2022 Joseph Thompson (South Central): Thompson stepped up big for his team on both ends of the floor. He helped create his team's lead early by making plays on the defensive end, creating steals, and quickly turning them into points on the other end. He recorded three steals in the game and capitalized on all of them, as well as scoring effectively inside the arc. Showcases a smooth pull-up, ultimately leading the charge with 17 points.
2022 Jarrod Small (Henderson Collegiate): Small was assertive in this game and he really racked up the extra-chance points and was all over the glass. The athletic forward has great timing on the glass, whether it was on the offensive or defensive end, while also quickly putting the ball back on the rim to score. He played with a sense of urgency and was relentless throughout the game. He finished with a strong double-double, 13 points and 13 rebounds.
2022 Amare Miller (TBS): Miller might not always get the spotlight but this senior continues to produce at a high level and should be catching the attention of many. He was all over making plays today, really being aggressive on the boards, creating extra opportunities, and being a strong force. Miller just loves to compete and continues to be one of the more underrated prospects in the state. Racked up a massive 15 rebounds to go along with his 12 points.
2024 Kobe George (TBS): We have talked about George a few times before but George is one that continues to get better and as he continues to develop his overall game, he could truly be one of the top overall guards with a complete game. He plays a very unselfish game, looking to do his job, gets everyone involved, uses his size to help out on the boards and overpower his opponents… but he also showed his ability to get downhill and put the pressure on the defense, either allowing him to finish strong or get to the line.
2023 Elijah Strong (Myers Park): It was the second day in a row that Strong put on a memorable performance and he should quickly be garnering more attention from college coaches. Strong’s ability to be a true post presence in the post and get around his defender to finish was impressive but also just as impressive was his threat from the outside in pick and pop situations. There are a lot of ways a coach could use him on the floor, as well as his activity level on the boards.
2023 Sam Walters (Myers Park): I absolutely love what Walters provides to this team. We are talking about a tough-minded, rough guard, that doesn’t back down from anyone and competes every night. Walters can help his team in several ways, whether it is being more of a perimeter threat, or mixing it up and playing physically inside. Also competes on both ends of the floor, as Walters plays a vital role for this team.
2022 Aaron Murphy (Greenfield): Murphy was terrific on the night, showing just how much of a machine he can be on the court and his production level. It continues to amaze me exactly what a 6’4 prospect can do down low in the paint, battling against bigger opponents, looking for contact, and his ability to finish through tough situations. You add that to his presence on the boards and his threat from the perimeter, Murphy can be an absolute matchup nightmare.
2022 CJ Wilson (Cox Mill): Wilson is one of the more underrated unsigned seniors in the state but he showed his ability to play a physical game and use his frame to his advantage, whether it was getting to the basket or showing touch on his shot. He finished the night leading the way with 16 points for Cox Mill.
2023 Freddie Dilione (Word of God): Not only did he bring the house down, Dilione continued to show how much of a problem he is on the floor with his size, his feel on the court, his transition play-making, his improving vision, and with his scoring capability. Dilione is filling it up and stepped up huge in the big spotlight all weekend long… Fast-rising prospect nationally!
2025 Eli Ellis (Moravian Prep): Ellis continues to put on a show, as he went for 27 points for his team to carry the load offensively. Ellis is so incredibly crafty with the ball in hands, weaving around defenders, getting paint touches, finishing through contact, and creating space for his jumper. An elite talent that continues to play at a high level, taking everyone’s best punch.
2023 Brandon Gardner (Word of God): Think that was one of the better overall performances, personally, I saw from Gardner this year. Loved his activity on the boards, his assertiveness at the rim, showcasing his big-time athleticism and length to finish strong at the basket. He also made plays as a rim protector and on the boards. Strong showing from the junior forward in a big-time game.
2022 Dontae Ellis (Kinston): Ellis finished off the night in style, coming out strong with 20 first-half points and continued to produce in the second half. He is incredibly quick on the court, getting around and by defenders, gets out in transition well, and was a very effective scorer in leading the charge for his team.
2025 Mason Dobie (First Flight): The brother of Isaac Dobie, the freshman plays more like a veteran on the floor. High IQ player, he plays fearless on the court, and plays with a terrific motor; plays with a great motor and of course, shows that he can be a huge threat from three. Hard to imagine he will be around for quite some time helping lead the charge at First Flight.
