Team 1
Coach: Smith
#2: 5'0 '26 Isaac Ellis (Granite Falls)
Starting things off, we look at a player that is already advanced well beyond his years, Isaac Ellis. He's a young, small, high IQ guard with playmaking skills and the ability to dominate a game with his three-point shooting. Ellis moves extremely well without the ball and, although somewhat unassuming, plays with intensity and an edge on both ends of the floor. He's a leader by example and through communication that is already capable of destroying bigger/stronger opponents, which was proven with his 14.3 scoring average (sixth-highest from camp). Next in his development process is continuing to add strength, as it'll only improve his finishing ability while helping prepare him for the high school game. Coach Smith on Ellis: 'Isaac is a pure joy to coach. He is very solid as point guard and was able to continually get the team good shots. He could score at all levels and was able to secure several rebounds. Isaac was also very solid on defense and often made sure everyone was in position. He's a great team guy! As he gets stronger, it will allow Isaac to score with contact and also enable him to get into scoring areas.' The future is bright for Ellis and we will certainly be tracking his progression along the way.
#5: 5'5 '25 William Brown (Brasstown)
Next, we look at a player that worked very hard to make his presence felt throughout camp, William Brown. He's a young, strong-bodied wing/forward prospect that did a great job of fighting for rebounds and pitching the ball ahead in transition. Brown showed some nice flashes on defense and understands how to utilize his body to position himself. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a shooter, as it would make him a more reliable offensive threat. Coach Smith on Brown: 'Will is a pleasure to coach. He made several great assists and is a good rebounder that battled against bigger guys all day long. As he gets stronger and quicker, his game will continue to grow. He can continue to work on his off-hand and getting his shot off quicker.' Brown enjoyed a solid showing at camp and could become a prospect to keep an eye on, especially if he's willing to work.
#10: 5'6 '23 Caleb Bruni (North Buncombe)
Moving onto a player that showcased a pretty well-rounded foundation during his time at camp, Caleb Bruni. He's a calm, steady guard prospect that can operate and adapt in a variety of different roles. Bruni can knock down open jumpers and make smart passes to his teammates while consistently creating havoc on defense. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it'll make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Smith on Bruni: 'Caleb is a joy to coach. He's a great team player that did whatever was needed. He scored several midrange buckets and had several great assists. Caleb is a great defender who is always getting his hands on the ball and creating loose balls. He can continue to work on his off-hand and ball handling in order to grow his game.' Bruni did a lot of things well during camp and could emerge as a nice contributor for North Buncombe over these next few years.
#15: 5'7 '25 Jackson Wilson (Franklin)
Continuing onto a player that stood out with his ability to pursue and rebound the ball, Jackson Wilson. He's a strong-bodied forward prospect with a high motor and team-first mentality. Wilson moves pretty well and proved to be a solid defensive player with the ability to consistently outrebound bigger/stronger opponents. Next in his development process is working on becoming a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Smith on Wilson: 'Jackson proved to be a good rebounder even though he's undersized. He's a physical presence that mixed it up with all players. He's a good defender and caused several loose balls. Jackson is a great teammate who always gave 100%. As Jackson gets stronger and quicker, his game will improve because he plays hard and the correct way. He can continue to work on getting his jumper off quicker and working on his off-hand.' Wilson is only beginning to scratch the surface of his long-term abilities and should be one to keep an eye on going forward.
#19: 5'8 '23 Cayden Mobley (AC Reynolds)
Next, we look at a player that was arguably the most impressive defensive presence on this team, Cayden Mobley. He's a high-motor guard with a quality feel for the game and an unselfish, team-first mentality. Mobley is simply a gamer and two-way ball of energy that makes hustle plays with regularity, but also has the ability to knock down open shots and make smart decisions in transition. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him an even better finisher around the basket. Coach Smith on Mobley: 'Cayden is a guy that every team must have. He's a fierce competitor that is tenacious on defense!! He will make the winning stop on defense! He's a great passer and makes the right pass to open teammates. He would have a spot on my team anytime! Cayden can continue to work on ball-handling to enable him to create his own shot. He can continue to work on his offense off the dribble.' Mobley proved to be an excellent asset to his camp team and will be one to watch grow at AC Reynolds.
#23: 5'9 '24 Connor Tolley (Marion)
Moving onto a player that highlighted his ability to work efficiently within the team concept, Connor Tolley. He's a high-motor guard that proved to be a clear asset on the defensive end of the floor, constantly making hustle plays and forcing turnovers. Tolley rebounded well on both ends of the floor and pushed the break nicely in transition. Next in his development process is working to become a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Smith on Tolley: 'Connor gives his all on every possession. He had several steals and created loose balls on defense. He played good defense and was a good rebounder against bigger opponents. Connor was a great teammate and a joy to coach. He can continue to work on his jumper and ball-handling. As Connor gets stronger, his game will grow.' Tolley enjoyed a solid showing at camp and has the tools to grow into a nice contributor at the high school level, especially if he continues to work.
#30: 5'10 '23 Jacob Adair (Canton)
Continuing onto a player that showcased a pretty well-rounded skillset and approach throughout camp, Jacob Adair. He's a wiry guard prospect that plays within himself and the team concept while actively taking advantage of open scoring opportunities from all levels. Adair plays with a strong motor and utilizes it nicely on defense to disrupt his on-ball assignment. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to seize scoring opportunities as an off-ball cutter. Coach Smith on Adair: 'Jacob was a great guy to have on my team. He was easy to coach. He provided great effort and played hard every second he was on the floor. Jacob is able to score on all three levels and hit several three-pointers during camp. He's also a good defender. He can continue to work on his off-hand and getting quicker going to the rim. This will open his game up for more midrange shots.' Adair enjoyed a quality showing at camp and could emerge as a solid contributor on the high school level sooner than later.
#39: 5'11 '23 Aidain Adams (Robbinsville)
Next, we look at a player that was among one of the most polished performers on display, especially for his age, Aidain Adams. He's a smart, unselfish guard prospect that affects all facets of the game and thrives with the ball in his hands. Adams scores effectively from all levels and knows how to set up his teammates with incredible poise. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to play alongside another ball-handler with relative ease. Coach Smith on Adams: 'Aidain is a coaches dream. He's very solid in all areas. Aidain can score at all three levels and is a finisher in the open floor. He plays with a high motor and is always engaged in what's going on in the game. Aidain is a great teammate and continually cheering on the team. He's also a solid rebounder. As Aidain gets stronger, it will allow him to score with contact and play more physical.' Adams averaged 10 PPG at camp while showing his ability to be an exceptional playmaker, making him one watch progress over these next few years.
#48: 6'1 '21 Austin Johnson (TC Roberson)
Finishing up, we look at a player that showcased flashes of dominance during his time at camp, Austin Johnson. He's a pretty well-rounded guard prospect with a high IQ, motor, and the ability to control the action on both ends of the floor. Johnson rebounds the ball well, pushes the break in transition, and scores the ball efficiently from all three levels. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would allow him to become a craftier finisher around the basket. Coach Smith on Johnson: 'Austin is a coaches dream. He plays hard the entire time he's on the floor. He's able to score at all three levels and is great in the open floor. Austin has great vision and passes to teammates often, even though he's the best player on the floor at times. He gets everyone involved. He's a great rebounder and good defender. He can continue to improve his off-hand in order to take his game to another level.' Johnson was the leading scorer from camp at 24.7 PPG and secured the Mr. Station award with relative ease, certainly making him one to watch over the next two seasons.