Coach: CB McGrath
#77: 5’11 ’28 AJ Morman (Southern Durham)
Starting off, AJ Morman is a 5-foot-11 prospect in the Class of 2028. It doesn’t take long to see what makes him one of the top players in his class. Morman is an incredibly smart, crafty floor general with amazing pace, change of direction, and overall instincts with the ball in his hands. He possesses excellent vision and sees the floor very well as a playmaker, but can also fill it up as a scorer in a variety of ways. Morman touches the paint with ease, finishes effectively for his size, and knocks down perimeter jumpers at an efficient rate. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach McGrath on Morman: “AJ can get by his man at will. Great at finishing through contact with either hand. Needs to defend his position better; his IQ is good enough. I really like his demeanor and coachability.” Morman made a lasting impression throughout camp and will remain a leader at Southern Durham over the foreseeable future.
#78: 5’11 ’28 Christopher Phillips (Grace Christian)
Next, Christopher Phillips is a 5-foot-11 prospect in the Class of 2028. Given his consistent energy and unselfishness, he’s able to find success with any collection of teammates—and this setting was no different. Phillips is a natural glue-guy with the IQ and adaptability to produce within the flow of the action. He knocks down jumpers, makes the extra pass, and does the dirty work whenever possible. Phillips is a scrappy defender and very useful rebounder for his size/position. Next in his development process is working on becoming a craftier ball-handler, as it would make him a more dynamic creator. Coach McGrath on Phillips: “Chris is a physical guard who knows how to play. His shot is slow, so he can work on a quicker release to get it off. Great team player. Very unselfish. Uses his physicality to get to the basket. Rebounds and competes hard. I loved coaching Chris.” Phillips did a lot of things well during camp and will be a key piece for Grace Christian over the coming years.
#105: 6’1 ’28 Davonta Lindsey Jr. (North Mecklenburg)
Next, Davonta Lindsey is a 6-foot-1 prospect in the Class of 2028. There’s already a lot to like about his dynamic athleticism, creation ability, and scoring polish. Lindsey possesses a crafty handle and incredibly quick first step, which allows him to break down opponents and touch the paint at a high volume. He finishes well for his size and knocks down jumpers at a consistent rate along the perimeter. Lindsey displays nice instincts at the point of attack and is capable of forcing turnovers at a healthy rate. Next in his development process is working to improve his rebounding presence, as it would allow him to grab and immediately push in transition. Coach McGrath on Lindsey: “Davonta is a ball-dominant guard. I would like to see him hustle on defense and get back in transition. Took tough shots instead of passing. Needs to improve as a teammate in this environment.” Lindsey highlighted a lot of polish throughout camp and should be a major addition at North Meck over the coming years.
#160: 6’3 ’28 Donnie Fairley (Southeast Alamance)
Next, Donnie Fairley is a 6-foot-3 prospect in the Class of 2028. Between his motor, toughness, and explosiveness, he’s clearly one of the most physically overwhelming players in the state. Fairley is an absolute beast who rebounds the ball at a high rate, defends multiple positions, and applies constant pressure as a downhill driver. He’s a phenomenal finisher above the rim, but can also knock down jumpers at a solid rate. 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 McGrath on Fairley: “Donnie is a very active wing. Rebounds the heck out of it on the offensive end. Runs the floor and can finish with power. Not much finesse to his game. Bull in a China shop. Battles hard. Needs to improve his shot and skill level. Plays angry. Can let emotions get to him at times.” Fairly made his presence felt throughout camp and will be a focal point for Southeast Alamance over the coming years.
#161: 6’3 ’28 Eddie Cota (Olympic)
Next, Eddie Cota is a 6-foot-3 prospect in the Class of 2028. After watching his growth over the years, it’s clear that he has the makings of a notable guard. Cota is a smart, skilled lead guard with the handle, vision, and scoring polish to reliably dictate the offensive action. He’s a crafty ball-handler who consistently creates clean looks off the bounce and mixes it up from all levels. Cota sees the floor well and looks to make the right decision with the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working to improve his rebounding presence, as it would allow him to grab and immediately push the break in transition. Coach McGrath on Cota: “Eddie has the skill level and basketball IQ to succeed. Needs to have a little more grit. I would like to see him give more effort on the defensive end. Needs to play with more intensity.” Cota did a lot of things well during camp and should be poised for a productive sophomore season at Olympic.
#192: 6’7 ’28 Julian Tweedy (Cary Academy)
Next, Julian Tweedy is a 6-foot-7 prospect in the Class of 2028. Even in a setting that might not necessarily play to his strengths, he still stood out in a variety of different ways. Tweedy is a smart, unselfish, versatile forward whose malleable identity allows him to affect all facets of the game. He’s a switchable defender and quality rebounder who can operate in several roles offensively. Tweedy is comfortable initiating the offense, attacking off the bounce, or finding opportunities as a cutting threat. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him even more difficult for opponents to handle on both ends of the floor. Coach McGrath on Tweedy: “Julian is skilled and battles every possession. Needs to use length when defending the perimeter. Great rebounder on both ends. Keeps the ball high and finishes. Love his touch in the lane and around the rim. Great attitude. Needs to add weight and strength. I loved coaching him!” Tweedy continues to highlight the makings of a notable player and should be poised for a highly productive sophomore year at Cary Academy.
#198: 6’9 ’28 Chase Smith (Queens Grant)
Next, Chase Smith is a 6-foot-9 prospect in the Class of 2028. Between his size, skill, and physical tools, it’s easy to see why he’s already among the most advanced players in his class. Smith possesses a strong frame with the touch, length, and athleticism to overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor. He’s a quality finisher and interior scorer who can space the floor as needed. Smith rebounds his position really well and positions himself properly to block or alter shots defensively. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a better defender when switching onto smaller guards. Coach McGrath on Smith: “Chase has a great frame. Productive. Rebounds the ball on both ends. Needs more interior touches. Settles for perimeter shots. Can run and finish on the break. Scores well through contact. Skill level needs refining but clearly has the tools. Seems like a nice kid and good teammate. Potential!” Smith did a lot of things well during camp and should be poised for a very productive sophomore year at Queens Grant.
#211: 6’4 ’28 Fleet Payne (Marvin Ridge)
Finishing up, Fleet Payne is a 6-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2028. He’s a steady, unselfish wing with a quality blend of size, shooting, and involvement on both ends of the floor. Payne knows how to effectively move without the ball and apply pressure as a spot-up threat. He can knock down jumpers from midrange or beyond the arc, but also displays solid vision and a willingness to make the extra pass. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more reliable creator against defensive pressure. Coach McGrath on Payne: “This probably wasn’t the best setting for Fleet. Clearly has the qualities of a shooter, but didn’t make his open looks or finish in the lane. Struggled with the athleticism of his opponents. Good teammate, just could not get it going. Should play more to his strengths and not try to force drives.” Payne highlighted some nice flashes at camp and should be a key piece for Marvin Ridge over the coming years.