Team 1
Coach: Derrick Partee
#1: 5’10 ’20 Dylan Blake of First Flight (Kill Devil Hills)
Starting things off, we look at a player that shouldn’t be judged by his size, because he dominants those that do, Dylan Blake. He’s a lead guard with the ability to play off-ball quite well, as his shooting ability stretches the floor. Offensively, Blake is a lethal shooter with extremely deep range; he is crafty and has the ability to create shots for himself and others quite well. On the other end, Blake can guard players of his size supremely well; he has great position and IQ on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is just continuing to add strength, as he has all the makings of being a special player. Coach Partee on Blake: “Dylan is a great catch and shoot player; he consistently knocks down shots when given the opportunity. I liked his basketball IQ but he needs to get stronger in order to defend bigger players.” Blake is still under the radar, but coaches will fall in love with his game as he continues to show that he will get it done, regardless of size. Keep your eye on Blake, especially as he heads into his first summer season since entering high school.
#25: 6’1 ’20 Jake Ledbetter of Ledford (High Point)
Next, we look at a player that should expect to see a major rise in his stock after his Phenom 150 and NCTop 80 performances, Jake Ledbetter. He’s a big-time shooter that can be found at the off-guard, though he can play as the secondary ball handler if needed. Offensively, Ledbetter is a deadeye shooter (from anywhere) with a quick trigger; he spaces the floor incredibly well and forces the opposition to respect him. However, he is not just a shooter, as he’s proven able to create opportunities for teammates in situations that allow him to play as the lead ball handler. Next in his development process is continuing to improve his ability on the defensive side of the ball; he’s a solid defender but has the potential to be really good. Coach Partee on Ledbetter: “Jake is one of the best shooters in the state of North Carolina. His range is truly unlimited and getting him the ball is a must when he’s open. Jake showed the ability to shoot off the dribble and create well for teammates.” Ledbetter was among the best players at 150 Camp and proved that he belonged at the Top 80 after his performance for Team 1.
#26: 6’1 ’19 Shykeim Phillips of South Central (Winterville)
Moving onto a player whose team-first mindset was evident from the opening tip of camp, Shykeim Phillips. He’s a lead guard that controls the tempo on both sides of the ball with his pace and decision-making. Offensively, Phillips is a great distributor and creates well off the dribble, allowing him an easy pass or pull-up jumper. On the other end, he’s shown the ability to be a solid defender but needs to be more consistent on that side of the ball. Next in his development process is to work on his movement without he ball, as it would allow him to play off-ball much easier. Coach Partee on Phillips: “Shykeim was a nice guard for us throughout camp; he displayed the ability to make the 13-foot pull-up on a consistent basis. He made the right decisions most of the day. Shykeim has good vision and nice ball handling, making for a solid lead guard. I would like to see him be more aggressive.” Phillips was able to showcase his skills on both side of the ball and a tab should be kept on him going into summer play.
#48: 6’3 ’18 MJ Armstrong of Gaston Day (Gastonia)
Continuing onto a player whose offensive arsenal was among the most deadly at camp, MJ Armstrong. He’s a lead guard that can easily slide off-ball and be just as lethal, especially given his strong-bodied frame. Offensively, Armstrong is a definite three-level scorer with deep range and phenomenal finishing ability; he has a tight handle and uses it to blow by defenders when getting into the paint. Opposing players struggle to hang with Armstrong because of his super deep range and lightning-quick first step, a combination that easily causes problems; he averaged 10.3 PPG during camp. Next in his development process is using his high IQ and athleticism to dominate on defense like he does on offense. Coach Partee on Armstrong: “MJ was one of the biggest enigmas of the day. At times he looked like the best athlete in camp; he has a pretty release, nice touch, explosive athleticism, strong frame all while being a great passer. At other times, it felt like his presence faded in and out.” Armstrong is already a terrific player but he can be even better and will be one to watch going into summer, expect him to pick up a bundle of offers sooner than later.
#50: 6’3 ’18 Tomas Butkus of Rabun Gap (Rabun Gap)
Next, we look at a player that has emerged as a popular name on the Phenom radar as of late, Tomas Butkus. He’s a lead guard that initially caught our eye as a great facilitator, but at Top 80 camp he honed his ability as one of the best 3-and-D players. Offensively, he looks to make the right play constantly and knocks down shots, especially from three, with great efficiency. On the other end, Butkus proved to be a fantastic defender, mirroring his opponent at all times and leaving them with zero airspace to operate. His quick feet movement and basketball IQ are quite evident on the defensive end. Next in his development process is working on his ability to get into the paint off the dribble, as it would make him a lethal offensive player. Coach Partee on Butkus: “Tomas made open three-pointers all day; he was the best on-ball defender on this team. He talked and communicated all games and showed off great leadership qualities on and off the floor.” Butkus has seen a rise in his stock over these last few weeks and will only continue to trend upward if he keeps playing at such a high level.
#72: 6’5 ’20 Christian Bailey of Statesville Christian (Statesville)
Moving onto a player whose best basketball is ahead of him, likely in the near future, Christian Bailey. He’s a long-bodied forward with huge leaping ability, able to rise up or finish over opposing defenders. Offensively, Bailey gets most of his points around the basket, whether by rebounds or clever off-ball movement leading to easy buckets. On the other end, he uses his length and quickness to his advantage, swiping opponents’ handle and shot attempts away fairly often. Next in his development process is expanding the range of his jump shot, as it would allow his offensive game to reach new heights. Coach Partee on Bailey: “Christian hustled all day and made his presence felt in transition; he ran the court well and finished frequently around the basket. He was able to show off his athleticism often, especially on the fast break. Needs to tighten his handle going forward.” Bailey is young and has already been productive as a freshman, but he should only get better going forward. He will be an even more intriguing prospect sooner than later, keep him on your radar.
#73: 6’5 ’18 Kenyon Burt of Garner (Garner)
Continuing onto a player that is simply immovable around the basket, refusing to pass up a single rebounding opportunity, Kenyon Burt. He’s a power forward, but don’t let his size fool you, as he will dominate bigger/stronger players like he’s done countless times in the past. Burt is a high-motor player and his “take no prisoners” approach really sets him apart from similar prospects. He plays with more heart and relentlessness in each possession than some players put forth in an entire season. Most of his scoring comes by way of filling the lane and putbacks on offensive rebounds, which is fine since he always finds his way into double digits, like he did at camp, averaging 15 PPG. Burt is a fantastic all-around defender and knows how to simply smother opponents at all times. Next in his development process is continuing to work on his jump shot, as a midrange jumper would do wonders for his scoring potential. Coach Partee on Burt: “Kenyon has an incredibly high motor and is full of energy. He ran the floor well and is a quality ball handler. Not sure of his position, as he’s more of a hybrid player. Kenyon can guard multiple positions really well.” There’s no doubt that we will see Burt again; he’s a special player with loads of talent and should see a huge rise in his recruitment once college programs realize that.
#84: 6’6 ’19 Imaje Dodd of Greene Central (Walstonburg)
Next, we look at a player that lives above the rim on both ends of the floor and is much bigger than his size reveals, Imaje Dodd. He’s a big man that isn’t done growing in stature or on the court. Offensively, he has great positioning and shows nice touch out to the elbows, but it’s his ferocious dunking ability that wins over the spectators. Dodd is a flier, looking to throw down anything possible and was the recipient of many alley-oops; he’s already a next-level rebounder that causes problems around the basket. He averaged 13.7 PPG during camp. On the defensive end, Dodd is a nice interior defender and gets a ton of blocks on weak side rotations. Next in his development process is continuing to work on his shot around the elbows and hone his skillset, as he is already emerging as a top player in his class. Coach Partee on Dodd: “Imaje is an explosive player, especially so when blocking shots. He showed great athleticism throughout the day, dunking ally-oops and putbacks with great force. His 15-foot shot looked fluid. Imaje plays hard on both ends of the court and rebounds the ball above the rim. Once again, the key word with him is: explosive!” Dodd is an extremely intriguing player and college coaches will be breaking down his door sooner than later.
#93: 6’6 ’19 Shawn Walker of Wesleyan Christian (Elizabeth City)
Moving onto a player whose all-around game is already built for the next level and he’s just coming off his sophomore season, Shawn Walker. He’s a long wing that can cover multiple positions extremely well on both sides of the floor. Offensively, he’s a three-level scorer that displays a great understanding for the game, always paying close attention to spacing and looking to play whatever role most benefits the team. On the other end, Walker has proven able to cause problems across three positions and does a terrific job forcing turnovers off-ball. Next in his development process is continuing to hone his defensive ability, as he will be dominant once the defense catches up to his offense. Coach Partee on Walker: “Shawn is a good all-around player. He showed the ability to score wherever he wants with a nice handle and solid length. He needs to get stronger but certainly has the intangibles to be a high quality player.” Walker already plays a key role for Wesleyan team that always seems to be in contention for a state championship. He averaged a very nice 18.7 PPG during camp and will definitely be one to watch as we enter summer, as he has a chance to see a rise in his stock.
#109: 6’8 ’18 Kris Monroe of St. David’s (Raleigh)
Finishing up with a player that is already near the top of his class and will only continue to project upward, Kris Monroe. He’s an explosive wing that can simply do it all on either end of the floor. Offensively, he’s a three-level scorer that punishes opponents however he chooses; opposing defenses must respect his jumper or else he will rise, if they closeout too hard, he will soar to the rim. Monroe’s ability to create and distribute to teammates is key because it allows him to slide into a ball-dominant role whenever needed. He averaged 13 PPG during camp. Defensively, he is still improving but currently relies on his athletic gifts to ease his load. Next in his development process is working on his off-ball movement, as his shooting ability would make him a dangerous floor spacer that defenses would be forced to respect. Coach Partee on Monroe: “Kris had to be one of the best players in camp. At his size with his ball handling and ability to score on all three levels makes him a top tier player in North Carolina. He can play multiple positions well on both sides of the court, is a must-see.” Monroe is already a well-known player but his name should become even more popular with his strong play heading into summer ball.