Chase Dawson (Cary Academy): Dawson is going to be a name that you want to quickly learn about. Phenom Hoops learned about him this summer, as he blew us away with his quickness, his quick trigger shooting, and his ability to aggressively get to the rim or knock down jumpers. He simply can score from all areas and is putting up some impressive numbers to start the season at Cary Academy. This is a young man that can go for 30+ on a given night and is averaging 30.4 points per game while shooting 59 percent from the floor and 51 percent from behind the arc. He may be under the radar for many but Dawson is quickly grabbing the attention all throughout North Carolina. Learn his name quickly!
Anthony Breland (Charlotte Elite Academy): Breland was once part of the 2022 class but announced earlier in the year that he would be reclassing to the Class of 2023. Now, the young man is producing early on at Charlotte Elite Academy, averaging 27.2 points per game, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.3 steals, including three 30+ point outings in six games. Breland scores the ball really well using his size and frame, creating for himself and scoring off the bounce. He continues to add strength to his game and is playing with a lot of confidence.
Jesse Mitchell (Grace Christian): Mitchell may not be one that many know about, but the 6’3 prospect is having an impressive start to the season. He has scored in double-digits in every outing, shooting 60 percent from the floor and 45 percent from three. What also has to be impressive is what he has been able to do as well on the boards, averaging nearly eight rebounds a game (including four straight double-digit rebounding outings this season). He looks to be the primary scorer for Grace Christian and is a name that you should write down and keep track of.
Alik Lewis (Comenius): Our very own Jeff Bendel recently wrote about Lewis in an article, having this to say about him. “Through seven games, Lewis is averaging 23.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 4.9 APG, and 3.4 SPG while shooting 71% from the floor and 69% from beyond the arc. Those numbers are simply incredible, especially given the efficiency, and should have folks excited about the Knights with Lewis at the helm.” Lewis is a smart guard who is producing in a variety of ways. He operates well as a floor general and is crafty/ shifty on the court to breakdown opposing defenses.
Josiah Watkins (Burlington Christian Academy): Watkins is another prospect we recently got a chance to watch, as the 6’3 prospect is part of the dynamic duo at Burlington Christian Academy. Watkins brings good length and versatility to the floor, showing the ability to operate in multiple areas of the court. He does a good job in attacking and getting downhill, while also being an underrated defensive prospect. He usually operates more inside the arc and out in transition but also does a great job in using his defense to turn into offense. Early on, he is averaging 16.2 points, 2.8 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.2 steals per game.