Standing the test of time, the 15th Annual NC Junior Phenom camp took place Saturday, March 2nd at Proehlific Park in Greensboro, North Carolina. As usual, the event enjoyed a wealth of talent especially at the 2023 and 2024. In today’s issue, we are going to look at the FIVE FAB from the 2023 class.
No. 48 5’10 2023 William Ottom (Daniels Middle School, Raleigh, NC)
What’s not to like about a high cerebral, fundamentally sound IQ player that simply knows how to make winning plays. Otto showcased the ability to score from all three levels, processed advanced ball handling and passing skills, and the ability to score with ease. The game comes easy and effortly to the highly skilled guard. In the three camp games, Otto was extremely efficient in his ability to score as he averaged 19.7 PPG for the three games.
No. 75 6’4 2023 William “Dice” Royster (Wesleyan Christian Academy, Greensboro, NC)
Talk about upside and potential. Standing a lengthy 6’4, William “Dice” Royster has a unique blend of athleticism and skill set that is advanced for his age/grade. More importantly, we were impressed with his ability to run the floor. He’s very smooth and fluid in the open court and can also score from all three levels, not to mention the ability to knock down an occasional 3-pointer. Royster averaged 17 PPG.
No. 60 6’0 2023 Sam Walters (Alexander Middle School, Charlotte, NC)
As the old saying goes, “Shooters translate at every level” and one thing is crystal clear, Sam Walters can flat out shoot the cover off the ball, not to mention he has excellent shooting mechanics and outstanding range. What’s even more important, Walters scores from the framework of the offense. He’s highly efficient and rarely forces or tries to manufacture his own shot. In addition, we were highly impressed with his poise, maturity and overall understanding of the game. Walters averaged 16 PPG.
No. 34 5’7 2023 Etienne Strothers (Gildersleeve Middle School, Newport News, VA)
Talk about one smooth operator! Etienne Strothers is a quick on quick scoring guard, that has a nifty blend of athleticism, advanced skill set, high basketball IQ and just a terrific presence on the court. Strothers has the ball on a string, has excellent ball speed with the dribble, outstanding court vision and can create scoring opportunities for his teammates or can it upon himself to score from all three levels on the court. Strothers averaged 16 PPG.
No. 64 6’1 2023 Demarion Workman (Aycock Middle School, Greensboro, NC)
Talk about playing with passion and purpose. Demarion Workman impressed us with his “workmanlike” approach to the game, not to mention a high motor. He’s super athletic, aggressive and plays with a sense of urgency that is not often found at his age/grade. Workman has really good anticipation for securing rebounds on both ends of the court. Workman averaged 15 PPG and did so by scoring a majority of points off pure hustle and determination.