As the 2025–26 season approaches, several rising seniors are set to elevate their games and put themselves firmly on the radar of college coaches. These prospects bring skill, toughness, and the intangibles that translate well to the next level.
Kobe Edwards – Greenfield
Kobe Edwards has established himself as one of the premier guards in the state. He’s an explosive athlete with the ball in his hands, consistently blowing by defenders and finishing with craft around the rim. Edwards uses excellent body control and strength to absorb contact, scoring through traffic in creative ways. His offensive arsenal continues to grow, making him even more difficult to contain. Beyond scoring, he shows impressive vision and feel in the half-court, consistently making sharp reads and delivering accurate passes. Edwards’ combination of athleticism, skill, and playmaking makes him a dynamic two-way threat with clear next-level potential.
Dionte Neal – Reidsville
Dionte projects as one of the most productive players in North Carolina again this season. A smart, quick-twitch point guard, Neal has the ability to get wherever he wants off the bounce. He’s a reliable shooter with his feet set, crafty enough to finish over length, and applies pressure defensively with his activity. Neal is also a sharp passer who keeps the ball moving while serving as a steady scoring option. With the ball in his hands often, expect him to be a focal point for Reidsville and a tough matchup for opponents all year.
Jkhai McManus-Wade – West Charlotte
Jkhai stands out with his overall physicality and impact on the court. With a strong build, he attacks off the dribble with purpose and thrives at embracing contact, consistently earning trips to the free-throw line while finishing through defenders. His toughness and energy make him a difficult matchup, and his ability to impose his will on both ends turned him into a major X-factor for West Charlotte. McManus Wade’s presence as a true physical force makes him one of the key pieces for his team’s success.
Nick Arnold – Davidson Day
Nick Arnold brings an elite blend of IQ, toughness, and skill to the backcourt. His decision-making is exceptional—he simply doesn’t turn the ball over and consistently makes the right reads within the flow of the game. Defensively, Arnold is in a class of his own as an on-ball defender, using strength and physicality few guards can match. Offensively, he has excellent change of pace and the ability to score at all three levels, all while maintaining poise under pressure. His combination of intelligence, physicality, and skill makes him one of the most dependable and impactful guards in the state.
Jim Gatehouse – South Meck
Jim is a long, skilled, and explosive prospect with excellent positional size. His versatility allows him to create mismatches, as he can score effectively from all three levels while also serving as a capable creator. Gatehouse is a lethal shooter who can space the floor, attack off the bounce, and apply pressure above the rim with his athleticism. Defensively, his size and mobility make him impactful—forcing turnovers, contesting shots, and generating plays in transition. His blend of length, skill, and athleticism makes him a dynamic piece with clear next-level upside.
Adam Grier – Ledford
Well-rounded impact as both a scorer and playmaker. With good size and athleticism at the guard spot, he consistently finds ways to attack the rim—finishing through contact or drawing fouls—while also creating opportunities for teammates within the flow of the offense. rier showed balance by knocking down multiple midrange jumpers, though his preference is to attack or set others up. On the defensive end, he uses his physicality to contain opposing guards, force turnovers, and make his presence felt on the glass.
Terrance Badio – Butler
Terrance is a dynamic scoring option who consistently applies pressure on defenses. He can attack off the bounce, create for himself, and finish inside while also posing a threat from the perimeter. His relentless athleticism allows him to score efficiently across all three levels. His defensive instincts, he uses his quickness and energy to disrupt opponents and create opportunities in transition. With his blend of athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive presence, he stands out as a well-rounded guard capable of impacting the game in numerous ways.