Team 6
Coach: DeAjai Dawkins
#7: 5'7 '24 Kevin Thompson (Phoebus)
Starting things off, we look at a player that made a fairly lasting impression with his toughness and tone-setting presence, Kevin Thompson. He's a scrappy, somewhat undersized point guard prospect with quickness, unselfishness, and a nice offensive balance between scoring and playmaking. Thompson is a nice defender, especially for his size, and forces turnover at a consistent rate from the point of attack. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to play more seamlessly alongside another primary ball-handler. Coach Dawkins on Thompson: 'Kevin is a natural leader. He serves as a highly engaged lead guard with the ability to impact the game on both ends. Solid on-ball defender for his size. Could improve his overall decision making, but that'll come with time. A coach would love his toughness and general presence on the floor. Played through a broken nose across the span of camp.' Thompson stood out as a clear leader throughout the weekend and should be a useful contributor for Phoebus during the upcoming season.
#9: 5'8 '25 Jamari Smith (Ashbrook)
Next, we look at a player that already understands how to make an impact within his role on either end of the floor, Jamari Smith. He's a young, wiry guard prospect with a nice spot-up presence and useful instincts as an off-ball defender. Smith can attack the midrange and shows a willingness to set up others whenever possible. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a more reliable defender at the point of attack. Coach Dawkins on Smith: 'Jamari is a positive presence that comes off as shy, yet competent. He's a developing perimeter shooter that is slightly undersized. Could certainly be a contributor at the JV level as a ninth-grader. Can continue to improve his confidence and overall feel for the game.' Smith enjoyed a nice showing at camp and will be a player to watch over the coming years at Ashbrook.
#12: 5'9 '25 Aiden Martin (Page)
Moving onto a player that possesses a nice crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Aiden Martin. He's a young, wiry guard prospect with an excellent downhill sense and the ability to consistently finish around the rim. Martin is a capable shooter, but typically finds opportunities with his activity level and transition instincts. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more reliable point guard. Coach Dawkins on Martin: 'Despite limited time, Aiden showed a positive attitude as well as flashes of advanced scoring. Potentially acrobatic finisher at the rim with a true gift of slipping past defenders for easy baskets. Solid lefty shooter that should only continue to improve his consistency and defensive presence with time.' Martin did a variety of things well during camp and should be able to carve out a useful role for Page over the coming years.
#54: 5'11 '24 Simeon Crawford (Conway)
Continuing onto a player that showcased the necessary tools to carve out a role with any collection of teammates, Simeon Crawford. He's a calm, sturdy, fairly well-rounded guard prospect with a strong frame and terrific penetration sense. Crawford rebounds very well for his size/position and displays nice instincts as an all-around defender. He pushes the break effectively in transition, and makes solid decisions with the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working on playing consistently hard, as it would naturally lead to more production. Coach Dawkins on Crawford: 'Simeon needs to work on staying mentally engaged and not taking himself out of games. He has a strong frame and uses it well when penetrating the lane and creating opportunities for himself. Simeon can also improve his consistency from beyond the arc.' Crawford displayed some nice flashes at camp and has the tools to be a nice contributor sooner than later for Conway.
#59: 6'0 '24 Malaki Long (Ashbrook)
Next, we look at a player that made a pretty lasting impression with his intangibles and team-first approach, Malaki Long. He's a wiry, high-motor guard prospect with a positive energy about himself (and others), both on and off the court. Long is a nice three-point shooter but can also finish or knock down the occasional midrange jumper. He regularly outworked opponents on defense and forced numerous turnovers at the point of attack. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a shooter off the dribble, as it would make him a more dynamic offensive threat. Coach Dawkins on Long: 'Malaki is a player with the opportunity to develop into a true varsity contributor. Nice perimeter shooter but could make slight tweaks to his mechanics to see improved consistency. He's a high-energy kid with an extremely positive presence and quick hands defensively.' Long did a variety of things well during his time at camp and will be one to watch going forward.
#129: 6'2 '25 Nas Berry (Nation Ford)
Moving onto a player that easily stood out as one of the top all-around performers in attendance, Nas Berry. He's a smart, skilled, strong-bodied guard prospect with a terrific downhill sense and quality feel for the game on both ends of the floor. Berry utilizes his size and frame to power through traffic and finish or make sharp passes to open teammates. He's a capable defender, rebounder, and perimeter shooter with no glaring weaknesses on either end of the floor. Next in his development process is working to improve as a transition defender, as it would make him a better leader by example. Coach Dawkins on Berry: 'Nas has the potential to be a very strong player at the varsity level. Possesses noticeable scoring prowess. Gifted off the bounce. Could immediately contribute to a varsity program as a freshman. Needs to continue crafting his offensive talents, as he truly shows elite-level potential.' Berry made a lasting impression with his showing at camp and will definitely be a prospect to monitor over the coming years at Nation Ford.
#182: 6'8 '25 Dylan Clark (Statesville)
Finishing up, we look at a player that possesses excellent physical tools, especially for his age, Dylan Clark. He's a strong, young post prospect with nice size, a sturdy frame, and useful presence as a shot-blocker. Clark is a capable rebounder and was able to finish on multiple occasions. He also displayed clear improvement between his two days at camp. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a better defender in space. Coach Dawkins on Clark: 'Dylan is one of the more intriguing players at the camp. Possesses excellent positional size with a sturdy frame. Allows himself to take himself out of games, but could easily thrive with an improved motor. Dylan is an extremely nice kid and was very receptive to feedback. Developing confidence is a must for his long-term growth.' Clark displayed a variety of enticing flashes at camp and will be a prospect to watch progress going forward.
