Team 5
Coach: Donnell Burch
#18: 5’7 ’20 John Bonney (Rabun Gap)
Starting things off, we look at a player that did a lot of things well during his time at camp, John Bonney. He’s an extremely quick lead guard prospect with a high motor and the ability to touch the paint and attack the basket with regularity. Bonney has a tight handle and does a great job of setting up his teammates for scoring opportunities. He is a capable shooter but is at his best as a penetrator and downhill threat in transition. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete offensive threat. Coach Burch on Bonney: “John was our Mr. Hustle. He works his butt off and did a very good job of making an impact on both ends of the ball and maintaining a positive attitude. John is a very good penetrator and can finish at the basket.” Bonney enjoyed a nice showing at camp and could be poised to have a productive upcoming senior campaign.
#37: 5’10 ’22 Reid Carrier (Highlands)
Next, we look at a player that offers a very useful complementary presence on both ends of the floor, Reid Carrier. He’s a fairly well-rounded guard prospect that typically operates as a cutter and spot-up threat without the ball. Carrier understands how to not force the action and makes his fair share of plays without requiring the ball in his hands. He rebounds pretty well for his position and was able to make quality decisions in transition. Next in his development process is working to become a better transition defender, as he has all the tools to impact that area of the game. Coach Burch on Carrier: “Once Reid became comfortable, he did a very good job of impacting the game. He settled in and started showcasing his talent. He maintained a positive attitude but needs to be able to show all of it with consistency.” Carrier will be one to watch grow going forward, especially if he continues to build off his showing from camp.
#50: 6’1 ’21 Conrad Kragh (Rabun Gap)
Moving onto a player that showcased a pretty intriguing array of skills throughout camp, Conrad Kragh. He’s a wiry, long-bodied wing prospect with solid three-level scoring chops and the ability to make plays for himself or others. Kragh proved to be a quality spot-up threat that understands how to position himself for success from beyond the arc. He displayed great footwork and proved to be a positive teammate on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on his off-ball defense awareness, as it would make him a more complete player on that end of the floor. Coach Burch on Kragh: “Conrad worked hard during camp and should continue working hard in the future. I believe he can become a solid basketball player. Conrad maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the event.” Kragh made his presence felt nicely during camp and has the tools to become a strong two-way contributor, especially if he continues to work.
#52: 6’1 ’21 Jacob Watkins (Walhalla)
Continuing onto a player that was arguably the main glue-guy of his team during camp, Jacob Watkins. He’s a long, wiry wing prospect with a fairly well-rounded offensive skillset and the ability to operate in a variety of different roles. Watkins is a reliable perimeter shooter, both off the catch and dribble, and knows how to move and find open space without the ball. He plays hard and crashes the glass with poise and consistency on both ends of the floor. Watkins proved to be an effective all-around defender with the ability to force turnovers and push transition play at a solid rate. Next in his development process is working to become a more productive rebounder, as he has the tools to outwork his assignment on the glass. Coach Burch on Watkins: “I really like this kid. He needs to continue to work his butt off and become stronger. Jacob maintained a positive attitude and accepted coaching well throughout the day. I’m sure we will hear about him in the future.” Watkins enjoyed a strong showing at camp and could be a prospect to keep an eye on going forward.
#61: 6’2 ’21 Max Rogers (Asheville Christian)
Next, we look at a player that seems to continually get better despite his already-advanced skillset, Max Rogers. He’s a smart, team-first guard that can make plays with or without the ball in his hands, given his blend of creation skills and perimeter shooting. Rogers scores the ball efficiently from all three levels and is capable of making his presence felt nicely as a defender and rebounder. He knows how to do a lot of things well and doesn’t necessarily require the ball to make a strong two-way impact. Next in his development process is working to become a more physical defensive presence, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Burch on Rogers: “Max is a very talented kid. He needs to stay in the game and not disappear at times. Max can tend to become standoffish but needs to remember that he’s a part of the game and showcase his talent. Max worked really hard and showed his ability to shoot the ball throughout camp.” Rogers was among the most polished performers from camp and could be poised for a breakout upcoming season at Asheville Christian.
#62: 6’2 ’21 Ricardas Butkus (Rabun Gap)
Moving onto a player that stood out as one of the most skilled performers from this camp team, Ricardas Butkus. He’s a smart, crafty point guard prospect that displayed his ability to operate as the primary creator or alongside another ball-handler. Butkus shoots the ball efficiently and mixes it up regularly by penetrating and finishing or setting up teammates nicely. He’s exceptional in the open floor, especially with the ball in his hands, and makes the correct read with high frequency. Next in his development process is working on his awareness as an off-ball defender, as it would make him a more complete player on that end of the floor. Coach Burch on Butkus: “Richardas is a very steady player but needs to improve on his help-side defense. He’s a very good all-around player. I like his game. Richardas worked hard and maintained a positive attitude throughout the day.” Butkus is a very useful player that should only get better over time, certainly making him one to keep an eye on.
#70: 6’4 ’21 Solomon Todd (Asheville Christian)
Continuing onto a player that was arguably one of the most dominant two-way performers from camp, Solomon Todd. He’s a long, smart, polished wing prospect with a tremendous blend between skill and all-around athleticism. Todd does a strong amount of everything on both ends of the floor, from creating to scoring to rebounding and pushing the break with consistency. He’s a team-first player that leads by example and has the ability to overwhelm opponents with his nonstop motor. Next in his development process is working on his transition defense, as it would make him an even better two-way threat. Coach Burch on Todd: “Solomon is hands-down one of the best ball players I’ve seen. He needs to remember to never settle on offense. Solomon plays hard and maintained a positive attitude throughout camp. He should keep pushing to become the best player he can be.” Todd was extremely impressive during camp, securing the Mr. Station award with relative ease, and should be a prospect for Division I coaches to start tracking now.
#71: 6’4 ’22 Ashton Williams (Mountain Heritage)
Next, we look at a player that possesses a nice crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Ashton Williams. He’s a strong-bodied wing prospect with a lot of positive physical tools and a blossoming offensive skillset. Williams is fairly quick and was able to touch the paint at a strong rate, but also knocked down open jumpers from the perimeter—both off the catch and bounce. He handles the ball well for his size and is capable of creating decently for himself or others. 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 Burch on Williams: “Ashton needs to be more aggressive. He has a very good game and has the tools to become a very good player. Ashton works hard on the court and maintained a positive attitude throughout camp.” Williams made a strong impact during camp and should emerge as a useful contributor for Mountain Heritage sooner than later.
#80: 6’7 ’20 Chris Hartbarger (Franklin)
Moving onto a player that showed a consistent willingness to do whatever possible to give his team an edge, Chris Hartbarger. He’s a long-bodied post prospect that knows how to play hard and cause havoc with his overall activity level. Hartbarger utilizes his size and length well around the basket to alter shots, secure rebounds, and position himself without the ball. He’s a quality two-way teammate that always looks to make the right play. Next in his development process is working on his ability to penetrate to the basket, as it would complement his perimeter shooting nicely. Coach Burch on Hartbarger: “Chris is green but I can tell once he has a coach to work with him, he’s capable of blossoming. He plays pretty hard and within himself on both ends of the floor but needs to work on getting stronger and quicker.” Hartbarger is still just truly beginning to scratch the surface of his long-term abilities, which could make him one to keep an eye on throughout the upcoming season.
#81: 6’7 ’21 Luke Krawczyk (Catawba Ridge)
Finishing up, we look at a player that possesses a nice blend between productivity and long-term upside, Luke Krawczyk. He’s a skilled, strong-bodied post prospect with a nice faceup and back-to-the-basket game. Krawczyk has soft touch with either hand and handles the ball fairly well for his size/position, which tends to cause matchup problems against opposing big men. He moves well without the ball and understands how to position himself for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Krawczyk shows a willingness to make the hustle plays whenever possible and passes the ball ahead properly in transition. Next in his development process is playing more physical and aggressive on defense, as it would make him a more reliable interior presence. Coach Burch on Krawczyk: “Luke needs to be more active and not shy away. He could become a very good basketball player. Coaches will love his size and attitude.” Krawczyk continues to improve and elevate his two-way game, so it’ll be interesting to see how he progresses going forward.