The North Carolina Top 80 brings together the 80 best players in the state, regardless of class, regardless of position. It allows the big name guys to jostle for ranking and even scholarships. It also allows the over looked guys to go right at the highest ranked kids to find their place.
This event was no different, however the common thread between all of them is they all competed. Every player touched the ball consistently, plays were made in the half court, and guys took pride in defense.
Today I am going to cover the Point Guard position. Here are the guys who showed out during the day:
6’2” 2016 Dennis Smith – Trinity Christian – Team Loaded NC
While Smith only played one game, he showed why he is rated as his classes #1 point guard. Smith has always been athletic, with an elite first step and hesitation dribble. Over the last year Smith has developed his jump shot. He consistently showed the ability to knock it down from 15’ extended. Smith finished the day 10-13 from the field and cemented his status as an elite prospect.
6’2” 2016 Jordan Shepherd – Asheville Christian – Team Vision
Shepherd didn’t have much of a reputation coming into camp. Perhaps some people had heard of him before, but not many had seen him play. Well that has now changed, and he created a reputation for himself. Shepherd carries offers from Middle Tennessee, Furman, Appalachian State, and Western Carolina. This number will be sure to rise as more coaches see him. At camp Shepherd averaged 14.7 Points on 20-30 from the field.
6’4” 2016 Davian Mintz – North Meck
Mintz is another radar that has fallen short of a public reputation, however college coaches know exactly who he is. Mintz showed to be a power point guard who can fill up a stat sheet. Mintz carries 12 offers all in the Low to Mid Major level. In camp he elevated his stock, showing he can play against the best, and affect a game across the board. Mintz averaged 8.7 Points, 4.7 Boards, and 1.7 Assists per game.
5’11” 2018 Malik Johnson – Terry Sanford – Team Wall
Johnson is coming off a state championship run with his high school where he played a vital 6th man role. While he may have come off the bench, he was certainly in the game during crunch time. Johnson showed why, in this camp, his coach had so much trust in him during such vital times. His athleticism and hustle allowed him to affect the game in multiple ways. On the day he averaged 14 Points, 3.5 Boards, 1.5 Assists, while making 6 3s in his 2 games.
6’1” 2016 Jalen Harris – Word of God – Team Wall
Harris was voted as Mr. Top 80, which is voted on by each camp coach. Harris went throughout the day playing with a crowded sideline and a buzz of excitement. Harris is cat quick and ultra-explosive in the open court. He finished multiple plays well above the rim, and the opposition had trouble keeping him out of the lane in transition. Along the way, Harris has picked up five (5) offers to this point.
Other Standouts
Toughness
5’11 2016 Jalen Sanders – North Rowan – CP3
Sanders is tough. He is a stocky point guard, who has an attacking mind set and goes straight at every challenge. Sanders carries an offer from Western Carolina, but that should pick up as he takes his tough minded game to the EYBL. In camp, Sanders finished in the Top three (3) overall in both assists and steals.
Play Test Beats Look Test
6’3” 2016 Marshall Lange – Westchester Country Day – Team Winston
Walking into the gym Lange will not be the first player who catches your eye. However, from the second he steps on the floor he is the one you have a hard time taking your eye off of. Lange has a crafty dribble that will get him where he wants on the floor and a soft touch that allows him to score from multiple levels. Lange shot 60% on the day while averaging 7.7 Points.
Size Don’t Matter
5’8” 2017 Jimmie Sanders – Neuse Charter – WCBA
Sure, there are those that are bigger than Jimmie physically but you will find few that are bigger than Jimmie in the chest. The stats show that Jimmie led the camp in assists at 3.3 and shot 60% from beyond the arc. However, it’s his leadership that really stood out. He led by example busting his hump on the court and he led vocally as he was always communicating with his team.