2022 Will Jenkins (Team EAT):
Jenkins simply plays with a fire in his game. He always plays hard, is a vocal leader, and absolutely love how he gets after it on the defensive end. He is an in-your-face, scrappy, hard-nosed defender that likes to be a pest for an opponent. Offensively, Jenkins is strong with the ball in creating space while finding his teammates. He also showed that he can make a defense pay with his perimeter shooting.
2022 Ahmari Samuels (Sumter Ballerz):
There is something that gets my attention with a kid that just simply plays hard and that is what Samuels did all game long early on. He made tough play after tough player after tough play, displaying a constant motor and always getting a hand on the ball. He scored using his length over defenders as well as outside and always seemed to be looking to create second-chance opportunities and attacking the glass.
2023 Jermaine Gulledge (Showtime Elite):
Gulledge had a strong showing to start his event, really showing off his range and ability to knock down shots behind the arc. He was red hot in the first half and ended up finishing with eight 3-pointers and 28 points total. Gulledge ran the floor and got to his spots well all throughout, and didn't lack any confidence with a fluid outside game.
2023 Robert Dillingham (Team EAT):
Dillingham was his classic self, making things look easy, showing great court awareness, showing off his shiftiness and creativity on the floor, and scoring the basketball in an array of ways. At times, he makes it looks so easy in his ability to create space and get his shot off. He also stepped up when his team needed a bucket, ultimately finishing with 30 points in the win.
2022 Landon King (Charlotte Guards):
Really do think that you will be hearing more of this young man's name this upcoming season at Independence. He had a strong season last year, being more of a go-to guy but it seems that he is continuing to elevate his game, showing more of his outside feel as well as attacking the basket and finishing. Another strong performance from the 2022 guard and one to look out more this upcoming season.
2021 Darius Best (Concord Raptors):
Best was off the charts for his team, leading the charge offensively with 29 points. He scored in all fashions on the floor but just having him with the ball in his hands, Best made plays. He did a tremendous job in creating space for his jumper, knocking down from inside and out, but also used his 6'2 and athleticism to crash the glass and finish strong around the basket. Simply loved his motor on the floor and just seemed to make play after play. That doesn't even mention the terrific court awareness he also plays with, making some terrific passes.
2022 Cameron Parker (CSB Elite 2022):
Stepping up when needed is big and that is what Parker did.' Eventually hitting the game-winning basket with just seconds left, Parker really stayed aggressive and penetrated the open spots on the floor.' He showed nice touch and light on his shot and understood how to finish with a nice touch off the glass.