Every year we say the rising 9th grade class in North Carolina is an all-timer of a class. Every year however, the talent never seems to disappoint. The 2022 class will be no different, already, there are players in this class tracking high, on the national level.

Just recently USA basketball sent out invitations to the USA Junior National Mini Camp set to take play October 4-7 in Colorado Springs. Three players from North Carolina, Jalen Hood-Schifino , MJ Rice and Jaden Bradley were invited. Already identified among the best in the country, there are others the nation needs to watch for as well

6'5' MJ Rice
Durham Academy (Durham)

Rice is a physically imposing wing, he has a great handle, plays with great pace and is explosive at the rim. Playing up between 16u and 17u this season for Team Wall Elite, he proved he can play against players two and three year his elder. Having seen him in numerous settings both against his peers, players older than him and among the nation's top in his class, Rice should be considered among the top 25 players, at this point, in the country with still some ceiling to grow. Rice was one of the players invited to the Team USA mini-camp in October.'

6'3' Jaden Bradley
Cannon School (Concord)

Bradley is one of the North Carolina prospects invited to the Team USA mini-camp in October. He has the look of a player, and when he turns it on, he is virtually unstoppable. Bradley has length and feel in the passing lanes on defense, he has a good handle in transition and the ability to break down his man and get to the basket in the half court.

6'3' Jalen Hood-Schifino
Northside Christian (Charlotte)

Already standing 6'3', Hood-Schifino is a true point guard. He is the other player invited to the USA mini-camp in October. His feel and his poise are what sets him apart from all others. He has such a great feel for the game, a feel for making the game easy for himself and everyone around him. Hood-Schifino is the nephew of West Virginia great Drew Schifino and he is carrying the basketball lineage high.

6'10' Christian Reeves
Providence Day (Charlotte)

In looking at Reeves it is all upside, and boy is that upside there. Still a little awkward and thin, there are flashes of brilliance each time you watch him. He has great hands and easy touch with range. As he continues to get used to his size and gains strength he could stretch out to be a true seven-footer. With athleticism and touch and the ability to run, there is so much to like here. Keep close tabs.

6'4' Freddie Dillione
Trinity Christian (Fayetteville)

Dillione can flat out score the ball. Against all comers, he is unafraid and has the ability to his spots off the bounce. Dillione played varsity last season for NCISAA 1A state champion Trinity Christian. Every day in practice going against Duke signee Joey Baker, Pittsburgh signee Audiese Toney and Providence commit Greg Gantt, Dillione had no option other than to compete. Consider him next in line at Trinity Christian, a long line of proven success.