Noteworthy duos have long been a major part of building successful basketball teams. Even after the establishment of a “Big Three,” we still see a lot of teams at every level who excel with two star-like talents surrounded by complementary pieces. While this is obviously more challenging at the high school level, plenty of examples exist—especially in North Carolina. For the purposes of this article, we will look specifically at pairings from the public and private school ranks. The non-association programs (Moravian Prep, Combine Academy, 1 of 1 Academy, Bull City Prep, Quality Education Academy, Winston-Salem Christian, Word of God, Ambassador Christian, NC GBB, etc.) certainly add to the list, but we will look at them separately. We will break this down into multiple parts, so let’s take a closer look at some applicable pairings in no particular order…
6’7 ’26 Cole Cloer & 6’4 ’25 Jaylen Cross (Caldwell Academy)
It probably goes without saying, but this is clearly the most talent-laden roster in the history of Caldwell Academy. Adding Cloer (and King Kendrick) to a roster that returned Ayden Johnson, Neal Swindell, Mac Atkinson, and headliner Jaylen Cross easily makes them a title favorite this season. Cloer’s combination of size, skill, and athleticism immediately makes him a nightmare matchup for most opponents. He’s a quality creator, both for himself and others, with the ability to consistently apply scoring pressure from all levels. Add in his rebounding and defensive tools, and it’s easy to see his expected impact. Meanwhile, Cross is a dynamic athlete with the skillset and defensive prowess to dominate on both ends of the floor. His malleable identity truly allows him to affect all facets of the game, regardless of role or touches. Both guys hold national status and several high-major offers.
6’6 ’26 Tarris Bouie & 6’5 ‘26 Markus Kerr (Chambers)
Although we’ve seen each of these duos in some capacity, we undoubtedly have more viewings of Bouie and Kerr than the others listed. After graduating multiple seniors, the Cougars have pivoted to new leadership behind their junior pairing—and it’s evident every time you watch this team. They also have notable pieces like Cameron Thompson, Malik McCotter, Qjay Young, LJ Jackson, and Zyon White. Bouie is an incredibly long, explosive wing who plays hard, makes defensive plays, and scores with relative ease. He’s able to create off the bounce, set up others, and make an impact as an off-ball threat. Considering his current ability and general upside, it’s easy to see why he’s a priority for college programs. His running mate, Kerr, is also among the most appealing prospects in North Carolina. He’s an extremely smooth, polished wing who makes the game look effortless at times. Kerr also has the size, skill, and feel to do so many impressive things on the court. He’s young for his grade and, though already very talented, should only continue to blossom going forward.
6’7 ’26 Kendre Harrison and 5’9 ’26 Dionte Neal (Reidsville)
Arguably the most decorated duo in the state, it’s difficult to ignore everything Neal and Harrison have accomplished together. Whether looking at their production or team success (55-1 with a championship across two seasons), they are undeniably amazing. In the most glowing way possible, Harrison is an absolute freak. It’s so rare for a player with his blend of size, strength, and explosiveness to possess such nimble movements. Harrison is a legitimate anomaly at the high school level. Even guys who may eventually pass him in the future are rendered helpless against his level of physicality. On the other hand, Neal is unique in his own regard. Despite his lack of size, he’s one of the most productive players in North Carolina—having amassed over 1000 points and 600 assists through two seasons. Neal is a natural leader with the IQ, quickness, and playmaking instincts to reliably run a team. He’s also a consistent scorer and pesky defender who propels winning. Add in Johnniyus Sharpe and Cam’Ron Jones, and this team will remain on the short list of contenders in their classification.
6’8 ’25 Zymicah Wilkins and 6’3 ’25 Madden Collins (Christ School)
Given their roster structure, multiple pairings could apply but Wilkins and Collins fit the bill quite well. They are coming off a state championship and the departure of four seniors (each in the top five of scoring and rebounding), so these two are the most productive returners on the roster. Wilkins (NC State commit) is a one-man wrecking crew who can burden a massive load offensively. Last season, he led this team in three statistical categories (points, rebounds, and blocks) and finished second in the other two (assists and steals). Wilkins has continually progressed while embracing his status as a leader and focal point. Between his feel, touch, vision, footwork, and perimeter instincts, he’s as skilled as any big man in the state. Meanwhile, Collins (American commit) is also making strides as a prospect. His steady, adaptable presence as an all-around guard allows him to produce within a role and impact a game in several different ways. In addition to these guys, Christ School will have Mason Collins, Joseph Ahart, Tyler Jones, William Robinson, Koen Booker, and Dacen Petty.
6’5 ’25 Isaiah Denis and 6’11 ’26 Will Stevens (Davidson Day)
Rounding out this first group of duos, Denis and Stevens have arguably trended upward as much as anyone listed over the last twelve months. Before last season, Denis held six offers (High Point, UNCG, Radford, Georgia State, Arizona State, and Charlotte) and Stevens held none (earning his first, Ohio, four games into the year). Fast-forward to now and Denis is set to decide between UNC, Ohio State, Miami, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Wake Forest, and Kansas. He had a major blow-up over the summer with Team CP3, but it doesn’t take long to see why so many schools are vying for his commitment. Denis is a long, athletic, shot-making wing prospect who defends and consistently gets to his spots. He’s also shown quality improvement as a playmaker. In a similar vein, Stevens’ last three offers came from Clemson, West Virginia, and Creighton. It is somewhat surprising that it took schools, especially high majors, this long to recognize his appeal. Stevens’ identity as a 6-foot-11 big man with length, toughness, rebounding ability, defensive instincts, and inside-out ability should appeal to all types of programs. Include Jamieke Spruill, Levon Jacobs, Lincoln Vinson, and Mac Habenicht, and this team should be able to compete with anyone in the state.
6’8 ’26 Josiah Sanders and 6’8 ‘26 Justin Caldwell (Berean Baptist)
Despite being one of the newer pairings listed, Sanders and Caldwell combine to form one of the more unique tandems. Given the number and level of offers Sanders has received over the last twelve months, he’s easily among the most enticing prospects in his class. He’s fluid, explosive, and versatile with the necessary IQ, skill, and physicality to stand out as a walking mismatch for opponents. Sanders handles the ball extremely well for his size and regularly operates as a primary creator. He’s also a quality rebounder and switchable defender who can guard up and down a lineup as needed. Meanwhile, Caldwell is a strong, physically imposing interior piece capable of bullying opponents around the basket. He’s a useful midrange shooter and capable floor-spacer, yet is at his best inside 15 feet. Caldwell utilizes his stout frame very well to finish through contact and battle for rebounds. Although last season was somewhat underwhelming for the Bulldogs, their new duo has the tools and ability to make this one of the best teams in North Carolina.
6’3 ’26 Ashton Pierce and 6’3 ’25 Chad Traylor (North Mecklenburg)
Very few programs can operate like North Mecklenburg. They have a clearly defined structure, pecking order, and pathway to a leadership role. Although he joined the team before last season, it didn’t take long for Traylor (Charleston commit) to become a vital part of this group. He’s a natural leader who has proven himself as a winner since the start of his high school journey (winning two titles in three seasons). Traylor is smart, tough, and polished with a clear understanding of how to set the tone on both ends of the floor. He touches the paint at a quality rate, sets up others, and scores in a variety of different ways. Alongside him, Pierce provides the necessary shot-making ability to shine. He’s comfortable playing without the ball, but also displays vision, feel, and the ability to generate clean looks as a creator. Fresh off a state championship, Pierce, Traylor, Greg Murray, Carson Evans, and multiple other pieces should continue to turn heads.
6’7 ’28 Chase Smith and 6’5 ’28 Mekhi Allen (Queens Grant)
Although neither guy in this tandem has logged a single high school minute, it should be common knowledge that Smith and Allen are poised to be a special pairing. Between his size, skill, and general status as a notable prospect over the last few years, Smith should easily be one of the most productive freshmen in the state. He possesses soft touch, quality footwork, and natural instincts on both ends of the floor. Smith already has the frame and skillset to assert himself as an offensive focal point. He’s also an excellent rebounder who alters or blocks shots and runs well in transition. His running mate, Allen, has incredible upside in his own regard. He’s smooth and skilled with the ability to apply pressure with or without the ball in his hands. Allen is a terrific perimeter shooter, quality athlete, and reliable creator—both for himself and others. He defends and rebounds well for his position, but should only continue to grow into his body. The young core of Smith, Allen, Bobby Montgomery, and Cannon DeBerry with guys like Geromino Clark, Preston Scott, and Ian Howard should make this group a yearly contender over the foreseeable future.
6’8 ’26 Rivers Knight and 5’10 ’25 Derek Ross Jr. (Jordan)
Arguably the most complementary duo of any two players listed, it just feels right to see Knight and Ross reunited. Still one of the most under-recruited floor generals in the state, Ross should be better than ever with a legitimate partner in the two-man game. He’s extremely quick and fast with the ball in his hands. Ross understands how to break down defenses and consistently locate the best available shot, but is also capable of scoring as needed. That being said, Ross is a true point guard who prioritizes getting others involved, making plays defensively, and pushing the break in transition. Adding some size back to this group, Knight should have a massive season for Jordan. While his perimeter shooting is still a massive separator between him and other post players, he’s shown quality touch and aggressiveness around the basket. Add in his rebounding and shot-blocking ability, and Knight will be highly productive. Beyond those two, folks should expect Bryce Hill, Julian Lowe, and Peter Bryan to play key roles (and capture the attention of college coaches) for the Falcons.
6’9 ’25 Trent Steinour and 6’5 ’25 Tre McKinnon (Lake Norman)
Only the second duo of committed players, Steinour (Clemson) and McKinnon (Appalachian State) are clear focal points for the Wildcats. Steinour is a long, fluid big man with touch around the basket and floor-spacing ability along the perimeter. In addition to scoring, he consistently impacts the game through his rebounding, shot blocking, and ability to run the floor in transition. His cohort, McKinnon, is a long, athletic wing with shot-making ability. He’s able to play without the ball, cause problems for opponents in transition, and create his own shot as needed. McKinnon is also a useful rebounder and has the tools to defend multiple positions. It’s worth mentioning the balance, cohesion, and overall depth of talent within this roster, as guys like Nick Arnold, Josh Yates, and Taurean McKinnon each return as key pieces. This roster did graduate a few notable contributors, but the Wildcats should remain a contender.
5’10 ’25 Rodmik Allen and 6’7 ’25 CJ Kornegay (New Hanover)
Figuring out New Hanover’s tandem was one of the more difficult challenges in creating this list, as Allen could’ve been paired with Nolan Billings, Zeus Batts, or Kornegay. They are a balanced, battle-tested group who somewhat bend the concept of this article due to their undeniable team success. Since these four joined forces, the Wildcats have gone 82-5. Although each of these guys are valuable contributors, Allen stands out as the clear leader. He’s a smart, heady point guard with quickness, toughness, and an understanding of how to dictate the action. Allen touches the paint and sets up others at a high volume, but can also score in a variety of ways. His cohort, Kornegay, is a long, rangy forward with nice size and athleticism. He’s a quality finisher, rebounder, and transition threat. Returning after his junior year was cut short due to injury, Kornegay should be a name to monitor. The grouping of Allen, Kornegay, Batts, and Billings will continue to make this squad a title contender. Expect each to be pursued heavily by college coaches.
6’8 ’26 Heimir Helgason and 6’2 ’25 Miki Gacic (Asheville School)
Although it has no real significance, Helagson and Gacic form our first international pairing. It’s fair to say that last season was disappointing for the Blues. However, after our viewings in June, all signs point to a big year for this group. Helgason should take a massive step forward, both in terms of production and on-court leadership. He has the size, explosiveness, and blossoming skillset to be a real matchup problem for opponents. Not only has his body developed, but Helgason has also shown improvement from the block, mid-post, and when spacing the floor. His running mate, Gacic, is the perfect complement as an intelligent, fundamentally sound point guard. He controls the action by taking care of the ball, dictating pace, and consistently getting others involved. Although he excels as a playmaker, Gacic was Asheville School’s leading scorer last season (14.1 PPG) by a pretty sizable margin. Between these two Division I prospects and a slew of notable surrounding pieces, folks should expect this team to improve considerably.
6’8 ’25 Andrew Grimes and 6’6 ’25 Justice Mitchell (Clayton)
The Clayton pipeline has put out consistent talent throughout the years, with Grimes (Liberty commit) and Mitchell being the latest pairing worth noting. Last season, the duo accounted for over 50% of the Comets’ points, rebounds, and blocked shots. Grimes has been involved since the start of his freshman season, showing steady growth and production across the last three years. He committed to Liberty early, continued to develop, and now looks like a real steal for the program. Grimes finishes, rebounds, anchors the paint defensively, and shoots the ball extremely well for his size. He utilizes his length effectively and displays great feel on both ends of the floor. On the other hand, Mitchell really blossomed over the last calendar year. His versatile game allows him to defend multiple positions, play various roles offensively, and regularly impact all facets of the game. Add expected upticks in production from Khaleil Walters, Xavier Longe, Jeremiah Henson, and Quashaun Williams, and this group has the makings of a championship roster.
6’6 ’25 Kellen Karr and 6’3 ’25 Ty Sanders (North Lincoln)
While they might appear somewhat unassuming to the uninformed, Karr and Sanders are quietly one of the most productive duos in North Carolina. Like the previous entry, they combine for about half of the teams’ scoring and assists. Although Karr has committed to baseball at Coastal Carolina, he still doubles as an incredibly useful basketball player. He’s a walking mismatch with the blend of IQ, size, playmaking instincts, and scoring polish to dominate a game. Karr is a great rebounder who can defend multiple positions, push the break in transition, and consistently make the right play with the ball in his hands. His teammate, Sanders, has built his reputation as a lethal shooting threat. However, he’s visibly expanded his game over the years. Sanders is a bouncy finisher who attacks closeouts, makes smart passes, and defends with quality energy. He’s able to produce in various roles while being comfortable with or without the ball in his hands. Their chemistry as year-long teammates is amazing. Despite losing a few key seniors, the addition of Ty Cline and the steady emergence of Ty Chandler make this team a real problem for opponents. Expect this group to contend and attract various college coaches.
6’9 ’27 Charles Pur and 6’4 ‘25 Isaiah Smith (Burlington Christian)
The Royals are another program with multiple guys who are worthy of acknowledgment, as Pur, Smith, and Ian Bush all play vital roles in the success of this team. Since entering the high school ranks, Pur has been a favorite among fans, coaches, and players. He’s a highly skilled big man with an impressive combination of touch, vision, and shooting ability. Although he’s still adding strength, Pur is a reliable rebounder and defensive anchor with great timing as a shot-blocker. He moves extremely well for his size and displays excellent feel on both ends of the floor. On the other hand, Smith is a crafty scorer with size and the ability to get downhill consistently. He hits jumpers, plays through contact, and applies quality pressure in transition. He and Bush routinely burden a strong offensive load. In addition to the names mentioned above, Larry Blount and Karon Watlington should be key pieces for this squad as they look to continue turning heads this season. Expect several pieces from this group to find homes at the next level.