The stars were out at the George Lynch Invitational presented by Phenom Hoops, and the list could have been bigger than this with how many players impressed at the event. But I’m looking to highlight the best of the best from the event in Charlotte, as these guys really made a statement.
2024 Austin Swartz (Cannon): Swartz continues to play at a high level and be the leader for Cannon this year. When his team needs a bucket, he is the go-to player, and he continues to impress with his ability to create his own shot and make it look effortless. His pull-up game, IQ, feel, range, and his playmaking ability is big time and he should be a priority for so many schools. Put on another show once again here in Charlotte.
2024 Jaeden Mustaf (Carmel Christian): We are continuing to learn more about Mustaf and his impact on the court. We have learned that he is a physical, strong prospect that loves to get to the rack and embraces contact and finishes. But he also really can fill up the stat line with how he impacts the game outside of scoring as well, creating havoc defensively, helping on the boards, and being a secondary ballhandler on the floor.
2023 Dallas Gardner (Charlotte Country Day): Charlotte Country Day is off to a great start this season and Gardner is looking like one of the go-to players and leaders for this team. Gardner has accepted his role as the vocal guy for this team, but it was also his play in being able to attack the basket, be physical and assertive, and playing with a strong motor on the defensive end. Gardner had a strong showing and it should only continue throughout the season.
2024 Langston Boyd (Cox Mill): It was our first time seeing Boyd with his new team at Cox Mill but it looks to be the same ol’ Boyd with his game and style of play. Production and scoring is the name of the game for, as he loves to operate inside the arc, whether it was his pull-up mid-range shot or being physical in getting to the basket. Boyd continues to show that he simply knows how to put the ball in the basket and his areas of where he can be effective, as he had a strong showing on the big stage.
2023 Jordan Marsh (Moravian Prep): It had been some time since seeing Marsh in action but he was back in North Carolina with Phenom Hoops and he was the leader on Day 2 for his team. Marsh is a very explosive, quick guard on the floor, especially when he is looking to attack in transition and get downhill. It was hard to find anyone that was able to stay in front of him, creating off the dribble, penetrating and kicking, and finding ways to score effectively. Marsh also had a nice showing on the defensive end at times.
2024 Micah Robinson (Oak Hill): There is just something that I like when watching Robinson in action. The 6’5 athletic prospect brings a ton of versatility to the floor and is one that just knows how to fill up the stat sheet when he is on the court. Impacting the game on the boards, flying high to finish multiple throwdowns, stepping out confidently from three, and being able to play multiple positions, Robinson knows just how to make the most of his minutes on the floor.
2023 Alex Bates (United Faith): The rise from when we first saw Bates to where he is today has been fun to watch and he stepped up big on Day 1 and Day 2 to lead his team. He does a great job in finding his spots and being a big threat in catch-and-shoot situations but also knows he can blend his athleticism and strength into his game to get downhill and finish. Terrific showing from the senior prospect to help his team go undefeated at the event.