2028 Za’Miya Bynum (Queens Grant)
Once again, the freshman guard put on a show and continued to prove why she could be one of the best guards in the country. She can do it all and is a big-time offensive weapon on the court. Her ability to create her own shot, attack downhill, finds ways to score around defenders, and her overall feel for the game is quite impressive, especially at her age. She fills it up offensively and did so once again at the event, and what makes her so intriguing is the upside left in her game.
2026 Zilah Dewberry (East Rutherford)
Dewberry was the one steady presence when watching her team at the event. She plays with tremendous confidence in her game, especially with her ability to get to her spots and be a big threat from the perimeter. On several occasions, she showed her range and ability to knock down shots from behind the arc but also attacked when the opportunity was there. Dewberry has a good feel for the game, makes unselfish plays, and brings a strong scoring presence.
2025 Kate Sears (Watauga)
Sears may have had the best overall performance we saw at the event; she did it all and did it at a high rate, scoring 38 points, recording 15 rebounds, 14 assists, and 6 steals as well. She showed why she is such a complete player and one of the top players in the country. Sears was effective no matter where she was, scoring from the perimeter, creating and finishing, displaying vision and court awareness, and toughness overall on the boards and defensively. IMPRESSIVE display overall from her.
2025 Taniyah Thomas (East Lincoln)
Thomas was the one that stood out in my eyes with her play and assertiveness, especially in the second half. Time after time, she was able to make plays and force the action, attacking and getting inside the paint, scoring tough around the basket, embracing contact, and finding ways to get to the line on several occasions. Really liked her overall toughness and gritty play in the game.
2027 Zaiyir Phillips (Hunter Huss)
It was a strong game for the young guard, as he came out ready to go early in the first half and helped lead the charge until the final buzzer. Philips came out with a ton of confidence, looking for his shot from behind the arc on multiple occasions, scoring and attacking off the dribble, and continuing to impact the game defensively. He plays with high energy but also showed he can control the game and lead the offense. Finished with game with 28 big points in the win.
2027 Jaxon Dollar (East Lincoln)
Dollar has had an eye-opening start to the season and he didn’t disappoint in this one, as he gave you a glimpse of his impact and athleticism that makes him a very intriguing prospect. Standing at 6’4, Dollar was able to have multiple emphatic dunks, finishing strong at the rim but also was able to effectively make play in getting downhill as well as knocking down shots from outside. Dollar also made his presence felt defensively, showing to be a versatile piece on the court.
2025 Kee’donn Linney (Kings Mountain)
Linney made his presence felt in so many ways for his team at the event. He is a physical 6’3 prospect that plays bigger than listed, competes on both sides of the floor, and just finds ways to make things happen. He overpowered opponents on the boards, racking up 11 rebounds and creating second-chance opportunities, but also really scored the ball well around the basket simply by his energy and motor.
2025 Landon Vaughan (Bandys)
One of the more underrated bigs here in the state, Vaughan continues to produce much like he has all season along but you can also see that he has grown as a player as well. Continues to use his 6’9 frame and show touch and timing around the basket in scoring and rebounding, but what impressed the most was his comfort level from behind the arc. He looked good in stepping out and stretching the floor, hitting multiple threes to lead his team. \
2027 LJ Smith (Lincolnton)
Once again, Smith put on an absolute offensive show to lead his team, finishing with 39 points in the win. There isn’t a shot he doesn’t like and believes he can’t make, as he has unlimited range, a confident shot and fluid release, and is terrific in his ability to create his own shot. No surprise at all with his ability to fill it up, something he has been doing all season long.
2025 Raheim Misher (Maiden)
Misher is a player that I continue to enjoy watching, as the 6’4 forward plays bigger than listed each time I watch him. Time after time, Misher was able to make plays and get to the rim, score frequently using his length and athleticism, and really attack the boards as well. Misher continues to show that he can produce and bring value as an effective offensive option who can make plays from a variety of levels.
2025 Josiah Railey (Watauga)
It was a tough battle and game throughout, but I was impressed with the poise and playmaking ability of the senior guard. Railey did a great job in mixing up his offensive game, knocking down shots from a variety of levels, attacking well off the dribble to finish strong, making high IQ plays, and attacking downhill to finish well. Railey finished with 21 points to lead his team, and was really impressive as a creator.