By: DeAjai Dawkins
2025 Jamier Rice (Durham Hurricanes)
I love when I get the opportunity to watch point guards that operate years ahead of their respective age group. It’s one thing to see this quality in wings & big men, but a guard playing with an older mentality usually means that they have a set of traits they perform at an elite level. Jamier Rice possesses an elite set of traits that would make him valuable at a competitive high school level, as a current 8th grader. Rice can break down his defender with a series of dribble combinations that flow naturally. Penetrating the lane is where Rice shines because of his ability to make quick decisions at a moment’s notice. He has above average court vision with the ability to execute flashy passes without turning the ball over. Jamier also fulfilled the role of his team’s leading scorer this weekend, being able to impact the offensive side of the ball from all 3 levels.
2024 Lewis Walker (NC Rim Runners)
Coaches often preach the value of a player’s mannerisms and consistent habits; unfortunately these preachings often go unheard. The keyword is often, as there are a select few players that have committed themselves to doing the small things in order to make a positive impact. Lewis Walker is a positive spark both on and off the court; possessing a positive attitude and winning smile. Lewis also stands at 6’5 with a solid, strong frame that most people attribute to a background in football. That size allows him to absolutely pummel interior defenders, as well as add a rebounding threat to a team that already boasts so many. The most impressive element of Lewis’ game is actually one I didn’t notice until my second day evaluating him. When locked in, Lewis runs the floor exceptionally in transition. With his strength, it’s impossible for a guard to provide any relief on fastbreaks when Walker is attacking the rim. He may not even realize the advantage this gives his team, but it may resonate once coaches start reaching out.
2024 Jaxon Prunty (Team Magic)
Jaxon Prunty is a prospect I’ve actually evaluated once before, that impresses me consistent enough to earn a write up every game. Of course, that wouldn’t be fair at all, but today I had to name Jaxon Prunty as one of my Championship Sunday standouts due to how his renowned versatility. Jaxon is a positionless talent that can assert himself in any role asked of him by a coach at his current age. For his Davidson Day team, he will likely fulfill a guard-like role due to his exceptional IQ and ability to distribute the ball. Prunty possesses a soft touch around the basket that requires defenders to pay strict attention to his floaters and mid-range shot. His length also allows him to lock in on the defensive end and create turnovers off pass deflections. Coaches should be and will be, absolutely salivating over the traits that Jaxon possesses. I am so excited to see how these traits develop at the high school level, as Jaxon Prunty is truly a name the state needs to become familiar with.
2023 Dallas Gardner (CB Hoops)
Dallas impressed me every time I saw CB Hoops play. His physical stature and approach to the game are very easy to pick up on immediately, but it’s his consistency that maintains that attention. I rarely label underclassmen as a three-level scorer, but Dallas truly shows that potential. I believe that there’s a certain level of consistency a player has to show from all three levels before I can commit to that label, but once a player has shown that ability I cannot deny it. Gardner’s shot form is developing and his release is traditionally appealing. His slashing has been consistent and when he’s attacking the basket he’s great at using his off-hand and angles to get easy looks at the rim. Dallas plats the game maturely for a 10th grader, and this should continue to show.
2024 Zion Wells (Durham Hurricanes)
I find it so refreshing to see young point guards still devoting themselves to the traditional characteristics associated with the position. Zion Wells plays with the mentality that everyone can score, so he makes it a habit to perform with stellar precision in other areas of his game. For example, Zion is an exceptional on-ball defender at his position and can take on the challenge of defending an opponent’s most talented guard. His court vision is a noteworthy element of his game and that’s evident in the way he keeps his head up and on a swivel in transition. He’s working on his vocal presence and that leadership will carry over well as he matures. I think Zion Wells possesses the maturity and knowledge to allow his game itself to blossom naturally.