset to develop into a very useful player over the coming years.
#16: 5’9 ’25 James Watson Jr. (Myrtle Beach)
Next, we look at a player that made a pretty lasting impression with his abilities as a perimeter shooter, James Watson Jr. He’s a young, fairly well-rounded guard prospect with the understanding of how to make plays without necessarily requiring a ton of touches. Watson provides a reliable spot-up presence and improving defensive instincts. 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 Lewis on Watson: “James looks to score and displays nice touch on floaters. He can make three-pointers in rhythm. Will need to improve shot selection and decision making. He can also improve finishing through contact, as he has a tendency to shy away from contact. James made tremendous strides on the defensive end from day one to day two. Shoots from the left side of his body, but managed to shoot it well—especially when he shoots the right ones.” Watson found various ways to make his presence felt at camp and should steadily progress into a productive piece over the coming years.
#20: 5’10 ’24 Devin Julian (Clover)
Moving onto a player who provided a scrappy, adaptable presence on both ends of the floor, Devin Julian. He’s a wiry, scrappy, high-motor guard prospect with defensive prowess, cutting instincts, and the ability to apply efficient pressure as a perimeter shooter. Julian is a nice passer and rebounds the ball quite well for his size/position. He displays a team-first mentality, which is evidenced in his hustle and willingness to get back in transition defensively. Next in his development process is working to become a better finisher, as improved penetration ability would make him a more complete player. Coach Lewis on Julian: “Devin is fundamentally sound and extremely coachable. Good in catch-and-shoot situations. Defensively, understands positioning, stunting, help, etc. Does whatever is asked of him. Will need to improve his handle, especially against defensive pressure.” Julian enjoyed a quality showing during his time at camp and should be a productive contributor sooner than later for Clover.
#64: 6’1 ’25 Ahmari Hicks (East Mecklenburg)
Continuing onto a player that showcased a nice crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Ahmari Hicks. He’s a young, wiry guard prospect with IQ, unselfishness, and a high motor on both ends of the floor. Hicks is a quality scorer from all levels, defends his position very well, and rebounds the ball at a strong rate for his size. He does a little bit of everything without ever needing to force the action. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more reliable finisher through contact. Coach Lewis on Hicks: “Ahmari is a long guard/wing with potential. Knocked down multiple three-pointers. Really good shooter when in rhythm. Solid handle but can continue to get it tighter against pressure. Can continue to improve finishing through contact. Versatile defensive and utilizes his length well to force contested jumpers. Rebounds well for his position.” Hicks did a lot of things well at camp and should be able to emerge as a strong piece for East Meck over the coming years.
#65: 6’1 ’23 Eli Clark (Metrolina Christian)
Next, we look at a player that easily stood out amongst the most steady, reliable campers on display, Eli Clark. He’s a smart, skilled, unselfish guard prospect with the necessary adaptability to produce in various types of roles. Clark can effectively run a team as the point guard or apply constant pressure alongside another primary ball-handler, whatever is needed. He shoots the ball at a high percentage, shows useful playmaking instincts, and makes his presence felt as a defender and rebounder. Clark is the type of glue-guy every team can utilize. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him even tougher to contain as a penetrator. Coach Lewis on Clark: “Eli is a high-IQ guard who displays craftiness and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. Can make plays for himself and others. Good cutter without the ball and good shooter off the catch or bounce. He’s also a good all-around defender. Sometimes tries to drive it into crowded spaces, putting himself in difficult scoring positions.” Clark proved to be a definite asset at camp and should be a major contributor during the upcoming season at Metrolina Christian.
#140: 6’7 ’22 Jordan Pyke (Hargrave)
Moving onto a player that naturally seems to bring a ton of intrigue to every type of basketball setting, Jordan Pyke. He’s a long, explosive wing/forward prospect with a strong frame and flashes of being a matchup problem for opponents. Pyke looks to attack the basket whenever possible, able to create effectively within a few dribbles or pose a constant threat for highlight-reel plays in transition. He displays useful defensive instincts and is capable of pushing the break on rebounds or forced turnovers. Next in his development process is working to become a more consistent three-point shooter, as it would take his game to another level. Coach Lewis on Pyke: “Jordan is a solid athlete at the wing/forward position. Shows flashes. Solid shooter when in rhythm off the catch. Best when attacking in straight lines. Will need to improve as a finisher through contact and making counter moves (sometimes gets off-balance). For his size and position, Jordan will also need to rebound the ball better.” Pyke highlighted a ton of promising tools at camp and will be a prospect to monitor over his senior season.
#176: 6’5 ’24 Sam Hilier (Myers Park)
Continuing onto a player who provided great effort and an unselfish two-way presence prior to suffering an injury, Sam Hilier. He’s a scrappy, high-motor forward prospect with a nice midrange jumper and the willingness to do dirty work on either side of the ball. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more reliable finisher and ball-handler. Coach Lewis on Hilier: “Sam left after our second game (only played one segment in game two) due to an injury. However, he was really coachable and showed the ability to make catch-and-shoot jumpers in rhythm. He’s a post player but will need to improve his athleticism and back to basket moves. As he improves foot speed, he’ll become better defensively and out of ball screens.” Hilier showed definite ability before being sidelined, and could carve out a nice role for Myers Park over the coming years.
#181: 6’2 ’22 Camden Jernigan (Garringer)
Finishing up, we look at a player who displayed flashes of being among the top campers in attendance, Camden Jernigan. He’s a big, athletic, strong-bodied guard prospect with a phenomenal sense of how to get downhill and attack, both in transition and the half court. Jernigan utilizes his body very well to navigate through traffic and finish around the basket at a consistent rate. He’s a capable passer, strong rebounder, and physical defender against opposing backcourt players. Jernigan displays solid feel and leadership by example on the court. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would only make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Lewis on Jernigan: “Camden plays hard on both ends. Communicates on defense and makes plays with the ball in his hands. Really good at getting downhill and finishing at the rim. Displays balance between scoring and creating for others. He will need to improve his shot from the perimeter, catch-and-shoot and pull-ups.” Jernigan enjoyed a terrific showing during his time at camp and should have the attention of various college coaches entering his senior season at Garringer.