6'2 '22 Evan Ashe (Raleigh's Finest)
Although Lucas Taylor is the clear leader of this team, Ashe is as vital to their success as anyone on the roster. He simply plays a complete, low-maintenance game on both ends of the floor and willingly fills in the gaps in a variety of different ways. Ashe rebounds, defends multiple positions, and highlights impressive offensive versatility. He's adaptable to various different roles and simply makes wining plays.
6'4 '21 Devante Patterson (Franklin Prep)
The Franklin Prep squad has a nice variety of next-level prospects, and Patterson is capable of emerging as their offensive leader with relative ease. He can consistently and reliably create for himself and convert from all three levels. Patterson mixes up his approach with regularity and has the ability to fill it up from all three levels. He's a useful athlete with size and quality defensive tools.
5'10 '21 Jalen Hinton (Patriots)
After basically undergoing complete roster turnover, guys like Hinton are going to be even more valuable than before. He has an odds-on chance to be their leading scorer throughout the upcoming season, simply due to his ability to effortlessly generate offense and apply scoring pressure from all levels. Hinton is quick, touches the paint with regularity, and can finish or make quality passes to cutting teammates. He should be poised for a big year.
6'7 '22 Daniel Sanford (Cougars 704)
In terms of sheer improvement, one would be hard-pressed to find many prospects more applicable to the notion than Sanford. He was already a matchup problem for opponents due to size, motor, athleticism, defensive mobility, and two-way rebounding instincts. Over the last six or so months, Sanford has done a tremendous job of developing his skills as a creator and perimeter threat. That being said, he still embraces his identity extremely well and consistently looks to take advantage of mismatches.
6'6 '24 Maurio Hanson (Cougars 704)
The appeal should be fairly obvious, Hanson has a chance to be an extremely enticing prospect'especially given his current abilities and production. He's big, strong, and very fluid around the basket, able to finish with both hands, though contact, or out of the post. Hanson utilizes his body extremely well as a rebounder to secure position. He moves very well for his size and already highlights the makings of a next-level player. His continued growth will be worth monitoring.
6'0 '21 Jesse Taylor (Bulldogs)
Though he mainly operated as a role player last season, Taylor showed definite leadership qualities as the primary catalyst for this Bulldogs group. He was excellent as the focal point, especially on offense, and was able to keep things within one to two possessions for majority of the contest (against a team with much more firepower on paper). Taylor scored efficiently and frequently from all three levels, creating his own shot and operating well without the ball in his hands. If this was any indication of what to expect during the upcoming season, Taylor should warrant attention from college coaches.
6'7 '22 Jeremy Gregory (Mad Maxin')
It should come as no surprise to see a North Meck-based squad having dominant showings, which is exactly what Gregory provided in their first contest of the day. He's so strong and polished around the basket, able to effortlessly carve out space and quality positioning to control the glass and offensive action within the paint. Gregory displays great footwork, soft hands, and great finishing ability with either hand. He runs the floor well in transition and understands how to alter shots defensively.
6'1 '21 Josh McClary (Galvani's Gunners)
After committing, McClary to Roanoke might be one of the most underrated steals within North Carolina. He's so polished and well-rounded, but also shines with his ability to toggle between a feature role and finding ways to contribute within the flow. McClary handles the ball, creates with craftiness, and scores efficiently from all three levels. He's a quality defender, playmaker, and rebounder for his position. McClary should be able to carve out a productive role very soon at the next level.