2026 Nolan Ericson (PSB)
Over the years, the improvement from Ericson can’t go unnoticed, and we believe he will only continue his strong play heading into the upcoming high school season. Ericson brings a toughness and a scrappy nature to the court, but also a true playmaking guard who can be a true weapon. He controls the tempo extremely well, making good reads, attacking the open lanes, facilitating and getting teammates involved, and being a strong scoring option on the court. He does a great job of being able to dictate the offense and be a force, whether he is creating off the bounce for himself or knocking down shots from outside. Again, Ericson has had a great summer and capped it off in front of coaches here at the Summer Havoc
2028 Brody Watkins (DB Elite)
Watkins has been a name we have known for some time now, and every time we watch him, he finds ways to produce in a big way. Scrappy, creative guard that does a great job not only running the offense but also proving to be a strong scorer on the court. Watkins was excellent when watching him operate on the court this weekend, breaking down defenders, attacking off the bounce and getting paint touches, and also knocking down shots from multiple levels with confidence. Watkins displays good quickness and creativity, but I do love how he is able to balance himself as a leader offensively and as a weapon. Watkins has been producing for some time now, and I expect that to only continue heading into the season.
2027 Jesiah Hines (Twin Hoops)
Coming down from Virginia, we were highly intrigued with what Twin Hoops would be bringing to the stage this season, and they didn’t disappoint. Though this was a team that was extremely balanced and played well throughout, Hines was one of the lead guards who produced time after time. A quick, shifty, and creative guard with the ball in his hands, he was able to attack well out in transition and get to the rack time after time, but also gave us flashes of his ability to break down defenders in the halfcourt and hunt for his shot. He was assertive throughout the weekend that understands how to use his speed to his advantage.
2027 Jayden Armstrong (NLPB)
Armstrong is a quick and shifty guard with the ball in his hands. Weaving through defenders, displaying a strong change of direction as well as a burst of speed, Armstrong was able to be that playmaker for his team on the court. He brings a nice balance between facilitating and scoring, attacking off the bounce to set up teammates as well as attacking to get to the basket when the opportunities are there.
2027 Justin Vining (Carolina Pressure)
Vining was really good all throughout the weekend, as he led the way in nearly every game for Carolina Pressure 17u. Vining just knows how to run the show and be an impact guard on the court, displaying strong handles, quick change of direction, terrific speed, and the ability to keep defenders guessing. He runs the offense very effectively and efficiently for his team, making clean reads and setting up others well, but also taking what the defense gives him. Whether it is his ability to break down defenders or run the show, Vining brings strong value to his team and looks to be a sneaky guard to look at down in South Carolina.