Team 6
Coach: Ryan Bernardi
#15: 5’9 ’21 Khristopher Franklin (Henderson Collegiate)
Starting things off, we look at a player that had an extremely productive two-way showing at camp, Khristopher Franklin. He’s a rugged, high-motor lead guard prospect that is slightly undersized but knows how to overwhelm opponents with his quickness and nonstop energy. Franklin shot the ball fairly well from the perimeter but typically looked to get downhill, attack the basket, and finish strong through contact or make plays for his teammates. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Bernardi on Franklin: “Khris plays unbelievably hard. He is a team-first guy that cared about winning all day. One of his greatest strengths is rebounding his position. He tracked down multiple offensive rebounds that got our team back in the game. He is a great paint-toucher and makes plays for his teammates. His shot will need some improvement as he looks to take his game to the next level.” Franklin furthered the “heart over height” notion with his performance at camp and should be able to carve out a nice role this season for Henderson Collegiate.
#20: 5’10 ’22 Reid Carrier (Highlands)
Next, we look at a player that really stood out through his unselfishness and team-first approach, Reid Carrier. He’s a wiry guard prospect that knows how to operate and impact the game in a variety of different roles. Carrier plays with a strong motor and pursues every available loose ball/extra possession on both sides of the floor. He’s a very poised on-ball defender with great positioning and the ability to force his assignment into turnovers. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would allow him to emerge as a useful primary creator. Coach Bernardi on Carrier: “Reid was a pleasure to coach and one of the best teammates at the whole camp. He had a great feel for the game and understanding of his role. He guarded his man really well and got to the rim effectively. The next step for Reid will be defining his biggest offensive strength.” Carrier did a lot of things well, especially for his age, and should emerge as an impactful high school player sooner than later.
#31: 6’0 ’21 Jaylen Lee (Northern Durham)
Moving onto a player that made quite the positive impression with his defensive prowess, Jaylen Lee. He’s a strong-bodied guard prospect with a high motor and the ability to create havoc on both ends of the floor. Lee plays smart and physical on defense, which allows him to force a nonstop stream of turnovers and immediately push transition play. He’s great at attacking the basket and has the ability to make plays for himself or others. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Bernardi on Lee: “Jaylen competed the entire day and really made a difference on the defensive side of the ball. He has active hands and good length, the perfect recipe for a high-level defender. His shot-selection was his biggest issue offensively. Despite his clear skill, his poor choice of shot led to some inefficiencies on offense during the day.” Lee possesses a very appealing array of tools and should be a useful two-way contributor this season for Northern Durham.
#38: 6’0 ’22 Zane Cogdell (Apex)
Continuing onto a player that showcased a pretty well-rounded skillset and approach, Zane Cogdell. He’s a smart, unselfish point guard prospect with a tight handle and excellent creation skills. Cogdell did a terrific job of conducting the offense in a mature, unselfish manner and looked to make the right play whenever possible. He’s a great two-way teammate with toughness, quickness, and craftiness. Next in his development process is working on his ability to shoot off the dribble, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Bernardi on Cogdell: “Zane was a pleasure to coach. He has a great competitive spirit and was a joy to be around. Despite good shooting form, he did not have much success knocking down jumpers today. That will be a big key in his development moving forward. Zane projects to be a good point guard and floor general. He defends, passes, and leads at a high level.” Cogdell had a pretty productive showing at camp and could be one to keep an eye on going forward, especially if he continues to work.
#49: 6’2 ’20 Charles Kiah (Henderson Collegiate)
Next, we look at a player that was arguably the main glue-guy from this team during camp, Charles Kiah. He’s a strong-bodied forward prospect that plays with an exceptional two-way motor, allowing him to be a consistent difference-maker simply by providing passion and energy. Kiah showed the ability to knock down perimeter jumpers at a solid clip while keeping the ball moving as much as possible. He rebounded the ball extremely well and forced numerous turnovers that led to easy transition buckets. Next in his development process is working to refine his shot mechanics, as it would likely make him a more consistent perimeter shooter. Coach Bernardi on Kiah: “My vote for Mr. Hustle. Charles was all over the place for the entire day, often pushing himself to complete exhaustion. He had seven blocks in one game and was an absolute defensive force. He was a pleasure to coach and would be a welcome piece on any high school or travel ball team.” Kiah certainly knows how to make his presence felt and could be another useful contributor this season for powerhouse Henderson Collegiate.
#54: 6’2 ’22 Grady Bizyak (Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill)
Moving onto a player that was quite possibly the most reliable penetrator from this team, Grady Bizyak. He’s a strong-bodied wing prospect with a high motor and unselfish two-way approach to the game. Bizyak was nearly unstoppable upon entering the arc, as he showed the ability to consistently knock down midrange jumpers but was also undeniably effective at finishing through contact at the rim. He handles the ball well and is a capable passer, but also understands how to work without the ball and seize scoring opportunities as a cutter. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it will make him a better defender at the point of attack. Coach Bernardi on Bizyak: “Grady is a high-level straight line driver. Once he lowered his shoulder and attacked the rim, he was difficult to stop. Not only does he get to the rim, but he finished at a high level with both hands. Grady needs to improve his foot speed on defense to take his game to the next level.” Bizyak is quite young and should carry his mentality from camp into his upcoming sophomore season.
#65: 6’3 ’21 Brandon Huffstetler (South Garner)
Continuing onto a player that offered his team with a nice complementary shooting presence, Brandon Huffstetler. He’s a wiry wing prospect that typically operates without the ball as a floor-spacer or off-ball cutter. Huffstetler plays quite hard and understands how to work within the team concept on both sides of the ball. Next in his development process is working to develop his ability to penetrate, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Bernardi on Huffstetler: “Brandon was very coachable and had great energy for the entire day. He projects to be a high-level shooter despite not shooting it well today. He knows how to get open and find openings when drivers are driving. Brandon’s defensive ability must get better in order to take his game to the next level. He also must finish better to complete his game.” Huffstetler enjoyed a pretty nice showing at camp and could become a nice two-way player, especially if he continues to work.
#71: 6’4 ’20 Kurtis Taylor III (Neuse Christian)
Next, we look at a player that possesses a nice crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Kurtis Taylor III. He’s a long, athletic forward prospect with a pretty interesting array of skills. Taylor does a little bit of everything on offense and is capable of operating inside or outside the arc quite effectively. He moves well without the ball and also showed the ability to create for himself or others. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Bernardi on Taylor: “Kurtis is a high-ceiling, athletic forward who rebounds and finishes above the rim. He passes well and has good back-to-basket moves. His overall effort can improve to take his productivity to the next level. His shot from midrange also could use improvement. However, he was very good at driving and finishing through contact.” Taylor is a very intriguing prospect that will only continue to get better over the next calendar year, potentially making him one for college coaches to keep an eye on.
#82: 6’6 ’20 Jacob Marshall (Reidsville)
Moving onto a player that made a noticeable difference with his length, motor, and team-first mentality, Jacob Marshall. He’s a long, wiry forward/post prospect that doesn’t necessarily require offensive touches to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Marshall provides great effort, especially as a rebounder, and does a great job of making hustle plays. He understands how to play within himself, taking smart shots and making passes to open teammates whenever possible. Next in his development process is working to add a formidable jumper to his arsenal, as it would make him a nightmare two-way matchup for most opponents. Coach Bernardi on Marshall: “Jacob is a finishing machine in the paint. He finished well with both hands, below and above the rim. He rebounds very well and guards the ball effectively for his position. His shot must improve, both mechanically and in terms of effectiveness, in order to take his game to a new level. Jacob’s vision and court sense will also be worth improving with increased touches and time with the ball in his hands will lead itself to that.” Marshall has been undeniably effective at each camp he’s attended and this was no different, which should have him prepared for a productive upcoming season at Reidsville.
#87: 6’7 ’22 Vernon “CJ” Collins (West Craven)
Finishing up, we look at one of the most intriguing players in attendance whose camp was cut short due to injury, Vernon “CJ” Collins. He’s an incredibly long, active power forward prospect with a nice blend between size, skill, and athleticism, especially at his young age. Collins showed signs of a reliable midrange jumper and attacks the basket pretty well off the dribble. He displays a nice feel for the game and looks comfortable at operating in a variety of different areas/roles. Next in his development process is continuing to add strength, as it’ll only help his presence around the basket. Coach Bernardi on Collins: “CJ was sidelined earlier in the day but still showed a lot of tools during the drills and stations. He moves well for his size and possesses extremely enticing physical attirbutes.” Collins brought a lot of excitement with his presence and should be one to watch progress over these next few years.
