Team 4
Coach: Mason Padgett
#58: 5'8 '23 Noah Pless (Northwestern)
Starting things off, we look at a player that offered his team with a pretty steady presence as a floor general, Noah Pless. He's a young, quick guard prospect with the ability to get downhill and attack the basket basically whenever he desires. Pless is a nice defender, especially for his size, and positioned himself to force multiple turnovers. Next in his development process is working on becoming a craftier ball-handler, as it would allow him to run a team more effectively. Coach Padgett on Pless: 'Noah had an awesome attitude for the entire day. He shot the midrange well but needs to improve on his three-point shooting. Noah had the ability to drive the basketball any time he needed to. He showed that he has played a lot of basketball and really had great on-ball defense. Noah can also improve his rebounding but really will be a strong player in the future.' Pless enjoyed a nice showing at camp and will be a prospect to keep an eye on, especially if he continues to work.
#69: 6'0 '21 Benton Wofford (Ardrey Kell)
Next, we look at a player that simply knows how to score the ball from anywhere on the court, Benton Wofford. He's a smart, high-motor guard prospect that is wired to score, both off the catch and bounce. Wofford shoots the ball at a reliable clip from midrange and beyond the arc, but can also attack closeouts whenever available and finish at the basket. Next in his development process is working on his awareness as an off-ball defender, as it would allow him to force more turnovers by jumping into passing lanes. Coach Padgett on Wofford: 'Benton was great on both ends of the floor today. He shared the ball with all of his teammates. Benton needs to improve with his defense in the half court and in transition defense. He was strong on moving the basketball and had the ability to finish with both hands today. Benton will be a great high school player for a very strong team.' Wofford continues to shine as a scorer and looks increasingly poised for a productive upcoming season at Ardrey Kell.
#79: 5'11 '21 Dorien Johnson (Porter Ridge)
Moving onto a player that was able to make a quality impact in a variety of different roles, Dorien Johnson. He's a long, wiry guard prospect with nice scoring prowess and the ability to make a ton of plays in transition. Johnson is a solid creator, but typically works without the ball to find scoring opportunities. He's also a quality rebounder for his size and consistently commits to team defense. Next in his development process is working to tighten his handle, as it would make him a more reliable creator off the dribble. Coach Padgett on Johnson: 'Dorien is an above-average perimeter shooter. He needs to improve as a spot-up threat. He has great penetration ability but can improve his footwork and court vision. Dorien's team play was great and had an amazing attitude the entire. He also showed strong effort on both ends of the floor.' Johnson did a lot of things well at camp and will be one to watch progress throughout the upcoming season at Porter Ridge.
#89: 6'0 '21 Arrington Jones (Winston-Salem Christian)
Continuing onto a player that was quite possibly the best two-way leader in attendance, Arrington Jones. He's a smart, unselfish point guard prospect with a phenomenal balance between defense, playmaking, and three-level scoring. Jones communicates and is incredibly unselfish in his offensive approach, but knows how to actively take advantage of scoring opportunities from all over the floor. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him an even more physical defender and rebounder. Coach Padgett on Jones: 'Arrington is a beast on the court. He is an amazing player and will be a great college player. Arrington can dribble with both hands and can truly finish at the rim on any defender. He is also a great teammate and loves his surrounding teammates. Arrington moves without the basketball very well and has a high IQ for the game. He's a great kid to have on any team.' Jones was phenomenal throughout camp, securing the Mr. Playmaker award with relative ease, and should emerge as a leader during the upcoming season at Winston-Salem Christian.
#96: 6'0 '23 Elijah Cathcart (Northern Guilford)
Next, we look at a player that displayed a pretty useful array of tools throughout camp, Elijah Cathcart. He's a long, wiry guard prospect with a solid handle and the ability to apply scoring pressure from the perimeter. Cathcart overwhelmed opponents on defense with his motor and was able to force multiple turnovers on the day. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would allow him to take opponents off the dribble with more frequency. Coach Padgett on Cathcart: 'Elijah had a great attitude for the entire day. He has a solid package of offensive skills and has the ability to finish at the rim. Elijah's ball-handling skills are strong but he needs to work on his footwork and quickness on defense. Elijah was solid on his shooting mechanics but can work on moving without the basketball. He will be a great high school player.' Cathcart had a great showing at camp and should grow into a quality role sooner than later at Northern Guilford.
#107: 6'2 '20 Darien Long (Rolesville)
Moving onto a player that showcased a fairly well-rounded skillset and approach throughout camp, Darien Long. He's a long, smart wing prospect with a quality motor and team-first mentality on both ends of the floor. Long is a reliable three-level scorer with craftiness, vision, and the ability to overwhelm his assignment on defense. He forces turnovers at a consistent rate and knows how to make plays in transition. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find more scoring opportunities as an off-ball cutter. Coach Padgett on Long: 'Darien had a great attitude all day and showed he has a high-level IQ in the game of basketball. Darien can work on rebounding his area but has the ability to finish and has a strong set of passing skills. Darien plays on both ends of the floor and will be a very solid high school basketball player.' Long made a quality impact during camp and should be a strong contributor during the upcoming season at Rolesville.
#115: 6'3 '20 Noah Hooper (Myers Park)
Continuing onto a player that simply knows how to make his presence felt as a glue-guy in every setting, Noah Hooper. He's a smart, high-motor wing/forward prospect that shows a clear willingness to do whatever necessary to provide his team with an edge. Hooper can knock down perimeter jumpers, set up teammates, and make a ton of plays on defense. Next in his development process is working on his craftiness as a passer, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Padgett on Hooper: 'Noah is one great kid and very coachable. He shoots the basketball at a high level. He also has a nice three-point shot. Noah has the ability to spot-up and knock down jumpers but can work on his shooting consistency off the dribble. His shooting mechanics are solid and he has a great off-hand. Noah has great penetration ability but can work on his ability to drive-and-kick. Noah is a great kid.' Hooper will be a nice addition to the right program and should have a clearly-defined role this upcoming season for Myers Park.
#128: 6'4 '21 Jayson Fain (Carlisle School)
Next, we look at a player that was arguably the most productive all-around performer on display, Jayson Fain. He's a big, strong, versatile two-way forward prospect with the ability to seamlessly play inside or out. Fain handles the ball, creates for himself and others, and was able to score efficiently from all three levels while shutting down his assignment on the other end. Next in his development process is working on his post moves, as it would make him even more unstoppable on the offensive end. Coach Padgett on Fain: 'Jayson was a great player on both ends of the floor today. He showed he could really shoot the three-pointer and highlighted a great pull-up jumper. His shooting release is also great and he can use both hands when dribbling. Jayson was also great in transition defense and has great quickness as a defender. He is super-coachable and loves the game of basketball. He was one of the top players in camp.' Fain was extremely productive at camp and should have a big-time upcoming season at Carlisle School.
#136: 6'6 '21 Marshall Klug (Page)
Finishing up, we look at a player that was easily among the most intriguing two-way prospects on display, Marshall Klug. He's a long, wiry forward/post prospect with the ability to stretch the floor and make plays within the paint on both ends of the floor. Klug possesses a nice array of ball skills and shoots the ball very effectively from the perimeter. He lacks true size but knows how to properly position himself to block and alter shots around the basket. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it would make him a more physical interior presence on both ends of the floor. Coach Padgett on Klug: 'Marshall had a great attitude during the entire day of camp. He showed he really knows how to move without the ball. Marshall moves on the court well and has the ability to finish on both ends of the floor. He will be a great high school player and loves the game of basketball. His IQ of the game was also very strong.' Klug showed some excellent flashes during camp and could carve out a nice role for Page sooner than later.