When I say sleeper, I say guys that aren't incredibly well known within the HoopState by casual HS basketball fans. If you love the game you have to make it out to see these guys hoop!
Jaleel McLaughlin: 5'10 2018 PG, Forest Hills
A 1:00 tip-off can be difficult to get up for, but Jaleel McLaughlin found a way to bring the intensity from the opening tip. He finished with 20 points and found a way to grab nine rebounds against a huge Concord First Assembly front line and considering his size that is ridiculous. This dude flat out competes within every aspect of the game and plays with an edge that most coaches and fans look for. He's a guy that I would want on my team simply due to the fearlessness he possesses each and every possession. Hoop heads in NC need to check this guy out if they get the chance because he's worth the price of admission.
Tomas Butkus: 6'3 2018 G, Rabun Gap
During warm-ups when looking at this Tomas, I did not expect him to be the primary ball handler for a talented Rabun Gap squad, but he is more than capable of running the team. With his stocky build, Tomas can post up smaller guards and take advantage of many mis-matches on the court. He finished with 28 Points and 3 assists in a comeback win over a scrappy Hargrave squad.
Caleb Mills: 6'3 2019 G, Asheville Christian
I describe Caleb Mills as a poor man's Coby White, he can score in bunches with the best of them and almost led his team to an upset over Trinity Christian. Mills finished with 28 points in a heartbreaking OT loss. The level of difficulty on some of the buckets this man was getting had me wondering 'why haven't I heard more about him'. Caleb makes drilling fadeaway after fadeaway over defenders look easy, he's the kind of guy that gives his team a chance to win any game and those are my favorite guys to watch.
KJ Marshall: 5'10 2019 PG, Trinity Christian
The heartbeat of an extremely talented Trinity Christian squad was instrumental in keeping his squad within striking distance to coordinate a late comeback led by Duke Commit Joey Baker, Marshall was never fazed despite being down double digits most of the game. He can get really hot from outside, spacing the floor for Trinity's big 3 (Toney, Baker, Gantt) and finished with 21 points and 3 rebounds in the OT win. A natural leader, Marshall will look to help Trinity win their 2nd state title in 3 seasons.
Kody Shubert: 5'10 PG 2018, Lincoln Charter (Presbyterian Commit)
As soon as he walked on the court in neon green shoes and the rest of his team was wearing black, I knew this dude could hoop. You don't do that unless your confidence is through the roof and Shubert's is. He pushes the ball with incredible pace, possesses the ability to create his own jumper off the dribble, and has the best vision on the court at all times. I'm surprised our guys at Ballislife haven't filmed him yet because he would create a fire mix for the #BringMixtapesBack crowd. One of the more exciting players I've seen this year, Presbyterian got a steal with Kody and I can't wait to watch him at the next level.
