2026 Justyn Whitfield (VCCS)
Whitfield was tremendous throughout the event, as he has clearly taken over as the leader of this team. The point guard does a great job in leading the offense and showing the ability to score or facilitate to his teammates. Whitfield does a great job in being able to create his own space, showing creativity with the ball in his hands, a good change of speed, and does a great job in creating space for himself for his shot from multiple levels. He fills it up in a variety of ways but also does a great job of creating opportunities for others as well.
2028 Chase Smith (Queen’s Grant)
When watching this young man in action, it is hard to believe that he is just a freshman. You don’t see too many young big that produce like he did this weekend, as Smith was an absolute force down in the paint while giving you a glimpse of his developing overall game. He was off the charts with anything around the basket, carving out space, being physical and going through defenders, and having an unbelievable feel and instinct on the glass for boards. And he is continuing to add more with his overall feel and game.
2025 Ahmari Hicks (East Meck)
Hicks was off the charts all event long, as he was a difference-maker for his team to walk away with a 2-1 record. Committed to Milligan, Hicks was a dangerous weapon with his perimeter game, rising up time after time from behind the arc and with confidence, knocking down several threes in a big way but also being strong in creating when the outside shot wasn’t there. Hicks plays at his own pace, looks for the best shot, and can hurt you in so many ways but also plays within the offense.
2026 KJ Shouse (Carolina International)
Though it may not have gone the way Carolina International wanted, KJ Shouse continued to produce and do all he could to lead his team. He has been having a huge season as the clear go-to offensive weapon and brings versatility in defending multiple positions. Shouse can be a tough matchup with how physical and athletic he can be for opponents, scoring at the rim and off the bounce, as well as impacting the game in a variety of other ways. Clearly proved that he can be a prospect that plays at the next level.
2028 Jaleel Smith (Hunter Huss)
The freshman continues to produce at a high level and he ended his event with an impressive 32-point showing to lead his team to a Day 3 victory. Smith is such an intriguing and talented guard, and as he continues to work on his game he could become an even bigger national name. Smith’s feel for the game in creating for himself is so impressive, getting around defenders, knocking down shots from a variety of levels, and his vision is highly underrated as well. He continues to prove that there is a lot of excitement around his game.
2027 Travien Williams (Hickory Ridge)
Williams is an absolute workhorse on the court for his team, as game in and game out he is producing at a high level. Williams does an excellent job in attacking, getting downhill with ease and consistency, finishing through and around defenders, and doing an excellent job in playing bigger than listed on the glass. Williams created so many extra opportunities off the glass, as one can’t deny his physicality on the floor.