Saturday’s 5 to Know
There was so much talent in the event, with many players stepping up and providing huge performances. However, with national media lining the sidelines, college coaches flowing through the doors, and fans throughout the stands these are the five (5) players who stood out with the lights shining the brightest.
Eli Wright (Mississippi State)
6’4” Senior of 22 Feet Academy (SC)
Although we didn’t give out this award, Wright was the unofficial MVP of the event. The lefty, was simply dominant in both games. He slashed, shot, and defended his team to a 2-0 record, including a win over number 1 ranked Oak Hill. Wright, was ranked outside the Top 100 by most rankings, however this performance showed he should be in the conversation for McDonald’s All American votes. Brilliant.
Coby White
6’4” Sophomore of Greenfield (NC)
Nation, we introduce you to Coby White. The NC Top 80 alum was largely unknown coming into this event, and he left making his mark across the media table. White is a baby-faced kid with huge upside and a “go at your throat” mentality. White went for an event high 34 points against a very talented Genesis Academy team. Not only will he move up in the NC rankings, he should be looked at as a Top 100 player nationally.
Deshawn Corprew
6’6” Senior of Quality Education (NC)
Some big news springing from the event is that Top 100 wing Deshawn Corprew decommitted from Arkansas Little Rock. After that news spread, Corprew went out to average 26 points, 9 boards, and 4 steals per game to solidify his mark as a Top 60 prospect. With Cincinnati, Texas, and East Carolina on his list early, expect a lot of high majors to come around for this one.
Tripp Greene
6’2” Sophomore of Forsyth Country Day (NC)
Greene played in this event last year, as a freshman starter. He was skilled and tough, but the biggest value add to his game in the last year is strictly confidence. Greene averaged 17 points and 5 steals per game in this event, drawing comparisons to Aaron Craft. Most notably, his team was down by 5 points with 12 seconds to go. Greene buried a 28 foot 3, stole the subsequent inbounds pass, and buried another 25 foot 3 to win the game by one (1). It was reminiscent of Reggie Miller, but something that big time players do. Get to know this name, he is a gamer!
Juwan Gary
6’6” Freshman of Gray Collegiate (SC)
Slowly Gary has been building his reputation over the last year. It started at the NC Junior Phenom last Spring, then carried over into the Summer with Team United. Then he showed out at the South Carolina Top 80, and now he solidified his reputation on the national stage. Gary is a high flying wing, who is developing ball skills, and has touch beyond the arc. He is a Top 10 player in his class. McDonalds All American committee member Clark Francis stated, “Gary is a legit candidate for the McDonald’s All American game, three (3) years from now.” It would be hard for us to disagree.