HOOPS AND DREAMS EVENT RECAPS
Saturday Takeaways from Hoops and Dreams
Bull City Prep’s Recruitable Core After seeing them at our George Lynch and then getting another viewing opportunity this past weekend, there’s a lot to like about Bull City Prep. Although they have a variety of meaningful contributors, everything ultimately comes down to their group of Tyrin Graham, Viktor Alao, Ryan Chen, Stephano Farrington, and Kamal Brantley. Graham is a balanced floor...
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Friday Takeaways from Hoops and Dreams
Wilson Prep Continues to Roll Unsurprisingly, Coach Ant Atkinson has another notable squad worthy of attention. They’ve contended every season since 2019-20, but this might honestly be their best group yet. Despite their balanced structure that includes several college players, everything starts and ends with Elijah Newsome. The 6-foot-3 guard possesses length, athleticism, and effortless...
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Could 2026 Tyson Thompson (St. Paul’s) be tracking to another level'
Player: Tyson ThompsonSchool: St. Paul’sClass: 2026Height: 6’9 At the Hoops & Dreams Showcase, it was a great opportunity to view a rising big that we don’t get to see a ton of but has always impressed in 2026 6’9 Tyson Thompson from St. Paul’s. Thompson has been one we have monitored over the years and has steadily continued to develop into a strong prospect and one that college...
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Why Ari Fulton Should Appeal to Division I Coaches
Since Covid, the high school recruiting landscape has changed drastically. Guys who would’ve been given a chance to prove themselves at level “X” are still being pushed aside for players who, theoretically, can contribute right away. Now, whether those guys (often older, more experienced transfers or JUCO products) actually move the needle is largely inconclusive. The point is: high school...
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Takeaways from Hoops and Dreams Showcase: Justin Caldwell is Worth Noting
Being a freshman is such a unique time in a basketball player’s journey. Gone are the days of middle school ball, where having the best athlete or tallest player on the court is a near-guaranteed recipe for success. Instead, the real adventure begins (typically) with a myriad of goals and expectations being set in place for these young prospects. Some kids are capable of contributing right away,...
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Takeaways from Hoops and Dreams Showcase: Richmond Ready to Dominate
Anyone plugged into the grassroots basketball scene should already be well aware of Paul McNeil’s sudden return to North Carolina and Richmond High School. The news sent shockwaves throughout the state, as last year’s Gatorade Player of the Year had been enjoying a pretty strong start to his season at Prolific Prep. Regardless, McNeil comes back to join a Raiders squad that is even better than...
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Takeaways from Hoops and Dreams Showcase: Quality Education is Legit
Accumulation of talent has become the biggest priority for a vast majority of high school programs over the last few years. Sure, every coach aims to put out the best possible on-court product but the rapid increase in private/independent school popularity has turned the landscape into mayhem. Too many coaches are determined to build the most talented teams instead of hunting for cohesion and...
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Player Standouts at Day Two of Hoops and Dreams Showcase
6’4 ’24 Jullien Cole (Richmond) There was a ton of buzz surrounding the Raiders and the return of their star, but Cole was arguably the most notable performer in this showing. He set the tone early on offense, largely carrying the load as a scorer through his ability to get downhill, finish, and convert at the line. Cole rebounded the ball at a consistent rate, forced a ton of turnovers, and...
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Hoops and Dreams Recap: Hopewell vs. Wayne Country Day
WCDS started the game in a “Box & 1” looking to take Quay Watson out of the game. The first quarter was rightly contested. Great team basketball from both teams as they trade making stops and baskets. Playing inside-out, WCDS was able to jump out in front. Timely shot making from Hopewell resulted in bringing the game back within 1 as the first half came to a close. Quay Walker got off to a...
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Hoops and Dreams Game Recap: Seaforth vs. Seventy-First
From the opening tip 71st took over the game by controlling the boards. Their willingness to rebound provided many second chance opportunities. 71st took those opportunities and turned them into points. Seaforth played zone making 71st proved they can make shots. Due to a collective effort from beyond the arc, 71st was able to pull away from Seaforth and make a run. Seaforth trying to chip their...
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Hoops and Dreams Game Recap: Richmond vs. Trinity Christian
Richmond jumped off to a fast start. The Raiders displayed a defensive identity to start the game. With long athletic wings like Julien Cole and Paul McNeil they were consistently in the passing lanes. Steals seemed to come easy for Richmond. They were able to create fast break opportunities by pushing off rebounds and steals. Their run was matched by the grit and heart on the part of the...
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Hoops and Dreams Game Recap: Pine Forest vs. Wayne Country Day
Action packed first half filled with big plays. There was a lot of back and forth fast paced action from the tipoff. Blow for blow these teams showed the ability to take and deliver hits. Pine Forest taking an early lead due to a couple big three point buckets combined with scrappy team defense. Jordan Jones leading the way for Pine Forest with a 13pt first half. WCDS fueled by the play of...
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Player Standouts at Hoops and Dreams Showcase
6’7 ’24 Isaiah Otyaluk (NC GBB) It’s easy to see the appeal with a blossoming prospect like Otyaluk, who possesses a ton of ability and long-term upside. He’s a long, wiry wing/forward prospect with great size, athleticism, and an enticing level of skill (especially for his position). His insane length is an obvious asset, and he actually understands how to use it as a finisher,...
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Hoops and Dreams Game Recap: Terry Sanford vs. Fayetteville Academy
In the sixth contest of the day, the inner-Fayetteville showdown between Terry Sanford and Fayetteville Academy took place. Both teams entered this contest with a definite chip on their shoulder, and it made for a fairly competitive battle. Things kicked off in close fashion, as neither team was able to gain much separation until the closing minutes of the first half—where Fayetteville Academy...
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Hoops and Dreams Game Recap: Westover vs. Trinity Christian
In the fifth game of the day, Trinity Christian of Fayetteville took on Westover. The first quarter saw Westover take a 14-8 lead with 5 different players scoring. The Wolverines also had 4 assists from 4 different players in the quarter as well. After a scrappy second quarter in which both teams were outstanding defensively, the Wolverines were able to bring a 23-15 lead into the half. Both...
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Hoops and Dreams Game Recap: Seventy-First and The Burlington School
In the fourth game of the day, highly ranked The Burlington School took on one of the premier Fayetteville public school programs in Seventy-First. After a chippy first quarter, in which 12 fouls were called, Seventy-First finished the quarter on a 5-0 run to make the score 13-12 TBS. Zion Walker led the Spartans with 5 and Jared Davis led the Falcons with 7. The Falcons continued their late...
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Hoops and Dreams Game Recap: Quality Education v. Northwood Temple
In the third game of the day, Quality Education used their length and athleticism to press from the tip, leading to a 12-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. Bobby Cannon and Nigel Okwakol scored all of the Pharoah’s first quarter points. The Pharoah’s continued to expand their lead in the second as Bobby Cannon began to impose himself on the defensive side of the ball, collecting...
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Hoops and Dreams Game Report: Terry Sanford v. St. Paul’s (Girls)
In the second game of the day, the Terry Sanford Lady Bulldogs got off to a strong start behind a balanced scoring attack and strong zone defense. They took a 15 lead into the half, getting 7 girls into the scoring column along to way. In the third, led by Breonna Roaf’s play, Terry Sanford only strengthened their lead and took a 26-point advantage into the fourth. Full-court pressure from St....
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Hoops and Dreams Game Recap: NC GBB v. New Life Christian
In the first game of the day, NC GBB used full-court pressure to jump out to a 13-point lead at the half. They were led by Isaiah Otyaluk, Louis Couch, and Caden Bell who combined for 28 of their 39 first-half points. New Life Christian’s Jaheim Fasion had 16 at the half. In the third quarter, NC GBB extended their lead to 21 as they handled the NLCA press well and dominated in transition. The...
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Player Standouts at Hoops and Dreams Showcase (Day 1)
Presented by LucasMoore Realty, IncCheck out all the standouts from Day 1 of the Hoops & Dreams Showcase in Fayetteville, NC 6’4 ’22 Tajuan Simpkins (Liberty Heights Varsity) In watching the twins perform, it’s extremely perplexing as to why Tajuan Simpkins is so under-recruited. He’s clearly shown the ability to operate as a lead guard and very effective playmaker with the ball in his...
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2020 Emmanuel Bonsu showing he can adapt in any system
At the college level, coaches seem to always be looking for tough-minded guards but also ones that can be versatile in their roles on the floor. 2020 6’2 senior guard Emmanuel Bonsu is showing that he can be just that as well as be a true leader.
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POB’s Eye Catchers from Hoops and Dreams Showcase: Day 2
2020 6’5 Kam Edwards (Liberty Heights) He had a solid outing on Day 1 and continued that outside shooting once again on Day 2. He plays a nice compliment to this team and really puts the pressure on defenses to respect his outside game. Against Freedom Christian, he made them pay, hitting x 3-pointers in the win. He has the confidence from outside, plays under control, and is...
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Hoops and Dreams Showcase — Day 1 Breakouts
This is the type of stage needed for players to breakout, the type of bright lights necessary to showcase the masses, you can play ... and these players did.
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Player Standouts at Phenom’s Hoops and Dreams Showcase
Player Standouts at Hoops and Dreams Freedom Christian 6’5 ’19 Brandon Murray The wing prospect was arguably the most consistent two-way performer for Freedom Christian, given his scrappiness on defense and ability to apply scoring pressure from all three levels. Murray is known for his shooting, but his penetrating and finishing was actually his most reliable scoring avenue for most of...
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