Team 4
Coach: Dre Simmons
#50: 5'7 '21 Yoshua Courts (Reidsville High School)
Starting things off, we look at a player that showcased a polished, well-rounded skillset throughout the day, Yoshua Courts. He's a team-first point guard that displayed a solid understanding of the nuances of running the show. Courts offers an excellent blend of passing and scoring, but doesn't force the action. He defends and rebounds quite well, especially despite his lack of size, and was able to force multiple turnovers. Next in his development process is continuing to sharpen his feel for the game, as it would make him an even craftier playmaker. Coach Simmons on Courts: 'Yoshua is a nice strong guard that can take opponents off the dribble and is virtually unstoppable in the post. His penetration ability is far above average. He is a winner and a great teammate. Yoshua is very vocal and supportive. I love his energy and knowledge of the game. This kid is a baller.' Courts was one of the many Reidsville prospects that stood out, so it'll be interesting to see how his impact carries into the upcoming season.
#65: 5'10 '23 Andrew Schrage (Burlington, NC)
Next, we look at a player that displayed an unselfish, high-motor approach during camp, Andrew Schrage. He's a young off-guard that already understands how to score efficiently while playing within the flow of the offense. Schrage proved to be an effective perimeter shooter, especially from beyond the arc, and was easily among the top spot-up threats on this team. He rebounded well for his size and was able to take opponents off the dribble whenever necessary. Next in his development process is working to get stronger and quicker, as it would allow him to play with more aggression and physicality, especially on defense. Coach Simmons on Schrage: 'Andrew has three-point range on his shot. He moves very well without the ball and is very effective from the perimeter. His cuts to the basket are very precise. He has a great deal of potential.' Schrage made a solid impact at camp and could be one to keep an eye on, as he's just truly beginning to scratch the surface of his long-term abilities.
#70: 5'10 '20 KJ Allen (Reidsville High School)
Moving onto a player that showcased an incredibly smooth shooting stroke throughout the day, KJ Allen. He's a long, smart, guard prospect that can handle and play with the ball, but typically works as a cutter and spot-up threat. Allen moves unbelievably well without the ball and is capable of setting himself up for success through proper positioning. He torched inactive opponents with his movement and was able to light it up from beyond the arc. Next in his development process is working to become a more active rebounder, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Simmons on Allen: 'This kid is a marksman! He hit four three-pointers in a row at one point. KJ is a microwave man. He can heat up in seconds. He's a strong ball-handler that can get to the rack. He has a smooth all-around game and tremendous upside.' Allen enjoyed a phenomenal showing at camp and should be closely monitored over the next calendar year, as he could be a major contributor this season at Reidsville.
#82: 6'0 '19 Braedon Watkins (Piedmont High School)
Continuing onto a player that stood out for his ability to consistently put the team first, Braedon Watkins. He's a wiry off-guard that played with a high motor and shot the ball particularly well from the perimeter. Watkins does a great job of staying active and looking to create havoc on defense. He is always willing and ready to make hustle plays, and secure multiple extra possessions for his team. Next in his development process is working to become quicker, as it would make him an even better penetration threat. Coach Simmons on Watkins: 'Braedon is a great worker on the glass. Even being a bit undersized, he is not afraid to get in there and mix it up. He's a nice shooter out to the three-point line. He plays with a high motor and gives maximum effort on every play. Braedon can play for my team any day of the week.' Watkins has all the tools to be a contributor with any group of teammates, which could certainly help him get to the next level within these next few months.
#105: 6'2 '22 Christian Johnson (Leesville Road High School)
Next, we look at a player that was quietly among the most impressive two-way performers on this team, Christian Johnson. He's a wiry, high-motor wing prospect that can play with the ball in his hands, but typically works as an off-ball threat. Johnson consistently hurts opponents with his smooth perimeter shooting, but also displayed the ability to create for himself or others with relative ease. He was useful on offense and nearly dominant as a rebounder and defender. Johnson contained his assignment extremely well and forced numerous turnovers throughout the day. Next in his development process is working to become a better penetrator, as it would complement his smooth perimeter shot nicely. Coach Simmons on Johnson: 'Christian has a consistent shot from out to the three-point line. He has some bounce to his game. He's deceptively quick and gets by defenders with ease.' Johnson was very impactful at camp, especially for his age, and could be a quality contributor next season for Leesville Road.
#112: 6'3 '19 Kevin Tate Jr. (South Mecklenburg High School)
Continuing onto a player that made a lasting impression with his incredible physicality and aggression, Kevin Tate Jr. He's a long, strong, wing/forward prospect that was able to consistently attack the basket and finish through contact, regardless of defensive pressure. Tate handled the ball, rebounded/defended with great purpose, and showed signs of a formidable jumper. Next in his development process is working to become a more reliable three-point shooter, as it would make him virtually unstoppable on offense. Coach Simmons on Tate: 'Mr. And-1! Kevin is so strong…you better foul him good or he'll finish anything. He plays both sides of the ball equally impressive. He has a high motor and is very reliable on both ends. He should definitely be playing at the next level. He's very coachable and is a team-first guy. He had five assists one game, so he has great court vision for a forward. Extending his range is next in his development.' Tate has a lot of useful skills that should translate to the next level, so it'll be interesting to see if the right program looks to get involved going forward.
#139: 6'1 '19 Jaron Lewis (Westridge Academy)
Next, we look at a player that really stood out with his constant two-way leadership, Jaron Lewis. He's a strong-bodied guard that offers a nice burst of versatility, given his ability to exploit mismatches and utilize his strength against smaller opponents. Lewis rebounds well for his position and is capable of scoring in a variety of different ways. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Simmons on Lewis: 'This man is exceptional at moving without the ball. Jaron moves like Steph Curry to a lesser degree. His footwork down low is rare for a guard. He has a down-low presence like a big man. He's a high-level defender that plays multiple positions. He can score from all three levels and has the potential to be an impact player at the next level. Jaron's most impressive quality is his vocalism and team building. He is a true leader. Coaches, he is a leader!!' Lewis did a lot of things well during camp and could be an excellent late addition for the right college program.
#142: 6'2 '23 London Johnson (Charlotte, NC)
Continuing onto a player that was among the top two-way prospects from both the middle and high school showcases, London Johnson. He's an incredibly smart, productive all-around guard prospect with a phenomenal blend of size, skill, and leadership qualities. Johnson does it all and does so with great poise, maturity, and a team-first mentality. Next in his development process is simply continuing to sharpen all facets of the game, as he already has more translatable tools than most high school players. Coach Simmons on Johnson: 'This kid is unbelievable. I was so impressed with him all day. Defense, defense, defense. He can guard the perimeter, transition, or down low. He has a silky-smooth game and can score at all three levels. He's unstoppable off the bounce and has the potential to take over a game. What doesn't he do' I'm not sure! His future is so bright, recruiters need to wear shades. This guy is a walking-bucket. By the way, he is only in the eighth grade, so get on the bandwagon early.' Johnson has the chance to be a really special player, so it'll be exciting to see how he fares next season.
#144: 5'10 '21 Stevian Harrison (Reidsville High School)
Finishing up, we look at a player that already possesses a well-rounded skillset and nice array of tools, Stevian Harrison. He's a strong-bodied guard prospect that is capable of operating from either backcourt position, given his blend of ball-handling, passing, and ability to knock down shots off the catch. Harrison plays hard and did a particularly nice job of defending the point of attack, which led to numerous turnovers and easy points in transition. Next in his development process is working to sharpen his overall feel for the game, as it would make him an even more impactful player without the ball in his hands. Coach Simmons on Harrison: 'Stevian is a horse down low! He has a good handle and a nice stroke from midrange. An all-around team player that is very vocal and sets the tone with his defense. He has tremendous upside. His midrange game is as good as a layup.' Harrison enjoyed a solid showing at camp and could emerge as a quality contributor for Reidsville as soon as next season.