5’9 Karsten Swinney (Freedom Christian)
Given his status as one of the most prolific scorers and productive guards in the state, it’s quite surprising that more schools haven’t extended offers to Swinney. Every game is another opportunity for him to absolutely dominate. Swinney operates as the clear leader and focal point for the Patriots. His tight handle, crafty creation instincts, and incredible polish allow him to fill it up in several ways. Swinney scores the ball at a seemingly nonstop rate while actively mixing it up from all levels. He’s a willing passer and useful playmaker. Swinney is also a scrappy defender and capable rebounder for his size/position.
6’8 Stephano Farrington (Bull City Prep)
Easily one of the more confusing guys listed, Farrington should be an obvious target for scholarship-level programs. He’s an exceptional athlete with phenomenal length and game-changing defensive ability. Farrington possesses amazing fluidity and timing around the basket, making him a quality rebounder and legitimate rim-protecting force. He’s mobile enough to reliably switch onto smaller opponents and wreak havoc. Farrington provides a very low-maintenance offensive identity. He can space the floor if needed, but thrives at filling the lane and finishing above the rim at a high rate. Farrington should warrant more attention.
6’6 Thomas Thompson (Bishop McGuinness)
Although all these players are worthy college-level prospects, arguably no one has improved as much as Thompson throughout his high school career. He’s a natural utility piece who can do a healthy amount of everything on the court. Thompson is a terrific athlete with feel, toughness, and positional size. He excels at attacking the basket and putting pressure on the rim, but has made visible strides as a perimeter shooter. Thompson has also developed as a passer and creator for himself and others. He’s a great rebounder with the physical tools to shine as a switchable defender who can guard multiple positions.
5’11 Nick Arnold (Davidson Day)
Rounding out this first grouping, it feels like Arnold has never really received appropriate attention for what he brings to a team. In terms of truly unselfish, team-oriented players, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone more applicable than him. Although he’s a capable scoring threat, Arnold clearly prioritizes running the team and setting the tone on both ends of the floor. He’s a very steady, poised floor general who reliably generates clean looks for others, makes precise passes, and defends the point of attack incredibly well. Arnold is a suffocating defender and quality rebounder for his size/position. Add in his excellent feel and unbothered demeanor, and he’d be an asset for a lot of college programs.