2024 Austin Swartz (Cannon): We will start this article off this way… Austin Swartz should be a nationally recognized prospect by all outlets. Swartz’s game looks to translate well at the next level and he is showing so much more of his all-around game along with just how big of a prolific scorer he can be. When talking about his game, everyone knows his ability to be a fluid 3-level scorer, with an effortless jumper, and his ability to make tough shots look easy. But what we are now noticing more is his playmaking ability, his vision and court sense, and his off-the-charts IQ to get others involved. Swartz simply put on a show throughout the event and should see his recruitment skyrocket.
2024 Jaeden Mustaf (Carmel Christian): What you must like about Mustaf’s game is his overall impact on the court; he plays and does so much on the floor for his team. We have spoken about his ability to get downhill and no one is slowing him down when he gets to the basket. But he is also tremendous in transition in pushing the pace, looking to make plays for others, his impact on the boards, and his relentless impact on the defensive end in blocking shots and locking up defenders. He filled it up on both ends and it is easy to see he is such a target for many.
2023 Dallas Gardner (Charlotte Country Day): Charlotte Country Day has gotten off to a great start to the season and Dallas Gardner has been a huge part of that success. He continued to display his leadership on Friday night, when he helped take over the game and eventually put that game in the books early. Gardner was relentless in his attack, continuing to find success in attacking downhill, pushing in transition, and allowing his defense to turn into offense. Gardner is a strong prospect that embraces contact and knows how to finish, but he also makes everyone else better around him.
2023 Avion Pinner (Concord Academy): Since coming to Concord Academy, Pinner has seen his game really take off. Maybe it is the style of play, but it is also allowing Pinner to play his game and be used where he can thrive. With his 6’7 long frame, he is relentless in his ability to make plays getting up and down, especially with how fluid he can operate, his versatility, and his athleticism to get to the rim and finish. Pinner has seen his game flip upside down since being at Concord Academy, and he continues to have a strong season in helping lead his team.
2024 Iverson King (Forsyth Country Day): There was something I saw in King’s game that I haven’t seen in the past. Whether it was a stronger mindset to his game or just an overall development, King really impressed me with how assertive he was and bringing that physical presence to the court for his team. King has shown his ability to be a scorer from outside and knock down shots, but he was way more aggressive in penetrating the paint, attacking a defender, and looking for contact and either finishing or getting to the line. He also used that same aggressive nature to be a strong force on the boards.
2025 Amore Connelly (Freedom): One player I was very eager to see on the court was sophomore Amore Connelly, as we have watched him before and he is a player with so much potential. He displayed that on his way to a 32-point performance, showing just how explosive he is as a prospect. Connelly is a fluid scorer from all levels, elevating over defenders for his shot and showing good range in his game, but also finishing over defenders and at the rim. Connelly can be electric when he gets downhill off the dribble, but really showed his overall scoring impact at the event.