2023 Lance Gill (United Faith): Gill led the charge for his team in a win on Day 2, showing a more assertive nature offensively and using his athleticism to his advantage. First off, Gill did a great job defensively, pressuring the ball and making plays in the passing lanes; that doesn’t mention his impact on the boards. Offensively, he uses his athleticism well to attack and get to the rim, finish well, and rise up over defenders.
2024 Evan Morton (United Faith): Though Morton might not always get the attention, when watching the game you have to see the kind of impact he brings to the court. He is a smart guard that can make a big difference with his defensive pressure, creating havoc on the ball, and forcing turnovers at times. But he also competes hard and is able to make plays off the dribble, play within the offense, but also make things happen. Just liked his overall impact and feel as a veteran on the floor.
2024 Iverson King (Forsyth Country Day): I continue to be impressed with what King has shown us this weekend; it seems that he is taking that next step in his game and understanding how to be more assertive at his size and just exactly what he can do. King continues to do a great job in helping on the boards and also attacking downhill, finishing around defenders and through contact. His ability to take defenders off the bounce but also knock down shots make him intriguing.
2023 Avion Pinner (Concord Academy): Pinner is yet another player that has elevated his play this season, and really seems to be flourishing in his role and in how Concord Academy wants to play. He is at his best when he is able to use his length/size as well as his athleticism out in the open floor, as he creates well, finishes at the rim or over defenders, and can be a difference-maker defensively. Continues to play at a high level all season long.
2023 Riley Allenspach (Providence Day): Allenspach was the go-to player for his team throughout the game, continuing to be a force down in the paint. Allenspach is a skilled, physical forward that does a nice job in moving his feet, spacing the floor, and finishing strong around the basket. What you have to like is how he attacks the boards and gets those second-chance points, as well as stretching the floor with his outside shot as well.
2024 Jaeden Mustaf (Carmel Christian): Mustaf came out and made a statement in this game, showing how complete of a player he can be with his scoring, his impact out in transition, his playmaking ability off the dribble, and his terrific instincts and timing on the defensive end. He did it all for his team and continues to show why he is one of the top players in the state of North Carolina.
2025 Isaiah Henry (Cannon): Henry continues to make our lists of standouts, and what you have to notice is how he is doing it in an array of ways each and every night. Tonight on Day 2 at the Holiday Classic, Henry used his strong body to get into the paint, be physical and finish through defenders, attack the paint, and also get to the line. Never really settled for a shot and found success be a force more inside tonight.
2025 Amore Connelly (Freedom): Despite the loss, Connelly put on a show with his game, scoring from all over the court, displaying tremendous athleticism, and is extremely explosive with his play. Connelly displayed his ability to score from all three levels, especially in rising over defenders to score around the basket but also hitting some tough shots from the perimeter. He is going to be a big-time player in the 2025 class that you should only continue to hear about.