Team 9
Coach: DeAngelo Spruill
#51: 5’7 Ezekiel Kelly (Hickory Ridge)
Starting things off, we look at a player who knows how to properly dictate the action with the ball in his hands, Ezekiel Kelly. He’s a smart, shifty point guard prospect with excellent quickness and a balanced offensive approach. Kelly handles the ball well, sets up others at a steady rate, and applies scoring pressure from all levels as needed. He plays hard on both ends of the floor, which allows him 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 finisher around the basket. Coach Spruill on Kelly: “Zeke is a good guard. He mixes it up well and utilizes his quick first step to consistently touch the paint. He can operate as a playmaker or make his presence felt in spot-up situations along the perimeter.” Kelly enjoyed a nice showing at camp, and should be poised for a productive upcoming season at Hickory Ridge.
#62: 5’10 Tyzhir Dyer (Hickory Ridge)
Next, we look at a player who stood out through his perimeter shooting and overall scoring prowess, Tyzhir Dyer. He’s a smart, wiry, scrappy guard prospect who can effectively make plays with or without the ball in his hands. Dyer is a terrific three-point shooter who can effortlessly apply pressure as a spot-up threat. He penetrates well, handles the ball, and displays great quickness when defending his assignment at the point of attack defensively. Dyer is also a useful passer who can assume playmaking duties whenever necessary. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him an even more lethal shooter in catch-and-shoot scenarios. Coach Spruill on Dyer: “Tyzir is a great shooter. He showed some creation skills, but made a strong impact as an off-ball threat. Provided great effort defensively. Maintained a positive attitude.” Dyer made a nice impact during his time at camp, and should be poised for a strong freshman season at Hickory Ridge.
#63: 5’10 Nick Arnold (Lake Norman)
Moving onto a player who offers a very steady, poised presence on both ends of the floor, Nick Arnold. He’s a smart, unselfish point guard prospect with terrific vision and the ability to set up others at a high volume. Arnold touches the paint, forces the defense to collapse, and then makes the proper read to score or set up an open teammate. He’s a capable finisher, but is always looking to locate the best available shot/decision. Arnold knows how to be an on-ball pest defensively, utilizing a blend of quickness, positioning, and toughness to mirror opposing guards. Next in his development process is working to become a more consistent three-point shooter, as it would take his game to another level. Coach Spruill on Arnold: “Nick is a great competitor. He gives his all whenever he’s on the court. Nick can continue working on progressing his overall game.” Arnold did a variety of things well at camp, and should be an integral piece to the success of Lake Norman going forward.
#75: 6’0 Chaise Smith (Washington)
Continuing onto a player who made a lasting impression as one of the top performers in attendance, Chaise Smith. He’s a smart, dynamic, well-rounded guard prospect with quickness, toughness, and polished scoring prowess from all three levels. Smith handles the ball, creates effectively for himself and others, and makes quality decisions as an overall creator. He rebounds exceptionally well for his size/position, which allows him to apply seemingly constant pressure in transition. Smith showed the ability to succeed with or without the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him even better as an on-ball defender. Coach Spruill on Smith: “Chaise is a high-level guard. Do-it-all player on both ends of the floor. Very athletic and able to create with ease. He highlighted a high IQ and great quickness. He also maintained a positive attitude.” Smith enjoyed a notable showing during his time at camp, and looks poised to have a highly productive season at Washington.
#77: 6’0 Aziz Aljurhanni (Westover)
Next, we look at a player who showcased a pretty well-rounded skillset and approach, Aziz Aljurhanni. He’s an unselfish, lightning-quick guard prospect with a nice penetration sense and the ability to finish or set up others at a solid rate. Aljurhanni shoots the ball at a quality percentage from midrange and beyond the arc. He displays useful creation skills, rebounds the ball very well for his size/position, and does a great job of playing hard on both ends of the floor. Aljurhanni displays useful two-way feel and works hard to contain his assignment defensively. 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 Spruill on Aljurhanni: “Aziz is a very athletic kid. Possesses great quickness off the bounce. He shows a clear passion and desire to compete on both ends of the floor.” Aljurhanni enjoyed a strong showing at camp, and should be able to be a difference-maker during his upcoming freshman season at Westover.
#126: 6’1 Shimere Garris (Brown)
Moving onto a player who arguably stood out as the top perimeter shooter on this team, Shimere Garris. He’s a smooth, steady, skilled guard prospect with high IQ, an unselfish mentality, and a willingness to play hard on both ends of the floor. Garris is a knockdown shooter, both from midrange and beyond the arc, and attacks closeouts effectively off the dribble. He handles the ball and sets up others nicely, but can also make his presence consistently felt in situations as off-guard. Garris is a solid defender and useful rebounder who can push the ball in transition or pitch ahead for fast-break opportunities. 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 Spruill on Garris: “Shimere is a smooth lefty with a great shot from the perimeter. He understands how to work without the ball and is capable of posing a strong spot-up threat from beyond the arc.” Garris made a nice impact throughout camp, and will be one to monitor over the coming years.
#137: 6’3 Brycen DuBose (Cardinal Gibbons)
Continuing onto a player who made a lasting impression through his nonstop motor and overall willingness to compete, Brycen DuBose. He’s a strong, rugged wing/forward prospect with toughness, unselfishness, and the ability to make plays with or without the ball in his hands. DuBose is a phenomenal two-way rebounder who clears out space, finishes through contact, and outworks opponents for extra opportunities. He moves nicely without the ball, which allows him to find open seams and scoring chances through holes in the opposing defense. Next in his development process is working to become a better ball-handler, as it would make him more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Spruill on DuBose: “Brycen is an absolute workhorse. He competes hard on both ends of the floor. He’s a load to deal with for opponents. Brycen has the makings of a skilled bruiser.” DuBose did a lot of things well at camp, and should be able to immediately contribute during his upcoming freshman season at Cardinal Gibbons.
#138: 6’3 Adam Grier (High Point Christian)
Next, we look at a player who showcased the ability to naturally affect all facets of the game, Adam Grier. He’s a long, skilled, well-rounded wing prospect with an impressive array of tools and no glaring weaknesses in his identity on either end of the floor. Grier is extremely adaptable, both to teammates and the overall course of a game, and can reliably produce in every type of role. He’s a polished three-level scorer with solid creation skills and the ability to set up others as needed. Grier rebounds at a high volume, moves well without the ball, and displays excellent feel on both ends of the floor. He’s a reliable defender who forces turnovers and makes a consistent impact in transition. Grier also plays hard and displays an unselfish mentality. 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 Spruill on Grier: “Adam is a great glue-guy who competes every second of the game. He’s crafty and can shoot, pass, and dribble.” Grier enjoyed a strong showing at camp, and should be an x-factor for High Point Christian during his upcoming freshman season.
#150: 6’6 Isaiah Williams (East Mecklenburg)
Moving onto a player who legitimately possesses as much long-term upside as anyone from this camp, Isaiah Williams. He’s an extremely long forward prospect with a phenomenal blend of size, athleticism, and instincts on both ends of the floor. Williams moves very well for his size and doesn’t necessarily require the ball in order to make a consistent impact. He’s a great finisher, rebounder, and shot-altering presence who knows how to find opportunities within the flow of the action. Williams displays IQ in addition to regular flashes of perimeter shooting and the ability to attack opposing bigs off the dribble. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it will make him even more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Spruill on Williams: “Isiaah is a long, wiry guy. He has a lot of potential. He needs to continue to work on his body and overall skill development. Isaiah has a great array of tools and knows how to impact the game consistently.” Williams did a lot of things well at camp, and will certainly be a prospect for folks to watch progress over the coming years.
#176: 6’5 Kohi Strickland (Greensboro Day)
Finishing up, we look at a player who possesses an enticing crossroads between productivity and long-term potential, Kohi Strickland. He’s a long, wiry, versatile forward prospect with great size and a quality feel for the game on both ends of the floor. Strickland scores the ball at an efficient rate from all three levels, and understands how to actively mix up his offensive approach. He’s very quick for his size and moves well without the ball, which allows him to naturally find scoring chances within the flow of the team structure. Strickland can even handle the ball and create for himself or others if necessary. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him an even better finisher around the basket. Coach Spruill on Strickland: “Kohi is a very skilled two-way player who can defend and play multiple positions. Always competes with a high motor. He brought a lot to the team.” Strickland impressed during his time at camp, and should be able to carve out a useful role sooner than later for Greensboro Day.