Team 22
Coach: Jordan Paris
#36: 5’7 ’29 Micah Henry (Cardinal Gibbons)
Starting off, Micah Hentry is a 5-foot-7 prospect in the Class of 2029. Despite being the smallest camper on this team, he found several ways to make an impact. Henry is a smart, unselfish, high-motor guard who does a little bit of everything on the court. He’s a steady ball-handler and willing passer who sets up others at a nice rate. Henry shoots the ball well from beyond the arc and utilizes his quickness to break down opponents off the bounce. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better creator against pressure. Coach Paris on Henry: “Micah is a very quick guard who is always moving without the ball. Makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. Plays with constant energy on both ends of the floor. Solid player.” Henry enjoyed a quality showing at camp and will be a piece to watch emerge for Cardinal Gibbons over the coming years.
#44: 6’4 ’29 Trace Dukes (Grimsley)
Next, Trace Dukes is a 6-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2029. Between his size, athleticism, and understanding of how to fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor, he provided a useful presence for this group. Dukes is a scrappy, fairly well-rounded player who can make plays with or without the ball in his hands. He defends with toughness and secures rebounds at a solid rate for his size/position. Dukes can finish at the rim or knock down open jumpers. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a better penetrating threat. Coach Paris on Dukes: “Trace is a good player. Very coachable kid who listens and maintains a positive attitude. Showed the ability to get to the rim or knock down the open jumper. Possesses great length and athleticism.” Dukes found success during his time at camp and has the tools to emerge for Grimsley going forward.
#64: 5’10 ’29 Ricardo Oriel (Willow Springs)
Next, Ricardo Oriel is a 5-foot-10 prospect in the Class of 2029. Given his skillset and array of intangibles, he found several ways to make his presence felt. Oriel is a smart, unselfish guard who knows how to run a team and outwork opponents on both ends of the floor. He’s a solid scorer from all levels, but is arguably at his best when looking to set up others. Oriel utilizes his quick first step to mirror opposing ball-handlers and break down opponents off the dribble. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher at the basket. Coach Paris on Oriel: “Ricardo is a solid two-way guard. Plays with good energy and guards the point of attack well defensively. Willing passer. Sees the floor well in transition. Listened well and maintained a positive attitude.” Oriel did a lot of things well during camp and should emerge as a difference-maker at Willow Spring over the coming years.
#69: 5’10 ’29 Eli Nelson (Grace Christian)
Next, Eli Nelson is a 5-foot-10 prospect in the Class of 2029. Although somewhat unassuming at first glance, it doesn’t take long to recognize that he’s an absolute gamer. Nelson is a smart, skilled guard who can initiate the offense, create for himself and others, and apply terrific scoring pressure from all levels. His pace and crafty handle allow him to break down opponents, touch the paint, and score or set up teammates in scoring positions. Nelson moves well without the ball to find open seams within the defense. He is also a pesky defender who anticipates well to force turnovers and push transition play. Next in his development process sis working on getting stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Paris on Nelson: “Eli controls the offense really well. Sees the court and is great in transition. Tough, coachable kid. Plays with great poise. Leads by example. Maintains a positive attitude.” Nelson proved to be an asset during camp and will be a difference-maker at Grace Christian going forward.
#150: 6’2 ’29 Ja’Kari Williams (Newton Conover)
Next, Ja’Kari Williams is a 6-foot-2 prospect in the Class of 2029. He’s a very smart, skilled guard with excellent size and athleticism. Williams is a capable creator who utilizes his sharp first step to consistently break down opponents off the dribble. He touches the paint and finishes at a consistent rate, yet can also pull up or knock down jumpers from beyond the arc. Williams is a solid defender with the energy and physical tools to contain his assignment. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better creator against pressure. Coach Paris on Williams: “Ja’Kari handles pressure well and is always looking to attack. Makes solid decisions with the ball and displays feel when creating. Great team player. Coachable kid. Maintains a positive attitude.” Williams made a quality impact during his time at camp and has the tools to be a useful piece for Newton Conover over the coming years.
#151: 6’2 ’29 Gradyn West (Grace Christian)
Next, Gradyn West is a 6-foot-2 prospect in the Class of 2029. Given his blend of size, skill, and athleticism, it’s easy to see all the ways he causes matchup problems for opponents. West is a versatile mismatch who can reliably create, set up others, and score with efficiency from all levels. He effortlessly attacked off the bounce and finished through contact or above the rim, but also displays the vision and willingness to locate open teammates whenever possible. West shoots the ball at a high percentage along the perimeter and knows how to take what the defense is giving. He’s also a quality rebounder and switchable defender who can toggle across multiple positions and force turnovers. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him an even more imposing player. Coach Paris on West: “Gradyn is a very long, athletic guard who can get to the rim and finish. He has the ability to knock down the open shot, but is also really good off the dribble. Coachable.” West made a lasting impression at camp and should be an immediate contributor for Grace Christian.
#152: 6’2 ’29 Jaden McInnis (Watauga)
Next, Jaden McInnis is a 6-foot-2 prospect in the Class of 2029. Although so many campers try to stand out through their scoring totals, McInnis really shined through his motor and willingness to do the dirty work. He’s strong, mobile, and highlights useful flashes of versatility on both ends of the floor. McInnis excels at getting downhill and attacking the basket, but can also knock down open jumpers. He boxes out well to secure rebounds and runs the floor properly in transition. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Paris on McInnis: “Jaden gives good effort on both ends of the floor. Plays with good pace. Uses his sturdy body well to battle opponents on the glass. Very coachable. Maintained a positive attitude.” McInnis did a lot of things well during camp and has the tools to emerge as a useful piece for Watauga over the coming years.
#173: 6’3 ’29 Deren Thompson (Hickory Ridge)
Next, Deren Thompson is a 6-foot-3 prospect in the Class of 2029. Given his versatile game and ability to operate in various roles, there’s a lot to like about his game. Thompson is smart, unselfish, and plays with terrific energy on both ends of the floor. He’s a physical defender who utilizes his length and anticipation really well to force turnovers. Thompson excels at attacking the basket, both in transition and the half court, and can knock down open jumpers as needed. He does a little bit of everything. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Paris on Thompson: “Deren finishes well at the basket and runs the floor properly in transition, but also has the ability to play along the perimeter. Made several plays defensively. Coachable kid. Maintained a positive attitude.” Thompson enjoyed a quality showing at camp and should only continue to progress over the coming years.
#194: 6’7 ’29 Kaedyn Cole (Grace Christian)
Next, Kaedyn Cole is a 6-foot-7 prospect in the Class of 2029. He entered the event with a lot of buzz and clearly solidified himself as the best freshman on display. Cole is a long, explosive forward with great physical tools and the necessary skill to cause matchup problems for opponents. He physically dominated around the basket, which was somewhat expected, but his aggressiveness as an all-around scorer was undeniably impressive. Cole overwhelmed smaller opponents and consistently drew out bigger defenders to the perimeter. Although there were tons of challengers, no individual was able to stop him. Cole also rebounded exceptionally well and blocked several shots as an interior defender. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a better defender when switching onto smaller guards. Coach Paris on Cole: “Kaedyn is a big, strong player who can play on the perimeter as well as with his back to the basket. Smooth shot. Very versatile player with feel and athleticism. Coachable kid.” Cole was utterly dominant during camp, securing the MVP award, and will be a focal point at Grace Christian going forward.
#218: 6’4 ’29 Jayden Richardson (Northwest Halifax)
Finishing up, Jayden Richardson is a 6-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2029. Given his blend of size, strength, and athleticism, it’s easy to see his contributions on both ends of the floor. Richardson is a well-rounded offensive threat who can pass, dribble, and score from all levels. He’s at his best when getting downhill and attacking the basket, but can also knock down open jumpers as needed. Richardson defends with great energy and toughness, and positions himself well to force turnovers defensively. He’s also an active two-way rebounder. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Paris on Richardson: “Jayden is strong with the ball. Plays really well in transition, where he’s able to get to the rim and finish. Active on the glass. Coachable kid. Maintained a positive attitude.” Richardson made his presence felt throughout camp and should be a key piece at Northwest Halifax going forward.