2022 Takai Simpkins (Liberty Heights): Both Simpkins twins are strong and play hard but Takai was especially strong and continuing to show why more schools are starting to look their way. Takai does a tremendous job is using his length at a guard, covering a ton of ground, and finishing over defenders and at the rim, while also being able to step out.
2022 Syncere Lynch (Bull City Prep): It was a tough day overall for Bull City but I have to give credit to Lynch, as he played hard all throughout and with a scrappy feel to his game. He is a small, quick guard that made some plays in transition, competed on the floor, and provided his team another ball-handler as well.
2024 Jordan Gonder (Harrisburg Hornets): Though young, Gonder caught some eyes with his play and work ethic. Though only 6'2, he played strong down low in the post and finished well around the basket. He also was active on the defensive end, displaying a great motor and always getting after the ball or getting his hands on it.
2024 Delani Hammonds (Team Purple): Team Purple has an array of talent and can attack in several ways. With scoring power from all positions, I was impressed with what the quick young guard could do and provided on the court. He showcased his confident outside game but also a quick first step to get by defenders and finished.
2025 Tayeshaun Smith (1-of-1 Elite): This is the second weekend in a row that I've been impressed with the young big man. He plays with a nice balance and skill to his game. He continues to be a force on the boards, something you don't always see in a young prospect, moves well and understands how to get around defenders, and finished strong around and at the rim. With his strong frame, he finishes well through contact.
2022 Joshua Stevens (Charlotte Dragons): It was a tight game and the Dragons needed every point from Stevens, as he finished with 25 points to help secure the win. He played really well and hard on both ends of the floor, creating extra opportunities on the defensive end for his team, creating steals, and consistently got to the basket and finished.
2024 Bobby Hardison (Team Cats): Hardison had a really good summer and has just continued his strong play this fall. Love the confidence that he plays with, using his long 6'2 frame to rise over defenders and display his range but also giving people a glimpse that he can put it on the deck and score as well or get to the line.
2022 Treyvon Byrd (Bull City Prep): Just the same story, different day for Trey Byrd. With Bull City down a few players, Byrd stepped up on the offensive end more, using his 6'7 body and huge wingspan to operate and score from several areas. He continues to be strong at getting to the rim but also stepping out for his jumper over defenders.
2023 Jaiden Thompson (Team Force): Really like what they have going on at Central Cabarrus. Thompson was the one that captured my eyes early with his play. He does a tremendous job in creating opportunities for himself off the dribble, weaving through the defense, and picking those small openings. But he also really makes plays and opens up shots for his teammates well. He is just part of a strong trio with this program.
