2025 KJ Younger (Weddington):
Talk about a breakout-type showing at the Holiday Classic for many who haven’t watched him, but he has been doing this all season long so far for Weddington. We wrote about him more as of late, but he continued to shine throughout as he may have been the best player throughout the event. Younger brings such physicality and demand to the court, as he is assertive, gets downhill and through defenders, and finds ways to finish through extreme contact. With his blend of size, frame, and potential in his game as he adds more, he could see his stock rise tremendously this year.
2024 Zion Walker (TBS):
If there was another player that could named MVP of the tournament, Walker would certainly see his name up there as well. What makes him so hard, is that opponents know what he is going to do and you still can’t stop him. One of the best one-on-one players who just knows how to create something out of nothing, as well as bully his way through opponents both offensively and defensively. He should be in consideration for POY here in North Carolina, as he has been one of the most consistent players this season so far.
2024 Kameron Taylor (Carmel Christian):
Taylor has been absolutely tearing it up and though it was the weekend Carmel Christian, Taylor continues to showcase why so many schools should be making him a high priority. Posting daily averages of 25+ points per game, exploding at the rim and finishing with jaw-dropping throwdowns, and his effort on the boards and defensively, Taylor is just scratching the surface of what he could ultimately be when he suits up at the next level. He has been absolutely balling this season.
2024 Kyrell Shaw (Northside Christian):
An unsigned senior who could be a steal for a future program, Shaw is showing he is the head of the snake for this team and is clearly an offensive weapon with his mixture of length, athleticism, and skill. He has a quick trigger and extreme confidence in his ability to knock down shots, rising up with his pull-up game whether mid-range or from behind the arc. But he is explosive enough to finish on defenders out in transition, as he was consistently filling it up.
2025 Isaiah Denis (Davidson Day):
Denis has certainly elevated his game with Davidson Day, and he is becoming even more intriguing in what he provides. He is getting stronger, has a quick step to get by defenders, is extremely explosive in finishing hard at the rim, and has a growing confidence from the perimeter. He has a blossoming game that is really on display this year for Davidson Day, as he can be a highlight playmaker on the court.
Honorable Mention:
2024 Gabriel Mabor (Gaston Christian)
2024 Grant Hamilton (Weddington)
2025 Trent Steinour (Lake Norman)