2025 Gevonte Ware (1of1): After not getting a chance to play much of the summer, it was great to see the young big man back in action and he looked strong. Ware was a dominant fixture down in the paint, back to where we saw him before. He was strong in the post and with his back to the basket, has strong hands and touch around the basket, and is an absolute monster on the boards. Ware was all over the place, finishing strong and getting to the line, but also making his presence felt on the boards.
2025 Yohance Connor (1of1): Connor might not always get the spotlight but I really do love what he brings to the table with this team. Good size guard and his impact on both sides of the court can be seen. Connor can really create havoc on the defensive end, getting into opponents and allowing his defense to help turn into offense. Connor does a great job in getting downhill and finishing strong as well.
2023 Russell Hawkins (Mallard Creek): The guards leading the charge for Mallard Creek will be fun to watch but it was the senior Hawkins that captured my eyes at Tuesday's fall league. Hawkins was active all over the court, was able to capitalize on scoring opportunities, was able to attack the basket, and showed a great motor on the defensive end. Scrappy guard that might not get the spotlight but made plays for his team.
2027 LJ Smith (Hickory Christian): There aren't too many eighth graders that are going to be counted on leading the charge for their team but that is what Smith will do and did for his team. Such a smooth operating guard that creates well with his dribble, has a smooth feel to his game, plays with a ton of confidence, and isn't afraid of the bright lights. He led the way and hit the game-winner for his team, as Smith is going to be a name you hear a lot more in North Carolina.
2024 Yancy Thomason (Independence): Independence will be an interesting team to watch this year and the player that stood out in my eyes was Thomason. Thomason did a nice job in mixing up his scoring abilities, whether attacking and getting to the basket or stepping out. He created well for himself and operated from a variety of levels. Solid showing from the junior guard.
2024 Julien Evering (Pine Lake Prep): The 6'0 junior guard really captured my eyes and was one of my favorite players on the night. Not getting a chance to watch him much, I was impressed with Evering's ability to showcase his speed and quickness, get downhill with an incredible burst, ability to change directions, and how he was a playmaker for himself and others. He was also an absolute pest on the defensive end. Fun to watch this guard in action.
2023 Jack Hudson (Corvian): Hudson started off the game in a big way, getting to his spots, knocking down shots from the perimeter, and showing his range. But you also have to love the energy and confidence that he played with, bringing and playing with maximum energy and competing. Couldn't help but love his mindset for the game.
2023 Sam Harris (Corvian): Harris, a 6'3 senior is the leading scorer returning for this team this year and is expected to step up big. He came out strong, and was able to create and attack in transition, get up and down as well as get into the paint, showing that he can attack and score. Was aggressive and finished well at times over defenders.
