Last week, we put out an article featuring noteworthy prospects throughout the Triad in the Class of 2025. It featured various up-and-coming talents, many of which attended the CP3 Rising Stars Camp, and highlighted what they should bring to their respective high school programs. In keeping with the trend of previewing some of the notable names across the Triad, today’s edition will look at a few specific entering their sophomore season. (Though it should go without saying, this is not a conclusive list. There are more than five noteworthy prospects in the Triad, but we will only examine five in this article.)
6’4 Jaylen Cross (Northwest Guilford)
Although it seems like many people have gotten on board since his addition to Team United, there are still plenty of folks who need to be informed about Jaylen Cross. Between his IQ, size, skillset, and athleticism, it’s perplexing to understand why he isn’t already regarded throughout the region as a high-level prospect. Have we discussed Cross numerous times' Absolutely (though he’s still not receiving the attention he deserves). That being said, folks should start to become increasingly bullish on the dynamic, intelligent, two-way guard with an excellent skillset and plenty of upside remaining. He should have no problem dominating the Triad going forward, as Cross has a legitimate chance to be a (if not the) top guard in North Carolina’s Class of 2024
6’6 Iverson King (Forsyth Country Day)
The appeal should be quite obvious with a prospect like Iverson King, especially given his versatility and overall skillset as a 6-foot-6 wing. Team Curry and Forsyth Country Day are both pretty balanced rosters, but King always seems to stand out as a leader. He can operate as a useful secondary creator with the ability to generate shots for himself or others and apply scoring pressure from all levels. King is a quality athlete and strong enough to play bigger than his size, which makes him a productive rebounder and allows him to defend multiple positions. Due to injuries last season, he isn’t as renowned as he probably should be. However, the state should be well-aware of King in a few months—especially given his expected leadership role for the Furies.
6’9 Bobby Cannon (Quality Education)
It’s impossible to look at Bobby Cannon without immediately noticing his sheer size and gangly frame, but there is already a lot to like. Sure, he’s skinny, but Cannon’s instincts, athleticism, and flashes of skill are very enticing. Very seldom will you find a 6-foot-9 prospect who can block a shot, secure the rebound, push the break, and make decisions with the ball in his hands. Cannon typically does most of his work around the basket, but is more than capable of stretching the floor, attacking opposing bigs off the bounce, or simply positioning himself for dump-off passes. He’s a great rim-protector, especially despite his lack of strength, and rebounds the ball at a consistent rate. Although he’s already a visible talent, folks should expect Cannon to continue progressing over the coming years.
6’5 Lewis Walker (Winston-Salem Christian)
Easily one of the most universally-liked prospects in the state, Lewis Walker has the IQ, strength, and skillset to dominate in a variety of ways. He possesses an extremely versatile identity with the physicality to overwhelm perimeter opponents and skill/mobility to outperform interior opponents. Walker displays touch, polish, patience, and an excellent balance between scoring and playmaking. He’s a tremendous rebounder with proper positioning and the necessary skill to push the break in transition. Walker shoots the ball at a reliable percentage, moves well without the ball, and makes intelligent decisions with or without the ball in his hands. Add in his motor, toughness, natural glue-guy identity, and the appeal should be obvious. Folks should expect him to be a reliable, productive piece for Winston-Salem Christian.
6’7 Richard Goods (Ben L. Smith)
Given his development over the last calendar year, it would be difficult to say anything other than positives about Richard Goods. His high school team had a limited schedule due to the covid restrictions, but we’ve had more than enough time to watch him throughout the summer season. Goods is a natural leader for Carolina Clutch, setting the tone as their primary scorer, rebounder, and defensive anchor. He’s a useful scorer from the post, but can also step out and knock down jumpers at a respectable rate. Goods plays hard, runs the floor well in transition, and should only continue to improve going forward. He should have an extremely productive season as the main catalyst for Smith during the coming months.