Team 11
Coach: Jordan Mann
#53: 5'9 Dionte Neal (Reidsville)
Starting things off, we look at a player who simply knows how to apply his dynamic identity, regardless of setting, Dionte Neal. He's a smart, quick, skilled guard prospect who can absolutely fill it up offensively from anywhere on the floor. Neal is a crafty ball-handler and playmaker with the ability to consistently touch the paint and make proper reads. He's able to get wherever he wants with the ball, but can also apply pressure in spot-up situations if needed. Neal is a pesky defender who utilizes his blend of quickness and instincts to force a lot of turnovers. He's a natural leader who others enjoy playing alongside. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him even more lethal alongside another primary ball-handler. Coach Mann on Neal: 'Dionte is a dog. Very smooth finisher with either hand. He's a good catch-and-shoot guy from beyond the arc. Plays hard on defense and is a good on-ball defender.' Neal enjoyed a notable showing at camp, securing the Mr. Playmaker award, and should be poised for a highly productive freshman season at Reidsville.
#60: 5'10 Kenan Dixon (Cannon)
Next, we look at a player who offered a pretty steady, reliable presence on both ends of the floor, Kenan Dixon. He's a smart, skilled guard prospect with a high motor, unselfish approach, and the ability to apply excellent scoring pressure from midrange and beyond the arc. Dixon is able to assume playmaking duties as needed, but is arguably better as an off-ball threat. He's a quality passer and active defender who knows how to properly move without the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more reliable finisher around the basket. Coach Mann on Dixon: 'Kenan is an undersized off-guard. Needs to tighten his handle in order to play more with the ball in his hands. Very efficient three-point shooter who can knock down jumpers from anywhere beyond the arc.' Dixon made his presence felt at camp, and should be able to be an impact player during the upcoming season at Cannon.
#65: 5'11 Jeremiah Jackson (1 of 1 Academy)
Moving onto a player who stood out as the most lethal three-point shooter on this team, Jeremiah Jackson. He's a smart, sturdy, slightly undersized guard prospect who can genuinely light it up from anywhere along the perimeter. Jackson is a capable creator and initiator, but simply knows how to cause problems for opponents as an off-ball threat. He's unselfish, plays hard, and rebounds well for his size. Jackson also passes the ball quite well. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a better on-ball defender. Coach Mann on Jackson: 'Jeremiah is an undersized off-guard. Not the best penetrator, but can get to his spots in the midrange and hit them. Limitless range and able to catch-and-shoot from anywhere on the floor.' Jackson enjoyed a nice showing during his time at camp, and should be a difference-maker for 1 of 1 Academy over the foreseeable future.
#71: 6'0 Jason Keith (Grimsley)
Continuing onto a player who showcased the ability to score the ball in a variety of different ways, Jason Keith. He's a long, wiry guard prospect with nice quickness and useful penetration instincts. Keith finishes well and knocks down jumpers from midrange and beyond the arc with regularity. He's a capable ball-handler who possesses clear upside as a playmaker. Next in his development process is working on his ability to play within the flow of the action, as it would make him a better teammate. Coach Mann on Keith: 'Jason can work on his shot-selection and overall decision-making. He has the ability to create his own shot and can hit deep three-pointers, but it's a curse, because he will take errant shots at times. He's very good around the rim, and can definitely score the ball, but needs to develop his IQ.' Keith highlighted some intriguing flashes at camp, and will be one to monitor over the coming years at Grimsley.'
#128: 6'1 Jalen Sheppard (Raleigh Christian)
Next, we look at a player who did a great job of actively filling in the gaps on both ends of the floor, Jalen Sheppard. He's a wiry, unselfish, high-motor guard prospect with toughness and nice two-way feel. Sheppard is an efficient scorer from all levels who can create for himself and others as needed. He's a rugged defender who knows how to force turnovers and outwork opponents for extra opportunities. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better ball-handler. Coach Mann on Sheppard: 'Jalen floats through the air. He's a high-motor player and slashing off-guard who is trying to finish at/above the rim. Jalen is also a long defender who creates havoc on that end of the floor. Offered a positive attitude and accepted coaching well.' Sheppard did a variety of things well at camp, and should be able to carve out a useful role during the upcoming season at Calvary Day.
#135: 6'3 Carter Bullock (NC GBB)
Moving onto a player who impressed with his enticing array of tools and overall skillset, Carter Bullock. He's a long, wiry, well-rounded guard prospect with great IQ, size, and the ability to consistently make plays with or without the ball in his hands. Bullock scores the ball from all three levels, creates for himself and others, and contains his assignment well defensively. He's a sharp passer and useful rebounder who understands how to reliably push the break in transition. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him even more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Mann on Bullock: 'Carter is an aggressive lefty who is good at finishing through contact. He's a solid floor general that sees the court well and can hit long passes with ease. Carter has a pretty-looking shot from beyond the arc.' Bullock enjoyed a nice showing at camp, and should be a strong contributor for NC GBB going forward.
#140: 6'3 Kenneth Shouse (Northside Christian)
Continuing onto a player who made his presence felt in a variety of different ways, Kenneth Shouse. He's a wiry, scrappy guard prospect with a nice penetration sense and the ability to hit jumpers at a solid rate from midrange and beyond the arc. Shouse is a capable passer with the ability to create for others in a pinch. He knows how to spot-up and properly move without the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working on his transition defense, as he has the ability to shut down fast breaks with increased effort. Coach Mann on Shouse: 'KJ is a driving guard with a solid outside shot. He's a long defender that can get deflections when engaged and ready to play. He is a really good finisher when jumping off two feet.' Shouse highlighted various flashes during his time at camp, and will be one to watch progress over the coming years at Northside Christian.
#148: 6'4 Carter Abernethy (Long Island Lutheran)
Next, we look at a player who simply knows how to utilize his body to outwork opponents on both ends of the floor, Carter Abernethy. He's a strong, sturdy wing/forward prospect with a great penetration sense and the ability to consistently finish through contact around the basket. Abernethy also shoots the ball well from midrange and secures rebounds on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a better defender in screening action and along the perimeter. Coach Mann on Abernethy: 'Carter is a big, physical guard who plays bully-ball when getting to the rim. He's very good at using his body to get a good look around the basket. Carter was somewhat inconsistent as a finisher, but certainly has the ability to capitalize inside. He can work on becoming a better three-point shooter.' Abernethy made a steady impact during his time at camp, and has the tools to progress over the coming years at Long Island Lutheran.
#178: 6'6 Bakari Watkinson (Carrboro)
Moving onto a player who possesses an enticing crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Bakari Watkinson. He's a long, wiry, fairly skilled forward/post prospect with abilities as a finisher, rebounder, and floor-spacing option from midrange or beyond the arc. Watkinson moves well for his size, and can create off the bounce against opposing interior players. He moves well without the ball and runs the floor well in transition. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a better all-around defender. Coach Mann on Watkinson: 'Bakari is a decent catch-and-shoot big man from beyond the arc. He needs to be more aggressive on the offensive side of the ball, as he can stand and watch too often. Needs to work on quickness and being more physical on defense. Bakari can finish well around the rim when he involves himself in the action.' Watkinson enjoyed a solid showing at camp, and should be able to immediately contribute during the upcoming season at Carrboro.
#185: 6'9 Tyson Thompson (St. Paul's)
Finishing up, we look at a player who arguably possesses as much long-term upside as anyone in attendance, Tyson Thompson. He's a long, athletic big man with solid mobility and a blossoming identity on both ends of the floor. Thompson finishes well, hits midrange jumpers, and runs the floor effectively in offensive transition. He defends his position pretty well, particularly on the block, and blocks shots at a nice rate. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a better defender in screening action and along the perimeter. Coach Mann on Thompson: 'Tyson is a raw, developing prospect. He's still growing into his body. Improved his motor throughout the course of the day. Displays the ability to alter shots defensively and finish around the basket. His shot is slow, but doesn't look bad. Tyson just needs more reps.' Thompson showed a lot of intrigue at camp, and will definitely be a prospect to monitor closely going forward.