6’0 ’21 Khalil Brantley (Mint Hill Lakers)
There should be no disputing the notion that Brantley was the most utterly dominant performer from this contest. He’s a compact guard with quickness, craftiness, and the ability to generate shots (and convert) from anywhere on the floor. Brantley gets downhill whenever he wants, displays great athleticism, and makes a ton of plays in transition.
6’7 ’22 Davis Molnar (Mint Hill Lakers)
It’s easy to see why Division I programs are already getting involved with Molnar, as he has the blend of interior ability and perimeter skill to succeed at a high level. He’s quite skilled and actively looks to take opponents off the bounce. Molnar is an exceptional passer with great length, athleticism, and incredible rebounding prowess. He’s only going to continue getting better for the next few years.
6’9 ’21 Joseph Ferrante (QCAA)
The QCAA roster is full of quality prospects, but Ferrante stood out as their clear focal point throughout this contest. He did a strong amount of everything, from spacing the floor to finishing out of the high post, and was the most productive rebounder on the floor. Ferrante utilized his body well and highlighted impressive passing instincts. Add in his IQ and footwork, and Division I programs should be in heavy pursuit.
6’1 ’21 Callahan Reed (Carolina Riptide)
Though somewhat unassuming, Reed continues to showcase the full arsenal from the guard position. He offers an excellent blend of scoring and playmaking while displaying poise in every facet of the game. Reed shoots the ball at a high clip from the perimeter and seems to be tougher than opponents think. College coaches should be laying groundwork with Reed over the coming months.
6’3 ’22 Quan Peterson (Next Level SC)
It should come as no surprise but Peterson continues to solidify himself as an electric point guard prospect with excellent size and vision. He’s smart, crafty, and does a great job of navigating through traffic with the ball in his hands—able to finish or locate cutting teammates with consistency. Peterson is already a terrific player but should only continue to get better going forward.
6’3 ’22 Leslie Owens (PSB Larkin)
This PSB squad battled from start to finish, and Owens stood out as their clear leader from start to finish. He scored the ball at an efficient clip from all levels while displaying vision and toughness. Owens was great in transition, made quality decisions with the ball, and played hard from start to finish. He has a quality frame for his position and should certainly have a place at the next level.
6’1 ’21 Kavan Horton (Team Vision)
No matter the context or setting, Horton finds a way to make a consistent impact on the game. He’s an energetic, high-motor defender with incredible quickness, positioning, and the ability to mirror his assignment. Horton handles and passes the ball well, which allows him to operate from either backcourt position quite easily. He also scores the ball on all three levels without ever forcing the action. Horton should be a priority for a variety of scholarship-level programs.
5’11 ’21 Isiah Golden (Charlotte Dragons)
There was plenty of talent on this Dragons roster, but Golden still stood out as the primary leader. He’s slightly undersized but extremely smart, tough, and crafty, which allowed him to consistently disrupt his assignment. Golden is a rugged defender with quickness and the ability to force turnovers at a quality rate. He could definitely find a place at the next level.
6’3 ’21 Glenn Bynum Jr. (Mint Hill Lakers)
Some players always find a way to impact the game, and Bynum continues to be one of those guys. His motor sticks out from the opening tip, but his ability to consistently assert himself within the action on both ends of the floor is what makes him so tough for opponents. He finishes well around the basket, knocks down jumpers at a solid rate, and shows a willingness to make hustle plays.
6’7 ’21 Toby Harris (Carolina Flyers)
Though it wasn’t necessarily a dominant showing, Harris should continue to be regarded as one of the more underrated prospects in North Carolina’s Class of 2021. He’s a long, silky-smooth wing/forward prospect with a knockdown perimeter jumper and the ability to score at an efficient rate from anywhere on the floor. Although consistently productive, Harris also does a variety of subtle things to impact the game. Expect Division I coaches to get involved over the coming months.
6’3 ’21 Christian Taylor (Carolina Riptide)
A lot of what the Carolina Riptide do is built through toughness, which Taylor seems to epitomize anytime he takes the court. Few guys can match what he brings to a team, as he’s able to make a lasting two-way impact without even requiring touches. Taylor is a great rebounder with the ability to absorb one hit after another while remaining completely engaged within the action.
6’3 ’20 Robert Nastase (Charlotte Nets)
There’s a lot to like about this Charlotte Nets squad, including the two-way presence of Nastase. He’s somewhat unassuming but understands how to consistently affect the action on both sides of the ball. Nastase is a great shooter and defender that knows how to move without the ball and find opportunities as a cutter. He also plays with a strong motor and is willing to make hustle plays.
6’8 ’21 AJ Hamrick (QCAA)
The long, skilled, athletic forward seems to progress each time he touches the court. Hamrick is in the early stages of blowing up, but still has clear upside remaining. He can attack the basket, stretch the floor, or create for himself or others off the bounce. Hamrick is a nice defender with the understanding of how to utilize his length to disrupt others. Scholarship-level coaches should continue getting involved.
6’5 ’21 Omarion Farrar (Capital City Pacers)
There are a lot of unusual situations within the grassroots scene, but the fact that Farrar soars under the radar despite being incredibly productive is nothing short of perplexing. He does absolutely everything possible to impact the game while standing out as a leader on both sides of the ball. Farrar possesses IQ, great length, toughness, and athleticism, which should ultimately lead to a place at the next level.
6’3 ’20 James Dotson (Rod Howard Select)
Easily one of the most versatile and well-rounded players on this team, Dotson has all the tools to succeed at the next level. He’s skilled, intelligent, and consistently makes plays on both sides of the ball. Dotson is a capable scorer with the ability to create for himself or others, but also highlights great instincts as a cutter, rebounder, and all-around defender. For programs looking for a very useful late addition, Dotson could be the answer.