2025 Kobe Broome (Lake Norman Christian):
Broome came out and made a statement on Day 1 to help earn his team a victory at the Prep Showcase, ultimately finishing with 31 points. Broome mixed it up extremely well on the court, showing his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, as well as create and get inside to finish strong around defenders. Broome is a tough playmaker and put his team on his back offensively on Day 1.
2025 Joel Deigna (Oak Ridge Military):
A familiar name on the court, Deigna is an unsigned senior who continues to impress and could be a late snag for a program. He checks off a lot of boxes that you like in a prospect with his 6’5 frame, strength, athleticism, and ability to impact the game in several areas. Deigna makes his presence felt finishing at the rim and attacking the glass, but what impressed me is his ability to score from the perimeter as well comfortably.
2027 Carson Payne (Grace Academy):
Payne and Grace Academy had a good showing on Day 1 here at the Prep Showcase, as he led the charge with his shot-making ability especially from behind the arc. Ultimately hitting six 3-pointers to lead a balanced attack, Payne showed confidence and a fluid release from behind the arc. His ability to knock down threes, it helped open up the offense overall in what was a balanced attack from his team.
2026 Ryan Chen (Bull City Prep):
Chen did what he has been doing for quite some time now. When Chen is hitting shots like he did on Day 1, it opens so much for the offense overall. He simply can change the game with his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, ultimately hitting 6 on Day 1 but also showing that he can create and mix it up offensively overall. He finished with 25 points to lead the way.
2025 Nathaniel Wilder (Believe Prep):
Wilder quickly impressed our scouts with his overall play; he is a strong, physical guard who played with a smooth overall feel. Wilder is a 6’2 prospect who plays with a physical, tough feel that is able to do the dirty work, score in transition, create and get to his spots, and was able to find ways to make an impact in so many ways.
2026 Talla Mbaye (Greater Destiny Prep):
Mbaye was one of the biggest prospects on the court on Day 1 and one that we are eager to see throughout the weekend. The 6’10 big man was a strong presence in route to a 23-point showing for his team. He gave you flashes of touch and a physical presence down in the post, was a big presence on the glass, and made an impression as a defensive presence as well. Again, he will be one to look at more throughout the weekend.
2025 Babacar Ly (S3 Academy):
Ly may have been my favorite player to watch and I believe he should be a player college coaches should look at. Hoping to see more of his game this weekend, Ly showed tremendous awareness, playmaking ability, and scoring ability while having great positional size. He delivered impressive dimes to his teammates, setting them up for easy baskets. But also was a capable scorer from multiple levels.