6'8 '23 Tyson Barrett (Quality Education)
No matter the setting or context, folks can rely on Barrett to stand out as a constant leader and tone-setter for the Pharaohs. He has a low-maintenance way of producing within the flow of the offense and capitalizing on finishing opportunities from rebounds, post-ups, and off-ball cuts. Barrett draws fouls on a consistent basis and knocks down free throws at a nice percentage. He's a quality rebounder and defender with the necessary size and athleticism to contain multiple positions. Barrett should appeal to a variety of scholarship-level programs.
6'7 '24 Isaiah Otyaluk (NC GBB)
Even with all of their pieces back on the court, Otyaluk still made a lasting impression as one of the primary leaders of this group. He's a very long, wiry wing/forward prospect with an enticing blend of size and perimeter skill. Otyaluk is an excellent shooting threat who can spot-up from beyond the arc, attack the basket, or hit pull-ups off one or two dribbles. He's a quality athlete who can rebound and defend multiple positions. Additionally, his body continues to fill out and add muscle, which only makes him more problematic for opponents. College coaches should be intrigued and monitor the fairly unique prospect going forward.
5'10 '23 JP Peterkin (Mount Tabor)
Although there were many impressive contributors for the Spartans, it's easy to appreciate Peterkin brought to the table. He's an absolutely tenacious player with the blend of quickness, physicality, and anticipation to cause an abundance of problems for opponents defensively. Peterkin doesn't even allow opponents to make the slightest miscue with the ball or else he'll pounce and force on-ball turnovers. He plays way bigger than his listed height would imply as a rebounder and defender. Peterkin also showcased the ability to finish and knock down perimeter jumpers at a solid clip. He is easily among the top defensive players in the state.
6'4 '26 Taurean McKinnon (Lake Norman)
Despite some struggles as a team, it's impossible to ignore the positive flashes from McKinnon. He plays hard and fills in the gaps but also displays steady progression and an increased comfort level on both ends of the floor. McKinnon already makes a great impact defensively and on the glass. He possesses the mentality and all the physical tools to be a great prospect. McKinnon's feel and creation skills seem to consistently improve. He's still just beginning to harness his long-term upside and will definitely be a name to monitor closely over the coming years.
6'6 '23 Bryce Cash (Carmel Christian)
It was a very balanced effort for the Cougars, and Cash was at the epicenter of their unselfish, well-rounded approach. He's simply a winner and the type of guy who makes a positive impact on and off the court with every single team. Cash offers ball-handling and reliable creation skills, but can also make plays as a cutter and spot-up threat. He finishes, knocks down jumpers, and consistently makes the smart decision with the ball in his hands. Cash is a phenomenal defender and rebounder for his position, which forces opponents to legitimately deal with him for the entirety of his time on the floor. It's unclear what more he needs to do to prove himself to college coaches.
6'2 '25 Nas Newkirk (Dudley)
The Panthers definitely competed in their matchup against a noteworthy opponent, and Newkirk was among the top reasons why. Although he's one of the youngest players on the roster, his poise and ability to consistently make plays on both ends of the floor stood out from start to finish. Newkirk offers a nice blend of IQ, skill, and athleticism and understands how to make plays with or without the ball in his hands. He's also a quality defender who can do the dirty work whenever possible. Newkirk should remain a leader going forward.
6'2 '24 Jahon Foster (Forsyth Country Day)
Each of the main pieces on the Furies did their respective job in this contest, and that certainly includes Foster and everything he showcased. He's a scrappy, heady lead guard prospect with the ability to consistently get downhill and make plays with the ball in his hands. Foster finishes and hits midrange pull-ups, but also knocked down three-pointers at a high clip and volume in this contest. He doubles as a pest on defense and regularly forces turnovers at the point of attack.
6'4 '26 AJ Gillespie (Cummings)
Despite being the youngest player on either roster, Gillespie already possesses an obvious amount of appeal. Between his size, length, and blossoming skillset, he has the tools to be a very useful long-term prospect. Gillespie is a quality athlete with the ability to finish, hit jumpers, and jump into passing lanes defensively. He also rebounds the ball well for his size/position.
