The second annual North Carolina Top 80 was held at Proehlific Park in Greensboro, North Carolina. This event features the top 80 players in the state in the 2018, 2017, and 2016 class. It’s a tremendous platform for players to enhance their resume on a regional and national level. Let’s take a look at the players from each team.
Today, we will take a look at team one coached by Kirk Angel of New Hanover High School in Wilmington and Duane Lewis of North Mecklenburg High School in Huntersville.
5’6 ’17 Jimmy Sanders of Neuse Charter School (Clayton)
What Jimmy Sanders lacks in physical size, he more than makes up with heart and determination. There is one constant in his game, you never have to coach effort! Sanders understand his role on the court and it is to be the floor general. He led the camp in assists and seized the opportunity to showcase his leadership on and off the court. Sanders has excellent court sense and outstanding court vision. The next step in his development is to get physically stronger which will come in due time.
6’0 ’16 Jalen Sanders of North Rowan High School (Salisbury)
Jalen has good strength at the lead guard position. He is excellent off dribble penetration and can score off the bounce or kick out to open teammates. Jalen can score from multiple spots on the court and has really good range from the perimeter, however he is highly efficient in scoring and finishing well in transition. Jalen has a blue-collar work ethic and a certain toughness that is often needed from the lead guard position.
6’2 ’16 Michael Hueitt Jr. of Village Christian (Fayetteville)
Michael demonstrated an excellent attitude and gained high mark from his camp coaches on “being very coachable.” First of all, Michael is wired to score and may be one of the more prolific shooters off the dribble and bounce. In addition, he is outstanding coming off the screen in a catch and shoot situation. Michael has a quick first step and his game will easily translate to the next level once he gains some additional strength.
6’2 ’18 Coby White of Greenfield School (Wilson)
Coby White is a promising young PG that has unlimited potential and upside. He is highly effective scoring guard that has tremendous range and a soft shooting touch. Coby rebounds well for his position and already possesses a college frame, although he could use more strength like most high school underclassmen. The next step in his development is to become quicker laterally especially on the defensive side of the ball and to understand team defensive principals which will happen over time. That being said, Coby White is definitely one to put in your SIM CARD.
6’2 ’16 Jaylon Wray of Crest High School (Shelby)
Jaylon Wray is oozing with tremendous athleticism and has outstanding bounce. He’s a high flyer that is best at attacking the rim and does an excellent job finishing with contact. The next step in his development is to become more efficient from the perimeter with his shooting, which will enhance his stock at the next level. Without question, Jaylon has tons of potential and getting physically stronger will only add to his value as a legitimate D1 prospect.
6’3 16 Mark Gilbert of Terry Sanford High School (Fayetteville)
Mark Gilbert has a physically mature frame and is a two-sport star. He led Terry Sanford to a NCHSAA 4A state championship and his strength and toughness are intangibles that will make him a prized recruit either on the gridiron or hardwood. While he possesses tremendous athleticism, he showed consistently that he could knock down open jumpers and score off the bounce. More importantly, Mark demonstrated he was one of the better defenders at camp especially with his “on the ball defense.”
6’6 ’17 David Caraher of Chapel Hill High School (Chapel Hill)
The Butler commit is one of the most complete players in the state regardless of class. David Caraher plays with extreme confidence and is a tremendous competitor. He plays hard regardless the score and is an excellent rebounder for his position. David has all the intangibles accompanied with an outstanding skill set and basketball IQ. He is solid at every aspect of the game. His stock will continue to climb and one has to give Butler credit for locking up this high level prospect early.
6’5 ’18 John Newman of Greensboro Day School (Greensboro)
John Newman is one of the top prospects in the North Carolina 2018 class, but is only scratching his long term potential. First of all, he plays for legendary high school coach Freddy Johnson so you realize he has been well coached and understands the game, especially on the defensive side of the court. Newman is excellent in transition where you can see his athleticism and length at work. He will need to learn to move better without the ball moving forward and fine-tune his shooting touch, but his attitude; athleticism and effort are all strong attributes.
6’7 ’17 Kris Monroe of South Granville High School (Creedmoor)
To say Kris Monroe has a bright future would be a gross under statement. At a lengthy 6’7, Kris has a tremendous shooting touch from the perimeter that extends deep from the 3-point line. In addition to being highly effective from the perimeter, Kris has the ability to put the ball on the floor and put an exclamation mark as he finishes high above the rim. Kris does need to rebound better for his height/position and once he gains the strength needed for the collegiate level, just watch for his stock to soar.
6’7 ’17 Deng Kongdok of New Garden Friends (Greensboro)
Deng Kongdok has some “big time” upside. He has the physical attributes such as length and athleticism, but will surprise you with his smooth shooting touch, which extends out to 15 feet. The next step in his development is to get physically stronger. That being said, Deng brings a combination of athleticism and a skill set that should make him a coveted player at the D1 level.
6’9 ’16 Iran Bennett of Mt. Zion Academy (Durham)
Iran Bennett possesses tremendous size. He’s simply a big/strong kid that will fool you with his athleticism and footwork in the post. He has passer friendly hands and is a two handed rebounder who keeps the ball high over this head. Iran has unbelievable potential and upside and once he gets serious about conditioning, he will be coveted by many of the high major programs in the country.