6’0 ’26 Kam Lawson (Oak Hill)
There are a ton of talented pieces within the Oak Hill roster, including Kam Lawson and his high-level ability to run a team. He’s an incredibly smart, unselfish floor general with phenomenal pace, vision, and playmaking instincts. Lawson possesses a tight handle and quick first step, which allows him to effortlessly break down opponents and touch the paint basically whenever he wants. He displays a clear emphasis on collapsing the defense and putting his teammates in favorable scoring positions, and doesn’t need to score to impact a game. Lawson sees the floor extremely well as a passer. He also provides a tough, pesky defensive presence and useful rebounding ability for his size/position. After looking at his offer sheet, Lawson legitimately might be one of the more under-recruited prospects in the country.
6’4 ’27 LJ Smith (Oak Hill)
It was an expected homecoming showing for the former Wolverine, as LJ Smith put on a polished scoring display. He applied his usual amount of scoring pressure from all levels, showing the ability to attack the basket and heat up from distance, and displayed efficiency from start to finish. Smith is capable of creating his own shot, but knows how to find success as a cutter and spot-up threat. He anticipates well to force turnovers defensively and secures rebounds at a quality rate, where he’s able to push the break in transition. Smith knows how to make it look easy.
6’3 ’26 Josiah Guyton (Lincolnton)
Following the departure of the entry above, it allowed Josiah Guyton to take a massive leap forward. Already quietly making noise as one of the most productive players in North Carolina, he’s only continued to shine as a leader for this group. Guyton is long, wiry, and consistently finds ways to involve himself in the action. He mixes it up well as a scorer. Guyton is a reliable penetrator and shooting threat who attacks the rim effectively in transition. He utilizes his length really well to block shots and force turnovers defensively. Guyton is also a capable rebounder. He should have more action within his recruitment.
6’3 ’26 Luca Sarnowska (Calvary Day)
Given his unmatched motor and infectious energy, it’s impossible to say anything other than positives about what Luca Sarnowska brings to a team. It might seem perplexing at first glance, but players truly feed off his unique approach to the game. Sarnowska is a very tough, physical wing with an adaptable skillset and the ability to defend and rebound bigger than his size. He simply knows how to outwork opponents for extra possessions on both ends of the floor. Sarnowska is the first guy to dive for a loose ball, chase a rebound, or embrace the undesirable assignment. Add in his well-rounded offensive identity, and it’s easy to see all the ways he impacts a game.
6’2 ’29 Ava Powell (Hickory)
Rounding out this group, there’s already so much to like about Ava Powell at this stage in her development. Only a freshman, she clearly has the makings of an advanced player. Powell immediately stands out due to her size, fluidity, and general instincts on both ends of the floor. She possesses a high motor and natural nose for the ball, which allows her to dominate the glass and anchor the paint extremely well defensively. Powell finishes well around the basket or out of the post, but doesn’t need touches to be impactful. Based on her ability and trajectory, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where she isn’t coveted by a ton of programs.