6’2 Nicholas Graves (NC Spartans)
It’s easy to see the impact Graves has for this group, as he naturally stands out as an all-around leader on the court. He dictates pace, creates for others, and consistently finds ways to apply scoring pressure from all levels. Graves is a steady player with the IQ, effort, skillset, and adaptability to consistently make his presence felt. That being said, he scored the ball with relative ease while still setting up others and defending the point of attack. He also rebounds well for his size. Expect him to attract coaches during his productive summer and senior campaign at Bishop McGuinness.
6’3 Ty Sanders (Carolina Riptide)
There are a lot of useful pieces within the Carolina Riptide Hickory roster, and that certainly includes Sanders and everything he brings to the table. Though his foundation was predicated on three-point shooting, he’s clearly worked to expand his game over the last calendar year. Still a knockdown threat from beyond the arc, Sanders has shown improved defense, vision, and penetration ability. He’s a better athlete than he might appear at first glance. Sanders is a smart player who moves without the ball, makes the extra pass, and simply provides a low-maintenance identity. He’ll emerge as a priority for college coaches sooner than later.
5’8 Braylen Mumford (Upward Stars Pee Dee)
Despite being the smallest player listed, Mumford clearly knows how to run a team and shine as a difference-maker. He’s a quick, heady floor general who offers a terrific blend of poise and aggression. Mumford effortlessly touches the paint and makes quality reads with the ball in his hands. He hits jumpers from midrange, beyond the arc, and finishes well for his size. Mumford is a willing passer who understands how to generate clean looks for others and set up teammates in scoring positions. He’s a rugged defender who mirrors opposing ball-handlers at the point of attack. Mumford is a definite gamer who sets the tone with his toughness, effort, and leadership by example.
6’5 Alex Waterfield (NC Spartans)
Given the way he naturally fills in the gaps, Waterfield routinely finds ways to be a productive piece for this group. He’s a long, high-motor forward with the ability to rebound, space the floor, defend bigger opponents. Waterfield does a little bit of everything on the court. He finishes well around the basket, makes smart decisions off the bounce, and moves effectively without the ball. Waterfield is the type of player who coaches seem to appreciate more and more with each viewing, simply due to his consistency and willingness to do whatever his team requires.
6’5 Kellen Karr (Carolina Riptide)
On a roster full of college-level pieces, Karr consistently makes his leadership presence felt. Whether scoring, running the offense, or doing the dirty work, he simply knows how to make an impact. At 6-foot-5 with creation skills and perimeter shooting ability, he’s able to cause matchup problems for various types of opponents. Karr is a solid athlete with length, feel, and versatility on both ends of the floor. He rebounds well and comfortably pushes the break in transition. Already sporting a Chowan offer, folks should expect him to collect several next-level opportunities over the coming months.
6’0 Anderson Lee (Upward Stars Carolinas)
In a time where so many folks are enamored with shooting thirty footers, Lee is a breath of fresh air. He’s somewhat of a throwback player who stands out through his toughness, mentality, and high-motor approach to the game. Lee is comfortable running a team or hunting scoring opportunities. He’s lethal in the midrange but finishes well around the basket and knocks down three-pointers as needed. Lee frequently gets downhill and attacks; he displays vision and a willingness to make the right read yet always forces opponents to account for his pull-up ability. He also defends with energy and makes hustle plays with regularity.
6’3 TJ Lewis (Carolina Pressure)
Given his flashes of pure dominance over the past two weekends, Lewis continues to turn heads with his noteworthy play. He’s shown the ability to burden a heavy offensive workload while generating opportunities for others and making his presence felt on defense. Lewis creates well for himself off the bounce, displaying a strong comfort level at breaking down defenders and mixing it up from all levels. He’s great in transition, yet provides efficiency in the half-court as well. Lewis is a reliable shooter, both off the catch and bounce, who attacks the basket and accesses the midrange with ease. Add in his overall feel and instincts on both ends of the floor, and it’s clear that Lewis should have a variety of next-level suitors.