The action is cracking in Spartanburg and I’m here to bring you the latest from some early morning and afternoon standouts. This list is composed of players of multiple classes and positions, that stood out for various reasons, take a dive into my early takeaways and some names you may want to keep an eye on.
6’6 2022 Jonah Nesmith (CF Elite)- Nesmith is a very intriguing prospect with a capable foundation to build upon. Nesmith was all over the court for CF Elite, due to a lack of size he saw some action in the post, and was relied upon in the rebounding effort. The more I saw of Nesmith the more his game continued to expand, he’s a lengthy 6’6 and it only takes a couple dribbles for him to get to the cup and he can extend over the defense. Nesmith will need to sharpen his handle to reach his full potential on the wing, but at this stage he’s able to put it on the floor. Nesmith is extremely mobile, and he can really stroke the three ball. Defensively the length Nesmith boasts can cause all kinds of disruptions in the passing lane, he’s got good natural timing and can legitimately guard multiple spots.
6’3 2021 Kenny Noland (Papa Pete’s Patriots)- Noland could be in for a major senior season if he carries this momentum into the season. Noland has good size and build for the point guard position, he can bully past smaller guards or blow by bigger defenders. Noland touched the paint whenever he desired today he’s got a nice blend of explosiveness and ball skills to keep defenders at bay, especially in the open floor. Noland is most effective pushing the rock in space, he’s a tough cover and can finish through contact. Noland has a reliable jumper and he gets a nice lift on his shot, Noland sees the floor well and he can be a guy that makes things easier for guys around him. Noland has a good grasp of the game, and he is a physical defender
5’11 2023 Kyre Bishop (EA Prep Addidas)- Bishop had one of the best single handed scoring performances of the entire day on Saturday. Bishop exploded for 38 points in a barn burner for EA Prep. Bishop scored the rock from all three levels, and got what he wanted at the cup. Bishop was a tough cover, his change of pace and direction caused problems, Bishop also displayed some impressive body control avoiding willing shot blockers with mid air adjustments on several finishes. Bishop also connected on a pair of three point field goals and made the most of his trips to the line. Bishop took it right into the teeth of the defense and gave the opposition no choice but to foul him. Bishop is also an extremely active rebounder at the guard position, he gets off the ground quick and uses his vertical to sky over the big boys for boards. Bishop earned his side some crucial extra possessions, he plays bigger than listed.
5’7 2025 Austin Moran (CLT1)- Moran is guy that continued to elevate his play and the level of competition heightened, Moran was on a good CLT1 National squad, this group moves the basketball all over until they find the right shot. Moran made plenty of shots from all over the floor, Moran is a sniper from deep and he forced defenses to run him off the line, but you have to pick your poison because he has the running floater in the bag. Moran also showed some stop and pop capability that kept defenders off balance, he showed toughness Moran took some tough bumps but he always got back up and kept fighting. Moran makes the smart play routinely, he’s got an advanced feel for the game at an early age, he understands the importance of ball movement and spacing on offense. Moran is a scrappy defender also and takes coaching well.
6’4 2023 Christopher Parker (Upward Stars)- Parker is an absolute man child, sometimes it doesn’t even look fair how he impacts the game on both ends. Parker is built like a defensive end with the mobility of a running back. Parker could rely solely on athleticism at this stage, there aren’t many 15 year olds than can keep Parker out the lane, he can go both ways and finish through the defense. Parker packages that raw athleticism with ball skills, he can bring the ball up, post up, and extend the defense with his shot making ability from the perimeter. Parker is a monster in the paint but he’s not limited there on either end of the floor, Parker has a non stop motor and he competes every time out. Parker has that dog in him, he’s a guy any coach would love to go into battle with, Parker will absolutely be a prospect to monitor in the Palmetto state over the next several years.