By: Cooper Hart
Chris Uwayo – 2024 – Panther Creek
Uwayo displayed a high skill level in 11am game by operating as a confident combo guard. He finished with 19 points and 7 assists on 5/11 FG and 8/10 FT in their 3rd place game win over First Flight. He’s a smooth and slippery guard that is elite at operating in tight spaces. He is one of the best at playing off balance in the state and his touch around the rim is nothing short of great. Uwayo opened some eyes at the John Wall Invitational and he should be able to carry that momentum into SWAC play.
Mason Hagedorn – 2024 – Combine Academy
Hagedorn hit 5 threes in Combine’s opening round win, a mark that is currently the best for the week. The 2024 prospect led the Goats in scoring with 19, while shooting 6/10 from the field and 5/8 from three. The 6’9” wing has the body to defend post players and has the shot and mobility to score on those same post players. Hagedorn can heat up quickly and I’ve yet to see him not make an impact on the offensive end. He has great footwork and every college coach will be looking for his archetype in the 2024 recruiting cycle.
Jakel Powell – 2023 – Raleigh Christian
Powell was electric in Raleigh Christian’s loss against Word of God. The dynamic guard scored 14 points and hit some impressive shots while being the focal point of the WoG defense for most of the night. He was especially proficient as an outside shooter, going 3/7 from deep on some very difficult attempts. He has great footwork on his shots, allowing him to catch and shoot off the move in a variety of ways. His shot is pretty fluid, with little wasted motion and a release that is clearly comfortable for him. As his consistency continues to improve and his scoring ability stabilizes, look for the interest from D1 programs to increase.
Preston Copeland – 2025 – Raleigh Christian
Copeland shined in Raleigh Christian’s loss to Word of God. The sophomore big man gave the Holy Rams all they could handle inside, using great touch around the rim for layups and also converting multiple dunks. Copeland was RCAs most consistent player today, shooting 7/9 from the field and 4/4 from the line. Copeland has a level of mobility that is seldom seen in prospects similar in age and size. He also has a much-improved touch around the rim, leading to his impressive shooting efficiency today. He also impressed as both a primary and weak side rim protector today, vertically contesting a lot of shots at and around the rim.
Mayar Wol – 2023 – Word of God
The College of Charleston commit was integral to the Holy Rams’ opening-round win, scoring in an efficient manner that didn’t require many touches or dribbles. Wol also showed improvement as a defender, specifically as a weakside rim protector. Given his size and athleticism, being a strong defender, combined with his shooting and mobility, would raise his floor immensely at the next level. He also continues to show off growth in his handle, a trait that I’ve seen improve consistently since the Summer. Being a three-level scorer that can also defend multiple positions isn’t far away in his progression and today showed many positive indicators of that progress.