It was a special weekend in Charlotte, as Phenom Hoops had their annual North Carolina Top 80 event which brought some of the top players from the state all under one building. We had several top seniors, juniors, sophomores, and even freshmen attend the event, as we dive more into the players that impressed. It was great to see several sophomores on the floor and they put themselves on the map for so many. Some you may already know but all of these should be players that you put on your list to watch.
See how these young players stepped up and impressed on the big stage.
2024 Langston Boyd (Concord Academy):
Boyd already has the attention of college coaches and it was easy to see why with how he performed on the big stage at the North Carolina Top 80.' The rising sophomore brings tremendous athleticism and explosion to the table, finishing at the rim and over defenders.' But he continues to show that he is more than just an athlete, displaying his pull-up game from multiple levels, excelling out in transition, being able to break down defenders one-on-one, and really be an effective and locked-in defender.'
Boyd really gave more scouts and fans a glimpse of his impact on both sides of the ball.' After averaging nearly 17 points per game at the event, Boyd could be in for a huge year at Concord Academy and will have ample opportunities to show his full game.
2024 Lewis Walker (WS Christian):
There is one word to describe Lewis Walker… production.' He simply produces every time he touches the floor, as the 6'6 prospect can make an impact in an array of ways.' One just doesn't always see a player at his age with the blend of size and strength, fluidity, and skill.' Yes, he uses his body to body down low in the paint and finish strong and through contact.
But he also is excellent in creating off the dribble and creating his own opportunities, really showing off his overall skill set for a player that looks to be a low-post player.' Walker fills up the stat sheet and does it consistently; the NC Top 80 was just the latest big-stage he was able to dominant as he averaged 15 points per game and was consistently on the boards.
2024 Hampton Evans (Greenfield):
Evans seems to be a polished veteran on the court; he just goes about his business and produces.' He has a very good IQ and feel for the game, is a capable scorer from all levels with a smooth-looking shot, a good ball-handler, and one that also uses his 6'4 size to help on the boards.'
Evans is a leader on the floor and has been showing that for quite some time, helping lead his team at Greenfield.' With his size, his shot-making ability, and his value in other areas like rebounding, Evans proves to be a well-rounded and productive prospect that should only continue to do much of the same this upcoming high school season.
2024 Jozohn Price (Christ School):
Price is a prospect that could easily start rising up the ranks in the class of 2024 in North Carolina.' Why'' With what he showed at the NC Top 80, there is a lot to like about his game and potential.' At 6'8, he already checks the box with size but he is incredibly versatile on the court.'
Price has an intriguing inside-out feel, displaying good athleticism, spacing the floor well, stepping out and showing his deep range, and also being an effective presence down in the post.' Now part of the 2024 class, the upside with his game is what excites you about the future for Price and it will be interesting to see how he continues at Christ School and where his game continues to grow.