Team 12
Coach: Jared Grady
#50: 5’10 ’27 Preston Scott (Queens Grant)
Starting off, we look at a player who showcased an impressive two-way identity, Preston Scott. He’s a smart, heady point guard prospect with a tight handle, quick first step, and lethal penetration sense. Scott knocks down jumpers at a quality rate from midrange and beyond the arc, but is arguably at his best when attacking the basket. He displays great vision and unselfishness with the ball in his hands. Scott possesses a terrific balance between scoring and playmaking. He also doubles as a lockdown defender with toughness and the ability to force turnovers at a nice rate. Next in his development process is working on his consistency from beyond the arc, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Grady on Scott: “Preston is a menace on defense. Offers great on-ball pressure. Preston has a motor, brings energy, and excels at getting downhill or attacking in the open floor. He finishes at the rim at a high level. Can continue to work on his outside shooting and ability to make reads in screen-and-roll situations.” Scott enjoyed a quality showing at camp and should be a key piece for Queens Grant over the coming years.
#52: 5’11 ’27 Christian Jones (Mountain Island Charter)
Next, we look at a player who did an excellent job of producing within the flow of the action, Christian Jones. He’s a scrappy, unselfish guard prospect with a high motor and quality feel for the game. Jones displayed efficient scoring ability from all levels, but also highlighted great vision and a willingness to make the right play. He offers nice energy on defense and works to make hustle plays whenever possible. Jones is able to fill in the gaps effectively. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing defender. Coach Grady on Jones: “Christian has a knack for scoring the ball. He does not hunt shots, but rather understands how to put himself in positions to score. Streaky shooter but scores from all three levels. Can work on his on-ball pressure defensively and being able to run a team as a point guard on offense.” Jones made a quality impact during camp and should be a focal point at Mountain Island Charter over the foreseeable future.
#74: 6’1 ’27 Julian Hernandez (North Raleigh Christian)
Moving forward, we look at a player who made a lasting impression with his shooting ability, Julian Hernandez. He’s a smart, low-maintenance guard prospect who legitimately excels at playing without the ball in his hands. Hernandez is a solid ball-handler who can attack off the bounce and set up others as needed. However, he’s clearly at his most impactful when moving without the ball, finding open seams within the defense, and knocking down shots along the perimeter. Hernandez is an absolute marksman who consistently plays to his strengths. Next in his development process is working on his rebounding presence, as he has the tools to be more impactful in that area. Coach Grady on Hernandez: “Julian is a big-time shooter who is at his best in spot-up situations but able to hit shots off the dribble. He hit five three-pointers in our first game. He did a good job of running his team. Can improve on finishing through contact and on-ball pressure defensively.” Hernandez produced during his time at camp and should be a useful piece for North Raleigh Christian Academy over the coming years.
#98: 6’3 ’27 Amen Pressley (West Charlotte)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who possesses a lot of tools and long-term appeal, Amen Pressley. He’s a skilled, athletic guard prospect with great size and natural instincts on both ends of the floor. Pressley is capable of running the team and dictating the action with the ball in his hands. He’s a solid shooter who excels at getting downhill and applying pressure as a penetrator. Pressley displayed useful energy on defense and regularly caused problems for his assignment at the point of attack. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Grady on Pressley: “Amen is a good rebounder for his position. Good athlete in the open floor. Offers a nice level of physicality on defense. Needs to improve on his ability to make plays for others and understanding of shot quality.” Pressley did several things well during camp and should be poised for a productive upcoming season at West Charlotte.
#99: 6’3 ’27 Javian White (St. Stephens)
Next, we look at a player who truly has all the tools to be highly coveted by college coaches, Javian White. He’s a smart, crafty guard prospect with phenomenal scoring polish from all levels. White is a dynamic athlete with the necessary quickness to consistently break down opponents off the dribble. He’s able to create for others or mix up his approach from all three levels. White possesses solid instincts defensively and has clear upside on that end of the floor. Next in his development process is working on his awareness as an off-ball defender, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Grady on White: “Javian is a knockdown shooter when open. Good in the open court at getting downhill and finishing at the rim. His defense could improve and his motor can increase his value on the court. Javian can also work on his off-hand.” White highlighted appeal during his time at camp and should remain a focal point for St. Stephens over the coming years.
#143: 6’4 ’27 Kingston Carmichael (RJ Reynolds)
Moving forward, we look at a player who knows how to cause problems for opponents through his blend of size and shooting, Kingston Carmichael. He’s a smart, skilled forward prospect with a high motor and an unselfish approach to the game. Carmichael is a great floor-spacer who gets to his spots, operates in the two-man game, and makes quality decisions with the ball in his hands. He moves well without the ball and knocks down spot-up opportunities or can attack and hit pull-ups within a few dribbles. Next in his development process is working on his ability to handle the ball, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Grady on Carmichael: “Kingston is a good shooter in spot-up situations. Capable rebounder for his size/position. He would benefit from mixing it up more on offense. Right now, it’s basically three-pointers or nothing. With his size and skillset, Kingston is capable of getting to the rim and making plays. He can also improve his handle.” Carmichael enjoyed a quality showing at camp and looks likely to take another step forward as a key piece for RJ Reynolds.
#144: 6’4 ’27 Macklin Habenicht (Davidson Day)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who stood out for his ability to do a little bit of everything on the court, Macklin Habenicht. He’s a smart, well-rounded guard prospect with a great combination of size, skill, and athleticism. Habenicht can handle the ball as needed but is arguably at his best when applying pressure as a spot-up threat. He plays hard to regularly outwork opponents for rebounds and loose balls. Habenicht also moves very well without the ball. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing defender. Coach Grady on Habenicht: “Mack is a crafty guard with great size for his position. Shoots it well from beyond the arc and can finish over smaller defenders at a high level. Good finisher through traffic or contact. He can work on his overall ball-handling and being able to operate from the point guard spot. Mack’s on-ball defense can also improve.” Habenicht did a lot of things well during camp and should steadily emerge as a difference-maker for Davidson Day going forward.
#156: 6’6 ’27 Thomas Vickery (Christ School)
Next, we look at a player who shined through his polished, versatile identity, Thomas Vickery. He’s a smart, skilled forward prospect with a high motor and smooth shooting stroke from the perimeter. Vickery is a useful penetrator and finisher who can attack the basket as needed. However, he’s at his best when applying pressure as a shooter from midrange and beyond the arc. Vickery is a reliable defender and rebounder who possesses a terrific nose for the ball. Whether in transition or the half-court, he made a consistent impact. Next in his development process is working on his ability to handle the ball, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Grady on Vickery: “Thomas had a great showing at camp. He is another guy that can impact winning in many ways. Great all-around scorer with an understanding of the game. Picks up full-court and rebounds on every possession. Thomas’ size and ability make him a matchup nightmare at his position.” Vickery stood out during camp and should be a valuable addition for Christ School over the coming years.
#157: 6’6 ’27 Will Hall (Lake Norman)
Finishing up, we look at a player who possesses an enticing crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Will Hall. He’s a long, wiry forward/post prospect with a great blend of IQ, skill, and athleticism. Hall is a useful floor-spacer who can attack off the bounce, make smart passes, and play well through contact despite his lack of strength. Hall moves effectively without the ball to find open seams and capitalize on offense. He’s an excellent rebounder who consistently makes hustle plays and outworks opponents for extra possessions. Hall will only continue to improve with physical maturity. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more imposing player on both ends of the floor. Coach Grady on Hall: “Will is a high-energy guy with a high IQ. He will do whatever you need him to do to impact winning. Plays above the rim, rebounds, and defends at a high level. His improvements come with adding weight. Being able to guard bigger/stronger opponents will increase his value and take his game to the next level.” Hall made a quality impact during camp and will be a prospect to watch closely over the coming years at Lake Norman.