6'7 '24 Isaiah Otyaluk (NC GBB)
It's easy to see the appeal with a blossoming prospect like Otyaluk, who possesses a ton of ability and long-term upside. He's a long, wiry wing/forward prospect with great size, athleticism, and an enticing level of skill (especially for his position). His insane length is an obvious asset, and he actually understands how to use it as a finisher, defender, and two-way rebounder. Otyaluk naturally causes matchup problems for various types of opponents. He's only going to get better and better, but college coaches should already be quite intrigued by his overall identity.
6'5 '23 Javian Grant (New Life Christian)
Despite some ups and downs as a group, Grant did a lot of positive things for New Life throughout the course of this contest. He's an excellent rebounder who utilizes his length to overwhelm opponents inside the paint on either end of the floor. Grant plays hard, finishes around the basket, and runs the floor effectively in transition.
5'7 '25 Breonna Roaf (Terry Sanford)
Although the team has suffered a few key injuries, Roaf still provides an extremely dependable leadership presence on both ends of the floor. She's smart, unselfish, and comfortably dictates the action with the ball in her hands. Roaf handles the ball with poise, creates for herself and others, and knows how to make the right play. She's also a scrappy defender with sharp instincts and the ability to make an impact in transition.
5'8 '23 Jakieya Thompson (St. Paul's)
Given her returning status as a main cog, it should come as no surprise to see Thompson shining as the main tone-setter for this group. She's a natural leader with the blend of IQ, polish, and toughness to comfortably control the action with the ball in her hands. Thompson is a steady defender and rebounder who produces nicely within the flow of the action.
6'9 '24 Bobby Cannon (Quality Education)
There were a lot of notable contributors throughout this contest, but Cannon was arguably the most impressive performer on either team. He possesses incredible length, athleticism, and interior instincts on either side of the ball. Cannon finished around the basket with touch and power, and spaced the floor at a reliable percentage from beyond the arc. He did a lot of positive things on offense, yet might’ve been even better defensively. Not only did he reliably protect the rim, but Cannon also accumulated numerous steals and ran the floor in transition.
6'5 '23 Kendall Cave (Northwood Temple)
College coaches should definitely be aware of the talent within this roster, but it feels like more folks need to be discussing Cave as a next-level piece. Between his size, scrappiness, and perimeter shooting, he's able to make an impact with any collection of teammates. Cave is a capable ball-handler and willing passer who plays hard, battles for extra possessions, and excels in spot-up situations. He consistently takes smart shots and knocks down three-pointers within the flow of the action.
6'6 '23 Jared Davis (Seventy-First)
The Falcons competed as hard as any squad on display, and Davis was obviously a massive part of their overall approach. His blend of feel, strength, and toughness makes him so difficult for opponents to contain around the basket. That being said, Davis is also fairly skilled and versatile. He's a reliable finisher from the block, capable of attacking off the bounce, and knocks down perimeter jumpers at a nice percentage. Davis controlled the glass, made plays with the ball in his hands, and toggled between multiple positions defensively. He should have more action within his recruitment.
6'4 '24 Jordan Durham (The Burlington School)
The Spartans had a variety of strong contributors, which certainly includes Durham and everything he brought to the table. He's long, active, and consistently makes plays within the flow of the action. Durham is an athletic finisher and capable shot-maker who seems to get better with each viewing. Can create as needed, but regularly finds ways to make an impact as a cutter and utility piece. Expect him to continue trending upward over the next calendar year.
6'8 '26 Justin Caldwell (Trinity Christian)
Although their roster is quite young, it's easy to get excited about someone like Caldwell. He's just beginning to truly scratch the surface of his long-term upside, yet already makes a phenomenal impact as a defender and two-way rebounder. Caldwell possesses a strong frame with great length, solid touch, and a willingness to utilize his body on both ends of the floor. He also has soft hands and huge feet, which is particularly enticing for his continued growth. Folks should start getting familiar with Caldwell, as he looks likely to emerge as one of the better players in his class sooner than later.
6'7 '24 Jeremiah McGrady (Westover)
There were a lot of quality contributors in this balanced showing, and McGrady's low-maintenance production was certainly worth noting. He's a long, athletic, high-motor post prospect with great instincts as a defender and rebounder. McGrady can finish around the basket and make moves out of the post, but doesn't force the action and understands how to capitalize on putback opportunities. He alters shots, runs hard in transition, and simply makes plays on both ends of the floor. McGrady is already quite impactful, but should only continue to get better over the next calendar year.
6'4 '24 Xavier Johnson (Fayetteville Academy)
It would be truly impossible to watch this Eagles squad and not walk away impressed with everything Johnson does for this group. He's their primary creator, scoring option, and tone-setter on both ends of the floor. Johnson displays IQ and unselfishness, yet is also very comfortable at taking over a game as the focal point. He scores from all levels and mixes it up at a healthy rate. Johnson shines as the clear leader of this group, and should be monitored by college coaches over the foreseeable future.
6'4 '23 Brady Barnes (Terry Sanford)
Despite some struggles as a team, Barnes definitely stepped up to burden the load for this squad. He's a scrappy, fairly crafty guard prospect with shot-making ability and scoring prowess from all levels. Barnes hits shots off the catch and the bounce and mixes it up quite often as a scorer, but can also make plays for others when necessary. He competes defensively and battles for rebounds on either side of the ball.
6'6 '23 Jordan Jones (Pine Forest)
The balance of Pine Forest was evident from start to finish, and Jones clearly stood out as an x-factor on both ends of the floor. He's long, strong, and plays with great energy. Jones is a quality finisher with the ability to knock down the occasional perimeter jumper. He's a useful defender who alters shots, forces turnovers, and runs the floor in transition. Jones is more skilled than he appears at first glance, and should have a definite place at the next level.
6'0 '23 Jordan Cooper (Wayne Country Day)
There were numerous noteworthy contributors in this contest, but Cooper was arguably the most impressive performer on either team. He's a smart, skilled, athletic guard prospect who can reliably produce from either backcourt position. Cooper is a strong finisher, quality creator, and polished scorer from all three levels. He creates for himself and others with relative ease, and looks to get teammates involved whenever possible. Cooper is adaptable and willing to do whatever to provide his team with an edge. He also had two of the most exciting plays of the game.
