Player: Caleb Nixon
Class: 2027
Height: 6’5
School: Kings Mountain
Playoff Time in North Carolina creates so many stories, whether it is with stars showing out, new names performing to another level, or teams on a magical ride. Those last two statements could be summed up with the play of 2027 6’5 Caleb Nixon and King Mountain, who as a 12th seed has found themselves in the Final Four of the NCHSAA playoffs.
Nixon has been a huge reason for that success, not just as of late but for much of the season as I have said he is a sneaky prospect to watch out for in the Class of 2027. He is proving that in the brightest of lights as of late.
Just over a month ago, when we had Kings Mountain at a Phenom Hoops event, Patrick O’Brien had this to say about Nixon with an updated viewing:
“Nixon is a player who has had a unique road, as he was a name early on to watch for many, but has had to battle a tough injury that sidelined him for quite some time. He returned and played this past season with Upward Stars, where he was able to remind coaches of his game and has now been putting that on full display this high school season. Watching him this past weekend, Nixon reminded everyone that he can be a key piece and should have the attention of D1 colleges around the region. He checks off boxes with his size and skill set, and certainly brings a game that programs could use from a variety of levels. Again, he missed an entire season due to injury, so having him back and showcasing his game like he has so far has been quite impressive. Nixon, though, provides a good scoring presence on the court, especially with his confidence and ability to stretch the floor, get to his spots, and knock down shots from behind the arc and mid-range with confidence. He displays composure and a fluid release, yet he is not a finished product and has room for growth.”
This junior has thrived throughout this season and clearly has helped put this team on his shoulders to help Kings Mountain make this magical run. Just recently, going up against one of the top teams and top-seeded Ben L. Smith, Nixon came up big with 18 of his 21 points in the second half. And on the season, Nixon has been averaging 20.6ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, and shooting nearly 40 percent from the floor. He brings size, shot-making, and scoring ability to the team and has truly shone even more late into the season.
Now, Nixon has picked up a new D1 offer from Campbell, but this should be just the start for this young man, as we will say it again… 2027 6’5 Caleb Nixon is a clear underrated prospect in NC that D1 coaches need to watch more.