Team 7
Coach: Julian Carlton
#8: 5’10 ’27 Preston Scott (Queens Grant)
Starting off, Preston Scott is a 5-foot-10 prospect in the Class of 2027. In a time when so many guards want to showcase a flashy handle or aggressive scoring prowess, Scott is a breath of fresh air. He’s an incredibly smart, tough, physical floor general with a reliable two-way presence. Scott touches the paint at a high volume, sets up others, and knocks down jumpers along the perimeter. He’s willing to take and exploit what the defense gives him. Scott is also a suffocating defender who mirrors opponents at the point of attack. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would open him up to more scoring opportunities. Coach Carlton on Scott: “Preston is an extremely coachable player. Vocal and capable of leading a program. Makes his teammates better. He gets to his spots and displays great footwork. Possesses good shooting form and plays through not hitting shots. College basketball player for sure.” Scott made his presence felt throughout camp and will remain a key piece for Queens Grant over the next two seasons.
#15: 6’0 ’27 JJ Short (Bishop McGuinness)
Next, JJ Short is a 6-foot-0 prospect in the Class of 2027. Given his ability and general understanding of how to run a team, he offered a steady, reliable presence on both ends of the floor. Short handles the ball with poise and sets up others in scoring positions, but also mixes it up well as a scorer from all levels. He’s a tough, pesky defender who doesn’t shy away from physical play. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find more opportunities as a spot-up threat. Coach Carlton on Short: “JJ is a lead guard who defends the length of the floor. Shoots it well off the bounce and is comfortable hitting jumpers off the catch. Makes his teammates better and plays within the flow of the offensive structure. Needs to become a better rebounder.” Short enjoyed a quality showing at camp and will be a major addition for Bishop McGuinness over the foreseeable future.
#24: 6’1 ’26 Sebastian Pace (Bull City Prep)
Next, Sebastian Pace is a 6-foot-1 prospect in the Class of 2026. He’s a skilled, athletic guard with nice IQ, a high motor, and an unselfish approach to the game. Pace showed the ability to score the ball from all levels and toggle between either guard spot. He got downhill and finished, but looked to set up others whenever possible. Pace outworked opponents to make hustle plays defensively. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Carlton on Pace: “Sebastian is a pesky and athletic guard. Slightly undersized but gets downhill consistently and makes plays with the ball in his hands. Plays well within the flow of the game. Shot the ball well from the perimeter. Forced turnovers and made plays in transition.” Pace did a lot of things well during his time at camp and should be poised for a productive senior season with Bull City Prep.
#38: 6’3 ’26 Jordan King (Bull City Prep)
Next, Jordan King is a 6-foot-3 prospect in the Class of 2026. He’s a very skilled, polished guard who offers nice balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. King is a quality creator with the handle, quickness, and shot variety to keep opponents guessing. He’s comfortable finding opportunities without the ball. King is a pesky defender who utilizes his length and motor to effectively force turnovers. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing player. Coach Carlton on King: “Jordan is a long, fluid guard who gets downhill with ease. Guards his position very well defensively. Shows the ability to score from all levels. Comfortable from either guard spot but at his best with the ball in his hands. Needs to add some more pick-and-roll actions to his game to maximize his ability at the next level.” King proved to be a nice contributor throughout camp and should be a focal point for Bull City Prep during his upcoming senior season.
#48: 6’4 ’27 Aiden Horton (Davie County)
Next, Aiden Horton is a 6-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2027. No matter the context or setting, he provides an incredibly steady, reliable presence on both ends of the floor. Horton naturally fills in the gaps, showing the ability to produce in various different roles. His size, instincts, and high motor allow him to guard multiple positions defensively. Horton also rebounds his position well and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working to tighten up his handle, as it would make him a more reliable creator. Coach Carlton on Horton: “Overall, Aiden is a great glue-guy. Needs to figure out what his niche skillset is. Plays hard and does a lot of things well, but nothing at an elite level. I would like to see him work on becoming more athletic and shooting the ball at a higher rate.” Horton did a nice job of making his presence felt during camp and should be a difference-maker for Davie County over the next two seasons.
#57: 6’5 ’27 MJ Gladden (Statesville)
Next, MJ Gladden is a 6-foot-5 prospect in the Class of 2027. It doesn’t take long to notice his incredible explosiveness and array of enticing physical tools. Gladden is long, athletic, and excels in the open floor. He applies constant downhill pressure and finishes extremely well through contact and above the rim. Gladden shows the ability to move without the ball and hit perimeter jumpers at a solid rate. He handles the ball well for his size. Gladden is capable of flying around to force turnovers and secure rebounds. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Carlton on Gladden: “MJ is very athletic and has the tools to be a successful basketball player. He has to do a better job with his shot selection and effort on the defensive end of the floor. Great in transition.” Gladden highlighted a lot of intrigue during camp and should be a focal point at Statesville going forward.
#62: 6’6 ’26 Griffen Simpson (Gaston Day)
Next, Griffen Simpson is a 6-foot-6 prospect in the Class of 2026. Regardless of setting, he’s able to consistently find ways to apply pressure as an offensive threat. Simpson possesses the skill, length, and versatility to cause a variety of problems for opponents. He’s a smooth three-level scorer who mixes it up well and displays efficiency from all areas. Simpson utilizes his size to take advantage of smaller opponents and perimeter skill to overwhelm bigger players. His motor and positioning allow him to secure rebounds at a nice rate. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a better defender against smaller guards. Coach Carlton on Simpson: “Griff is very athletic and plays hard for flashes. His post fade is polished, and he has great footwork. Needs to become a better judge of shot-selection, but is a good teammate overall.” Simpson highlighted impressive production at camp and should be a productive leader for Gaston Day this season.
#76: 6’11 ’26 Prince Nwokemodo (Forsyth Country Day)
Finishing up, Prince Nwokemodo is a 6-foot-11 prospect in the Class of 2026. Given his status as the only true interior piece on this team, it was easy to see all the ways he made his presence felt. Nwokemodo is a long, mobile big man with an extremely low-maintenance game on both ends of the floor. He excels at finishing, battling for rebounds, and blocking or altering shots defensively. Nwokemodo knows how to play to his strengths and very rarely operates outside of his identity. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would allow him to play through increased contact as a finisher and rim-protector. Coach Carlton on Nwokemodo: “Prince is an extremely athletic post player. He has to increase his motor and become a better rim-runner to maximize his presence. Regularly plays above the rim. Alters a lot of shot attempts on defense. Very unselfish teammate.” Nwokemodo thrived within his role throughout camp and will be a very valuable addition for Forsyth Country Day during his upcoming senior season.