2023 Patrick Tivnan (Charlotte Catholic): It was good to see the big man back in action; knowing what to expect with his game, he just sent a reminder of how dynamic he can be with his skillset. The 6’8 senior continues to show how poised he is on the court, displaying tremendous footwork and ability to create his own shot, stretch the court with his outside game, and using his frame to play strong down in the post.
2025 JD Bowden (United Faith): Bowden is a young sophomore that continues to get better and better with each time we see him. He plays with poise and maturity at his age, understands how to be a playmaker on the floor, and really can be explosive with his ability to create and attack the basket. He is a crafty guard that finds openings in the defense, is able to find his teammates well, but also a strong scoring factor for his team. Bowden continues his rise in the class of 2025 in North Carolina.
2024 Gabriel Mabor (Gaston Christian): The 6’11 big man has certainly cemented himself in the class of 2024 here in North Carolina, as his stock continues to rise. Mabor can be an absolute monster on the boards, racking up 19 boards on both ends, and then you add his developing physicality and skillset to be a true big man. And again, it is just the start for this big man, but you can see he continues to improve, understand more of his capabilities, and knowing how big and physical he can be down in the paint.
2023 Donovan Raymond (West Charlotte): I was interested in seeing how Raymond would bounce back and the big man showed up on Day 2. Raymond did a great job being that force once again in the paint, using his size/length to finish around the basket and also stepping out with his mid-range shot. But he was also a tremendous presence on the boards and as a rim-protector.
2023 Brock Rose (Ardrey Kell): Rose played well on Day 1 and continued that trend on Day 2. Rose continues to be an effective scorer on the floor for his team, and does a great job in getting to his spots for his jumper. Rose is at his best when he is able to get to his mid-range shot, whether it is coming off screens or with his one-dribble pull-up. But he also didn’t settle for his shot, getting to the free-throw line consistently as well. Another good showing from the senior with a fluid shot release.
2023 Ned Hull (Charlotte Latin): Hull is a senior guard that continues to grab your eyes with his IQ and feel for the game. Helping run the show and offense, Hull also does a great job in making quality decisions, setting up his teammates well, and being a big threat with his jumper and range. He hit some big-time threes for his team, and is such a strong leader on the court.
2023 Callum Richard (Gaston Day): The big man was was outstanding on Day 2 with his play, showing just how skilled and impactful he can be on the court. We all know about his size, but he is a fluid center, effective all around the basket whether it is finishing strong or with his back to the basket, or his ability to impact the boards and create second chance opportunities. He was cleaning it up all game long on his way to an impressive double-double.
2024 JJ Moore (Concord Academy): Really liked what the point guard showed today; he was able to facilitate and create, get multiple paint touches and finish at the basket, knock down shots as well. Moore really stepped up more on the defensive end as well in the second half, playing extremely hard and scrappy, making it tough for opponents, and also filling up the stat sheet in other ways. Gritty performance from the junior guard.
2024 Austin Swartz (Cannon): Swartz continues to play at a high level and he was knocking down shots effortlessly from all around the court. You are more surprised when he misses than when he makes, as he makes shots look so easy at times. His IQ, his facilitating now, his court vision and awareness, and his scoring capability are elite, and he showed in what was a tough battle on Day 2.
2023 Jaiden Thompson (Central Cabarrus): When watching this young man’s game and then looking at his recruitment, it is quite confusing. Thompson is an absolute stat stuffer on the court, making plays on both ends of the court, creating multiple steals, scoring and facilitating out in transition, and plays with veteran leadership on the court. Just another day in the office for the senior guard that should have eyes all on him and what he provides.
