Rock Hill, SC-The competition was intense, some kids came in boasting big reputations and lived up to the hype, others came in unknown and got the exposure needed to potentially elevate their recruiting stocks.
6’3 2024 Zion Collins (Team Trez) – Collins was one of the top performers regardless of age I saw all weekend, he got anything he wanted on the court. In one contest Collins dropped off a 37 piece. Collins is much more advanced skills-wise than many of his peers. He fought through double and sometimes triple teams on Sunday and earned a plethora of really tough buckets. One on one at this stage, forget about it; if you don’t game plan for Collins you better get your popcorn ready cause it will be showtime. Collins can already create separation with ease and I’m not sure there is a shot he isn’t comfortable taking. Collins has a chance to be the top player in this NC class and a name on the national radar in the next couple of years.
6’4 Daniel Labumba (Charlotte Supreme) – Arguably one of the top potential stock risers in my opinion, Labumba had a very productive weekend. Labumba came up clutch in some big moments for Charlotte Supreme, he shot the rock lights out from deep. Labumba can make shots off the bounce, and he’s a knockdown spot-up shooter. Labumba also took on the challenge of guarding some of the top scorers at the event, he’s a dog on both ends and has a nonstop motor. Labumba logged in a lot of minutes over the weekend, his rebounding may be an overlooked strength. Labumba came up with some big rebounds and earned some key extra possessions for his side in clutch moments.
5’11 2021 Evan Presnell (Upward Stars 704) Plays with big-time flair, and with a genuine love for the game. Presnell had the rock on the string when I saw Upward 704 in action, he’s got a quick compact crossover, Presnell found buckets within the floor of the offense. Presnell is a crafty finisher around the cup and a consistent shot-maker. Presnell can light it up if defenses are caught with their hands down, Presnell is also capable of running a team, and getting others involved. Regional D2’s should take a look, Presnell has a polished game and guys seem to love playing with him.
6’6 ’23 Ashton Troutman (Carolina Stars Elite) – impressed in flashes, Troutman is a long 6’6, he utilized his body well down low, he understands positioning in the early stages. Troutman showed high IQ on a couple of seal offs in the paint that resulted in clean looks, good motor. Troutman fought through early frustration and impacted the game on both ends, the jumper is fluid and he gets nice rotation on the ball, Troutman runs the floor well and will bang on the glass.
5’9 2023 Masaun Bryant (Fayetteville Flash)– came up big for the Fayetteville Flash all weekend, Bryant was one of the quickest guards with the basketball I saw, he plays at a nice controlled pace and he’s a tough cover in isolation. Bryant is a blow by waiting to happen and knows what to do at the cup, but beware as soon as defenses sag off, Bryant connected on 4 attempts from behind the arc in one contest. Bryant is a potential one-man press breaker, not a trait usually highlighted but the kid just dribbled through multiple defenders and made guys look silly.