Team 6
Coach: Jake Senyo
#39:'6'0 '19 Mahdiy Trotman (Dudley High School)
Starting things off, we look at a player that showcased a useful, well-balanced skillset at camp, Mahdiy Trotman. He's a strong, smart guard prospect that possesses sharp quickness and penetration skills. Trotman did an excellent job of getting downhill, attacking the basket, and finishing strong through contact. He proved to be a willing passer that would make plays for open teammates whenever possible. 'Trotman shot the ball well from beyond the arc and contained his assignment well on defense. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to score more frequently from off-ball cuts. Coach Senyo on Trotman: 'Mahdiy is a strong guard with a quick first step. He's a very smart player on both ends of the court. He can finish strong at the rim.' Trotman has a lot of tools and competes well with his teammates, which could make him an excellent late addition for the right program.
#63:'5'9 '23 Elijah Calhoun (Paisley Middle School)
Next, we look at a player that really stood out with his ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter, Elijah Calhoun. He's a young, somewhat unassuming guard prospect that proved to be a killer with his spot-up ability. Calhoun moves very well without the ball to set himself up, but can also handle the ball and create for others when necessary. He doesn't force the action and understands how to make his presence consistently felt on offense. Next in his development process is working on his ability to attack and finish, as it would complement his smooth shooting incredibly well. Coach Senyo on Calhoun: 'Elijah could be one of the best spot-up shooters at the camp. He has great shooting mechanics and a quick release. He was also able to get to the basket with quality ball-fakes.' Calhoun might possibly be a contributor from the moment he steps on a high school campus, given his exceptional shooting abilities.
#80:'5'11 '22 Jondale Stanley Jr. (Northwest Guilford High School)
Moving onto a player that possesses an excellent crossroads between production and two-way upside, Jondale Stanley Jr. He's a young, wiry guard prospect that consistently stood out with his ability to shoot the ball from midrange and beyond the arc. Stanley typically works without the ball but is capable of creating for himself or others in a pinch. He's an excellent spot-up threat that knows how to move without the ball and properly position himself. Stanley is deceptively quick and could become a really useful penetrator with continued work. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it would make him a much more reliable finisher. Coach Senyo on Stanley: 'Jondale excels in transition. He did a great job on defense today, making his opponents turn the ball over multiple times. He has a nice shooting stroke and hits midrange shots consistently.' Stanley enjoyed a terrific showing at camp and has all the necessary tools to become a quality contributor sooner than later for Northwest Guilford.
#81:'6'0 '22 Jordan Kasongo (Olympic High School)
Continuing onto a player that was arguably one of the most well-rounded performers on this team, Jordan Kasongo. He's a smart, team-first guard prospect that operates extremely well within the team concept and displays no real weaknesses. Kasongo offers great offensive balance with his ability to handle, pass, shoot, and penetrate, but also contains his assignment at an excellent rate on the defensive end. He's a willing passer that looks to make the right play at every opportunity. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to score more frequently from off-ball cutting. Coach Senyo on Kasongo: 'Jordan has a complete game. He has an array of dribble moves that create space. He is a very consistent shooter. I would like to see him be more aggressive offensively.' Kasongo is a very appealing prospect that should only continue to get better. Expect him to become a noteworthy contributor at Olympic within the next calendar year.
#84:'6'0 '20 Brandon Yenco (Chapin High School)
Next, we look at a player that made a strong impression with his toughness and relentlessness, Brandon Yenco. He's a slightly undersized, strong-bodied forward prospect that stood out nicely for his ability to rebound the ball on both ends of the floor. Yenco proved to be a solid defender that could switch and contain multiple positions effectively. He displayed quality footwork in the post and was able to score multiple times on second-chance opportunities. Yenco played with a high motor and looked to wreak havoc whenever possible. Next in his development process is working on establishing a go-to scoring avenue, as it would make him a more reliable offensive threat. Coach Senyo on Yenco: 'Brandon will surprise you with good moves inside and his toughness on defense. He seemed to be in the right spot most of the day for easy shots inside.' Yenco worked hard during his time at camp and should continue working to maximize his two-way abilities.
#85:'6'0 '21 Aavanth Ezhilan (Mooresville High School)
Moving onto a player that highlighted a very smooth and unselfish approach to the game, Aavanth Ezhilan. He's a smart, wiry guard prospect that can operate effectively with or without the ball in his hands. Ezhilan handles the ball well and does a nice job of creating off the bounce, both for himself and others. He possesses a reliable perimeter stroke, but also knows how to make plays within the paint. Ezhilan is a calm, steady presence that works hard on the glass and contains his defensive assignment nicely. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it'll allow him to be a more physical defender and rebounder. Coach Senyo on Ezhilan: 'Aavanth is very smooth with the ball in his hands. He has great vision. He has very nice touch on the ball with a quick first step. He is well-polished and overall has a very nice game.' Ezhilan has a very smooth skillset and should quickly emerge as a quality contributor during his upcoming junior season.
#107:'6'2 '22 LeBron Thomas (Lee Central High School)
Continuing onto a player that continues to be nothing short of dominant on both sides of the ball, LeBron Thomas. He's a young, intelligent point guard prospect with high-level vision and the ability to lead by example. Thomas is a brilliant passer that always looks to set his teammates up for easy buckets. He is so crafty with the ball in his hands and can truly control the offensive action. Thomas is incredibly tenacious on defense and rebounds as well as any guard in the gym, which leads to easy transition play. Next in his development process is continuing to work on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it will make him truly unstoppable on offense. Coach Senyo on Thomas: 'LeBron is completely unstoppable when penetrating to the rim. He is very confident with the ball in his hands and displays a strong downhill approach to his game. He works great off the screen and makes excellent decisions with the ball.' Thomas is unbelievably talented and was unsurprisingly named MVP from the Class of 2022, which should only put more folks on notice going forward.
#124:'6'4 '21 Turner Pinson (Grimsley High School)
Next, we look at a player that brought a lot of intrigue with his skillset and overall approach, Turner Pinson. He's a wiry, long-bodied forward prospect that does a little bit of everything. Pinson is a nice offensive threat, given his ability to finish, work the two-man game, and shoot the ball efficiently, especially for his size. Pinson plays hard and was able to outwork many bigger/stronger opponents for rebounds on either end of the floor. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Senyo on Pinson: 'Turner can jump out of the gym. He has a well-balanced game. He can shoot, drive, and defend. He didn't force anything and constantly got open shots for his teammates. He was able to play multiple positions on the court.' Pinson proved to be a solid mismatch during camp and should be able to emerge as a useful contributor next season for Grimsley.
#135:'6'7 '20 Zach Shumate (High Point Christian Academy)
Finishing up, we look at a player that truly encompasses what it means to have a team-first mentality, Zach Shumate. He's a tough, gritty post prospect that has continually gotten better and expanded all facets of his game over the years. Shumate is known for his motor, rebounding poise, and unparalleled blue-collar approach, but now offers an incredibly reliable offensive threat. He's grown as a post scorer, but the ascension of his perimeter jumper has been nothing short of spectacular. Shumate is the type of guy that every coach should want on their team. Next in his development process is working on his ability to handle the ball, as it would give him a pretty complete two-way skillset. Coach Senyo on Shumate: 'Zach instantly made the players around him better. He can do it all. I was mostly impressed with his IQ and passing ability. His scoring ability is achieved from all three levels. Zach had some thunderous dunks today.' Shumate is one of the best, most relentless teammates around, which allow him to secure Mr. Hustle award in relatively easy fashion.