The Ish Smith event brought together competitive matchups and high-level effort across the board, with several prospects stepping up and making their presence felt in meaningful ways. From guards controlling the tempo to versatile forwards impacting the game without the ball, these standouts showcased why they’re names to track moving forward.
2027 Sean Nix (Cannon)
Statement performance with 32 points, all within the flow of the offense. Scored off the catch and bounce, finished through traffic, and impacted the game with his effort. A performance that should draw next-level attention.
2027 Parker Watkins (Central Cabarrus)
Constant offensive threat from all three levels. Attacked downhill, hit pull-ups, got to the line, and used his size effectively against other guards. 31 points in a variety of ways, good perimeter size and comfortable on or off the ball. Will be one of the best scorers in Cabarrus County for the next couple years.
2027 Cooper Perkins (Mount Pleasant)
Strong perimeter size and plays at his own pace. Attacked the basket with force, rebounded with intensity, and competed on both ends. Physical guard who embraces contact. Reached the 1,000 point mark this weekend, strong downhill scorer with a good set shot.
2027 Jaidiah Blake (Terry Sanford)
Blake was a bright spot for Terry Sanford, showcasing good perimeter size and versatility. She handled the ball well, played effectively off the ball, and used her strength to dominate smaller opponents in the post. Her instincts jumping passing lanes, rebounding, and overall effort helped swing momentum in key stretches.
2027 Lenise Joseph (North Meck)
Joseph had her fingerprints all over the first half, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds through two quarters. She played with aggression around the rim, showed multiple ways to score, and consistently contributed defensively. Her physical presence and activity level allowed her to impact the game in several areas. Finished with 27 points and 17 rebounds in the win over Terry Sanford.