Team 13
Coach: Ethan Reece
#3: 4’11 ’30 Liam Primus (Franklin Academy)
Starting off, we look at a player who made a quality impact despite being one of the smallest campers on display, Liam Primus. He’s a skilled, unselfish guard prospect with quickness and smooth perimeter shooting ability. Primus was able to attack off the dribble and finish around the basket, but was arguably at his best in spot-up situations. He highlighted nice feel defensively. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would open him up to more scoring opportunities. Coach Reece on Primus: “Liam is reliable at capitalizing on open looks, both as a shooter and finisher. Needs to be better at making himself available and finding more chances. There were times where he got frustrated and forced shots. Obviously, he’s very young. Good team player but needs to become more physical/aggressive and less tentative to reach his potential. Liam has the necessary skills to do more.” Primus enjoyed a solid showing at camp and will be a prospect to monitor over the foreseeable future.
#8: 5’3 ’30 Paxton Ashby (Dalton Intermediate)
Next, we look at a player who already understands how to apply pressure as an offensive threat, Paxton Ashby. He’s a skilled, unselfish guard prospect with a solid motor and feel for the game. Ashby is a great midrange shooter and useful spot-up threat, but can also attack the basket and finish effectively for his size. He also makes quality passes and moves well without the ball. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a better on-ball defender. Coach Reece on Ashby: “Paxton is a deceptive playmaker, as he’s not necessarily quick but knows how to play at his own pace. Quality shooter and finisher with a good sense as a passer. Willing to be unselfish in transition and generally looks in the right places even if it’s not executed. Paxton is primarily an offensive player right now. I’d like to see him improve his overall defensive presence.” Ashby highlighted a useful array of skills at camp and has the tools to progress over the coming years.
#9: 5’3 ’29 Carson Gladieux (Apex Friendship)
Moving forward, we look at a player who made a lasting impression as one of the top shooters in attendance, Carson Gladieux. He’s a smart, scrappy, high-motor guard prospect who knocks down three-pointers at an extremely high clip. Gladieux consistently finished around the basket, hit midrange jumpers, and set up others. He attacked as needed but clearly knows how to play to his strengths. Gladieux is a solid defender with nice anticipation in the passing lanes to force turnovers. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him an even better spot-up threat. Coach Reece on Gladieux: “Carson was the best shooter on the team. He just needs to understand off-ball movement and how to be demanding when calling for the ball. Displays a solid, well-rounded skillset but needs to be more prepared on the catch so he can attack. Getting quicker should be a priority for Carson. He was very coachable.” Gladieux enjoyed a strong showing at camp and should be poised for a productive eighth-grade season.
#13: 5’4 ’30 Nylan Patterson (Lenoir)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who reliably dictated the action as a primary creator, Nylan Patterson. He’s a smart, skilled point guard prospect with a tight handle and natural playmaking sense. Patterson consistently generated clean looks for himself and others off the dribble. He hit shots from the perimeter, finished on penetration opportunities, and made his presence felt in transition. Patterson also offered quality effort as a rebounder and on-ball defender. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Reece on Patterson: “Nylan was arguably our most valuable player because of his ball-handling skills to create and relieve pressure. Crafty and uses his body well. Polished on the perimeter. Great penetrator but can improve on knowing when to kick versus create more separation. Made a lot of big plays and did 90% of the ball-handling for this team.” Patterson proved to be a difference-maker at camp and will be a name to track over the coming years.
#17: 5’5 ’30 Preston Crews (Falls Lake)
Next, we look at a player who did an excellent job of filling in the gaps on both ends of the floor, Preston Crews. He’s an unselfish, fairly well-rounded guard prospect who does a little bit of everything on the court. Crews finished well and knocked down open jumpers at a solid rate. He battled hard on the glass and made several hustle plays. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a better penetrating threat. Coach Reece on Crews: “Preston provides genuine effort. Listens well when coached up. Reliable finisher with some length and understanding of what he’s supposed to do versus not do. Lots of upside as he grows into his body. He was always in a good position for dishes and rebounds but needs to work on his hands and being ready quicker.” Crews did a lot of things well during his time at camp and should only continue to progress going forward.
#27: 5’8 ’29 Jordan Goss (Liberty Christian)
Moving forward, we look at a player who showcased an appealing crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Jordan Goss. He’s a tough, athletic guard prospect with a high motor and great feel for the game. Goss is a strong defender with a great combination of quickness, anticipation, and willingness to make hustle plays. He finished well around the basket, set up others, and took care of the ball offensively. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would force defenders to respect his presence as a cutter. Coach Reece on Goss: “Jordan was our team’s best hustle player and primary on-ball defender. He is very athletic and plays with a good aggressive mindset. Displays a competitive nature and clear desire to win. Doesn’t shy away from physicality. Jordan’s skillset is still a work in progress, as he excels on getting downhill and playing in transition right now. He will need to develop more as a perimeter shooter.” Goss made a lasting impression with his play at camp and will be a prospect to keep an eye on.
#82: 6’1 ’29 Deren Thompson (Hickory Ridge)
Finishing up, we look at a player who consistently outperformed opponents on both ends of the floor, Deren Thompson. He’s a long, athletic, high-motor prospect with excellent size and fluidity at this stage in his progression. Thompson controlled the glass, anchored the paint defensively, and scored at an efficient rate. He’s a quality midrange shooter and capable threat from beyond the arc, but was at his best when finishing around the basket. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Reece on Thompson: “Deren has all the tools with his length, athleticism, and skillset. Award winner. Dynamic in transition and stands out as a very good ball-handler for his size/age. Highlighted good post-up ability as well. Finishes everything around the basket and keeps on the glass. If he continues to develop defensively, he will be a great two-way threat that could dominate.” Thompson proved to be an asset at camp, finishing ninth in scoring at 11.7 PPG and earning the Defense Award. He will definitely be a prospect to keep an eye on.