2024 JJ Moore (Concord Academy): The junior guard was terrific in this game. Moore came out red hot from the outside, continuing to show his capability to be a threat from three but also using his speed to attack and create off the dribble. It was hard for defenders to stay in front as they had to respect his quickness but he made them pay multiple times from three. Even in overtime, he was able to help control the game with his ability to handle but also hit big shots.
2023 Isaiah Tate (Concord Academy): Tate has really improved his game overall and it can easily be noticed in his consistency with his shot. Tate’s confidence in his ability to play off the ball, get to his spots, and knock down shots with range was quite impressive. In the end, he hit five 3-pointers for his team but also did a great job in making plays defensively and helping control the game for his team.
2023 Jaydon Young (Greensboro Day): The senior guard really stepped up and helped his own to keep his team right there early on and came up big in the second half to eventually tie it and send it into overtime. Young is showing more that he can be that go-to guy, create and break down his opponents, be physical and get into the lane, but also step up to knock down shots. Very strong two-way guard that should be a great piece down the road for Virginia Tech.
2025 Cam Flippen (The Burlington School): Got a feeling that Flippin is going to be a guard that you will be hearing about more this season and down the road, especially with what he provides on both sides of the court. He was terrific in getting in the passing lanes and creating turnovers, but also attacking the defense and getting to the basket to finish around defenders.
2024 Zion Walker (The Burlington School): Walker continues to play at a high level for his team and he creates a nice duo for TBS this season with Flippin. Walker can be a tough matchup on the floor with how hard he plays, his tough mentality, and his ability to make plays. You have to respect his ability to create his own shot, making tough shots over defenders and getting into the paint, but also creating and dishing to his teammates.
2025 Isaiah Henry (Cannon): This could be the start of a great year for the sophomore, as it seems that Henry has really elevated his game and is understanding with his frame and physicality that he can be assertive on the court. Henry didn’t settle for shots, getting downhill, attacking the defense, and embracing contact while finishing. On several occasions, he finished at the rim and made tough plays, while also getting to the line. But that doesn’t mean he still didn’t show that he can hit big shots with his jumper. Watch out for this young man this year.
2024 Austin Swartz (Cannon): Swartz just did what Swartz does on the court. He started out a little slow to start but once he got it going, he showed why he is one of the top shot-makers in the state. He shoots the ball with a ton of confidence and he has one of the quickest releases. At 6’5, Swartz was able to rise up and knock down shots from a variety of levels and does so with ease. And what is impressive is that he isn’t afraid to take the big shot when needed, as he did so in this one.
2023 Derin Saran (Asheville School): Saran showed why he may be one of the best point guards in the state but also a point guard that is also highly underrated. Saran is an absolute playmaker with the ball in his hands, making high IQ decisions, carving up the defense and creating for himself and for his teammates, and displaying terrific vision/court awareness. Such a smooth player that made timely play after timely play.
2023 Michael Mora (Asheville School): Mora should be on more radars with what he provides on the court. Last year he did much of the same but this is a 6’6 prospect that has a pure shooting motion and understands how to find the open spots in the defense and be a big threat from three. He also showed that he can be another ball-handler and help handle the pressure, as well as use his frame to battle against opponents.
2023 Bryce Cash (Carmel Christian): As I mentioned in a tweet earlier, really do believe that some schools are going to regret not making Cash a bigger priority. If you understand what he can do and what he can provide, Cash can be a difference-maker on both sides of the floor. With a college-ready frame, big-time athleticism, and smart player on the court, one has to understand that his impact can be felt in a variety of ways.