6’5 Antwan Scott Jr. (New Bern)
Although we haven’t seen a ton of Scott, anyone within the grassroots scene should be informed about him. He’s arguably the top prospect in the eastern part of North Carolina. Scott earns a lot of buzz through his positional size, incredible explosiveness, and ability to wreak havoc on both ends of the floor. He excels in transition but shows the ability to do basically everything on the court. Scott makes a consistent impact on defense while rebounding the ball well for his size and showing dynamic ability off the bounce. Given his array of enticing tools, he will certainly be a prospect to follow closely.
6’3 Tre Roper (Knightdale)
The Knightdale pipeline is quietly one of the most underrated areas in North Carolina, and Roper is yet another highly talented prospect to come through. Already a big, strong guard with a versatile two-way identity, he’s able to pose matchup problems for opponents. Roper is built like a tank and is capable of being physically imposing, but also displays a lot of refinement within his skillset. He’s a great creator with the handle, pace, and scoring polish to operate as a focal point offensively. Roper utilizes his strength well to create advantages for himself. Considering how impactful he already is, it’s easy to see Roper being a quality contributor as a freshman.
6’3 Quantay James (Northern Nash)
Already a long, fluid athlete with a body that appears likely to continue growing, it’s easy to see why James is so intriguing. He offers an impactful two-way identity with a high motor, destructive defensive presence, and strong finishing ability. Between his mobility, explosiveness, and toughness, he’s able to overwhelm opponents without necessarily needing a ton of touches. However, James is more than capable of setting the tone offensively. He regularly finishes above the rim and through contact, but can also knock down midrange jumpers or space the floor from distance. Although he’s still just scratching the surface, James has the tools to be a highly regarded player.