6’9 ’24 Isaiah Sutherland (Quality Education)
Few players across the entire state of North Carolina possess as much upside as Sutherland, and he’s clearly beginning to tap into his potential. He’s long, athletic, and extremely fluid, especially for his size, and offers a quality blend of inside-out ability. Sutherland finishes well, shoots the ball at a respectable clip from the perimeter, and can reliably operate out of the post. He’s a great rebounder and rim-protector who runs the floor very well in transition. A lot of appeal with Sutherland comes directly through his ability to produce in a role or expand his production. He’s a notable talent and someone coaches should start offering early, as he could be a very useful piece at various Division I programs.
6’5 ’24 Jalik Nicholls (NC GBB)
There are a variety of enticing pieces on this roster, but Nicholls is truly as appealing as anyone. His combination of IQ, size, and all-around skillset leaves him with no glaring weaknesses—in addition to a ton of attainable long-term upside. Nicholls is already quite adaptable and understands how to produce in a variety of different roles. Expect coaches to begin laying groundwork, as he will be the face of this program going forward.
6’7 ’23 Kahlif Barnes (Piedmont Classical)
Despite some struggles as a team, Barnes did a solid job of making his presence felt on a consistent basis. He’s an exceptional two-way rebounder with timing and the ability to pursue multiple rebounds on the same possession. Barnes utilizes his body very well around the basket, both as a finisher and rebounder, and can alter shots defensively. He plays hard, runs the floor well in transition, and capitalizes on second-chance opportunities with regularity.
6’5 ’22 Karon Boyd (Cannon)
After ups and downs to start the season, Boyd has found his comfort level as the clear leader of this group. Not only does he set the tone with his nonstop motor, but his natural two-way production seems to shine in every contest. Boyd provides excellent versatility and understands how to consistently affect all facets of the game. He’s a reliable defender, rebounder, and well-rounded offensive threat with the tools to actively fill in the gaps as needed.
6’5 ’22 AJ Smith (Combine)
Although Combine is as balanced as any team within the state, Smith arguably stood out as their most impressive contributor. He’s maintained his identity as a tough, rugged, high-motor guard with defensive prowess and downhill ability. Smith touches the paint at a consistent rate, where he’s able to reliably finish, pull-up, or set up others. He’s a smart, fundamental, straightforward piece, and should be a nice player wherever he ultimately decides to further his playing career.
6’11 ’24 Somto Cyril (Hamilton Heights)
There’s a ton of talent on this Hamilton Heights roster, but few carry the reputation of someone like Cyril. He’s already widely touted as one of the top rim-protectors in the country, and it’s easy to see why. Cyril is an excellent rebounder and high-level athlete with mobility and the ability to finish through contact—both below and above the rim. He’s imposing physically and understands how to embrace his role on both ends of the floor.
6’5 ’24 Lewis Walker (Winston-Salem Christian)
It’s easy to appreciate everything Walker does for this Lions squad, especially given his seemingly nonstop production on both ends of the floor. He’s extremely skilled and polished, especially for his size, and possesses the versatility to cause a ton of problems for opponents. Walker is too strong for most opposing wings and far too skilled/fluid for opposing forwards. His blend of IQ, mobility, and adaptability makes him a legitimate nightmare for opponents.
6’5 ’22 Destin Logan (The Skill Factory)
The TSF roster has a strong variety of next-level prospects, and Logan might be as under-recruited as anyone on the team. He’s a strong, fluid wing prospect with size, athleticism, and the ability to make plays within the flow of the action. Logan is a capable shooter, cutter, and defender with a clear understanding of how to make an impact without the ball in his hands.
6’6 ’22 Noah Ross (Trinity Academy)
Anyone who watched this contest should be able to easily identify Ross as the all-around leader of this Tigers squad. Not only did he set the tone on both ends of the floor, but his production also echoed this notion. Ross is a polished creator with three-level scoring prowess and the ability to operate as the focal point of an efficient offensive attack. He’s also a great athlete with feel and toughness. He should ultimately be an asset for UNCW.
6’6 ’23 Freddie Dilione (Word of God)
The Word of God team is as talented as any program in the state, and Dilione is arguably their top prospect. He truly possesses an all-around skillset with legitimately every necessary tool to be an asset at the highest level of college basket. Dilione is a terrific creator, both for himself and others, and applies pressure from all levels—but doesn’t require the ball to make an impact. He’s a great athlete with quality feel and favorable tools as a defender.
6’9 ’24 Kany Tchanda (Concord Academy)
It’s already pretty easy to see the appeal with someone like Tchanda, who is very impressive but still just beginning to scratch the surface of his long-term ceiling. He’s long, active, and skilled with the necessary rim-protection instincts to be a special prospect. Tchanda displays great timing as a rebounder and shot-blocker, and runs the floor very well in transition. He possesses polish on the block and can reliably space the floor from the perimeter. It’s still somewhat early, but expect him to be a name worth knowing over the foreseeable future.
6’4 ’24 Kobe George (The Burlington School)
Although they had a variety of notable contributors, George always seems to impress with his natural leadership style. Not only does he set the tone on both ends of the floor, but he genuinely affects all facets of the game and produces at a terrific rate. George can handle the ball, apply pressure as a scorer, and make his presence felt as a defender and rebounder. He’s able to control the action or operate as an effective glue-guy. George is simply a winner, and should only continue to maintain his status among the better players in his class.
6’7 ’22 Justin Banks (Moravian Prep)
After continually making their case as one of the better teams in the state, it’s time Banks receives appropriate credit for everything he brings to the table. His low-maintenance identity is actually a major part of what makes them such a difficult opponent. Banks truly does not need the ball in his hands to make a consistent impact, given everything he does as a rebounder, defender, and overall hustle player. Banks is a terrific athlete and embraces his role as well as any player in North Carolina.
5’9 ’25 Q Williams (Forsyth Country Day)
While it wasn’t necessarily a great showing as a team, Williams still found ways to shine within the flow of the team concept. He’s a brilliant passer with as high of an IQ as you’ll find on a freshman prospect. Williams understands how to effectively get wherever he wants on the floor with the ball in his hands. He can attack the basket, knock down jumpers, and knows how to make the right play with unwavering consistency.