Team 10
Coach: Jared Grady
#37: 6’1 ’27 Cayden Simmons (Reagan)
Starting off, we look at a player who showcased an impactful identity on both ends of the floor, Cayden Simmons. He’s a smart, polished, well-rounded guard prospect who can dictate the action on offense while setting the tone defensively. Simmons scores from all levels, sets up others, and makes hustle plays at a quality rate. He utilizes his quickness to contain his assignment and force turnovers on a regular basis. Simmons is a steady player who can do a healthy amount of everything on the court. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Grady on Simmons: “Cayden displayed a strong defensive presence, both on and off the ball. Did a good job of running the team and making the plays for others while mixing it up and finding his shots. Cayden can get to the rim and hit jumpers off the dribble. He should continue to work on his off-hand and improving his reads in pick-and-roll situations.” Simmons did a lot of things well at camp, finishing fourth in scoring at 13.3 PPG, and should be able to carve out a meaningful role for Reagan going forward.
#44: 5’10 ’28 Amari Winters (Hickory Ridge)
Next, we look at a player who made a quality impact despite being the smallest camper on this team, Amari Winters. He’s a tough, scrappy guard prospect with terrific quickness, defensive prowess, and penetration instincts. Winters is able to break down defenders and consistently touch the paint. He’s a solid finisher and willing passer who makes smart, unselfish decisions with the ball. Winters also stands out as a great defender with the ability to overwhelm opposing ball-handlers. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Grady on Winters: “Amari is a very scrappy small guard with good ball pressure defensively. He has a knack for finding a way to deflect a pass, secure rebounds, or steal it from weaker opponents. Amari can also mix it up and pass at a high level. He’s at his best in the open court. Needs to work on managing the game and knowing when to push the tempo versus slow it down.” Winters enjoyed a solid showing at camp and has the tools to steadily emerge for Hickory Ridge over the coming years.
#72: 6’0 ’28 Malachi Wilson (Metrolina Christian)
Moving forward, we look at a player who easily stood out as one of the most polished campers in this division, Malachi Wilson. He’s a smart, scrappy guard prospect with a well-rounded skillset and highly energetic defensive presence. Wilson scored the ball from all levels, displaying both creation skills and the ability to find opportunities as a cutter. He finishes well through contact for his size. Wilson outworks opponents for rebounds and loose balls on a regular basis. He highlights nice instincts for forcing turnovers defensively. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a more reliable on-ball defender. Coach Grady on Wilson: “Malachi plays exceptionally well without the ball. Can shoot off the catch or dribble. Solid team defender who consistently competes. Can score on all three levels and plays with pace. Developing his off-hand, on-ball defense, and ability to make plays for others in dribble-drive situations are areas for improvement.” Wilson proved to be an asset at camp, finishing second in scoring at 14.7 PPG, and will be a prospect to keep an eye on going forward.
#73: 6’0 ’28 Jex Gerringer (Carolina International)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who made a lasting impression with his off-ball presence, Jax Gerringer. He’s a smart, wiry guard prospect with a smooth shooting stroke and low-maintenance identity. Gerringer moves well without the ball to find open seams and knock down jumpers from beyond the arc. He understands how to play to his strengths, defer to others, and not force the action offensively. Gerringer does a terrific job of producing within a role. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better creator and finisher. Coach Grady on Gerringer: “Jax is a crafty shooter who excels at moving without the ball and getting to his shooting spots. Must become more confident with running the team at the guard spot and making plays for others.” Gerringer made a solid impact during his time at camp and has the tools to emerge as a useful contributor sooner than later for Carolina International.
#94: 6’2 ’27 Jordan Powell (Hickory)
Next, we look at a player who showcased a smooth, unselfish approach to the game, Jordan Powell. He’s a smart, skilled point guard prospect with excellent size, pace, and playmaking instincts. Powell is a capable scorer from all levels but clearly prioritizes getting others involved whenever possible. He handles the ball with care and knows how to effectively break down opponents to get where he wants on the court. Powell displays a great understanding of how to dissect defenses and make the appropriate decision. He’s also a useful defender and rebounder for his position. Next in his development process is working to assert his scoring presence more often, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Grady on Powell: “Jordan is a smart, patient player. Doesn’t force the action and makes the unselfish play. Would like to see him look to score more. Jordan has all the tools to be a good player at the next level.” Powell did a lot of things well at camp and should remain a major difference-maker for Hickory going forward.
#95: 6’2 ’27 Braydon Plummer (Southern Wake Academy)
Moving forward, we look at a player who showcased nice intangibles and a useful array of skills, Braydon Plummer. He’s an unselfish, high-motor guard prospect who finds consistent success as a shooting threat from beyond the arc. Plummer displays great feel and an overall understanding of how to apply pressure as a lethal spot-up threat. He moves very well without the ball, makes the extra pass, and pursues loose balls whenever possible. 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 Grady on Plummer: “Braydon is a vocal leader on the court. Can make his presence felt in catch-and-shoot situations. Capable of playing with or without the ball in his hands. Braydon can improve finishing at the rim and his on-ball defense.” Plummer enjoyed a solid showing at camp and will be a prospect to watch progress over these next few seasons.
#108: 6’3 ’27 Dominique Holsey Jr. (Jack Britt)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who made a lasting impression through his nonstop motor and natural nose for the ball, Dominique Holsey Jr. He’s a tough, scrappy wing/forward prospect who does the dirty work and rebounds exceptionally well for his size. Holsey is an excellent defender with the necessary length, quickness, and physicality to shut down opponents. His athleticism and pure activity level make him a real problem for opponents on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Holsey is a great finisher who regularly takes advantage of second-chance opportunities. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better creator against defensive pressure. Coach Grady on Holsey: “Dominique is a high-motor, high-energy guy that doesn’t need the ball to impact a game. Defends and rebounds at a very high level. He can finish in traffic and is a dynamic downhill threat in the open floor. Needs to work on shooting consistency and improving his handle. While he is capable at times, his handle could be tighter.” Holsey did a lot of things well at camp and has the tools to be an impactful piece for Jack Britt over the coming years.
#133: 6’4 ’27 Jadon Beam (Burns)
Finishing up, we look at a player who continues to show steady improvements within his progression, Jadon Beam. He’s a strong, physically overwhelming forward prospect with a solid level of skill for his size/position. Beam battles well inside the paint, but is arguably at his best when knocking down shots along the perimeter. He absorbs contact well around the basket and competes well for rebounds around the basket. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a more reliable defender in space. Coach Grady on Beam: “Jadon has good hands and soft touch from the outside. He is capable of backing down smaller defenders and step out to shoot it from distance. Needs to improve his rebounding presence at his size and take advantage of his physical strengths against mismatches. Can also work on his physical conditioning.” Beam enjoyed a solid showing at camp and will be a prospect to monitor as he continues to harness his long-term abilities.