Team 9
Coach: Albert Perkins
#81: 5’11 ’27 Kobe Plata (Southern Wake)
Starting off, Kobe Plata is a 5-foot-11 prospect in the Class of 2027. It’s no secret that traditional point guards are a dying breed, but Plata still represents that archetype extremely well. He’s a smart, heady floor general with a tight handle, sharp vision, and the ability to touch the paint at a consistent rate. Plata breaks down opponents with ease and displays terrific pace when creating off the bounce. He utilizes his quickness and high IQ to reliably dictate the offensive action. Defensively, Plata is a pest whose blend of strength, toughness, and instincts allows him to shut down opposing guards. Next in his development process is working to improve his rebounding presence, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Perkins on Plata: “Kobe is a true point guard who sets up others and scores as needed. Touches the paint and defends the point of attack well.” Plata made a quality impact during camp and will remain a focal point for Southern Wake over the next two seasons.
#89: 6’0 ’27 Brayden Gatling (Southwest Guilford)
Next, Brayden Gatling is a 6-foot-0 prospect in the Class of 2027. Some players simply know how to produce in every possible setting, and Gatling is one of those guys. He’s an incredibly quick, speedy floor general who offers terrific balance between playmaking and three-level scoring. Gatling is able to effortlessly break down opponents and touch the paint or get to his spots in the midrange. He sees the floor really well as a passer and looks to make the smart, unselfish decision with the ball in his hands. Gatling finishes effectively through contact, especially for his size, and knocks down three-pointers at a respectable rate. He’s also a pesky defender 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 Perkins on Gatling: “Brayden has a great attitude. Strong driver and finisher. Very good on-ball defender. Nice midrange pull-up game.” Gatling proved to be an asset during camp and will remain a focal point at Southwest Guilford going forward.
#138: 6’2 ’26 Chaise Smith (Washington)
Next, Chaise Smith is a 6-foot-2 prospect in the Class of 2026. Anyone who has watched him during his high school career should already know that Smith is an electric athlete and shot-maker who brings consistent excitement to the court. He’s a long, wiry guard who knows how to operate from either backcourt spot. Smith scores the ball at an aggressive rate from all levels, but is arguably at his best utilizing his quickness to get downhill and finish at the basket. He’s a willing playmaker who sees the floor well to set up others. Smith also anticipates well to force turnovers and make his presence felt defensively. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would help prepare him for the increased physicality of the college game. Coach Perkins on Smith: “Chaise is a confident shooter. Very athletic and long for his size. Displays great court vision as a passer.” Smith did a lot of things well during his time at camp and should be poised for a noteworthy senior season at Washington.
#139: 6’4 ’26 Taurean McKinnon (Mooresville)
Next, Taurean McKinnon is a 6-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2026. Between his motor, athleticism, and unselfish approach to the game, McKinnon knows how to make his presence felt as a low-maintenance utility piece. He’s a long, scrappy piece who consistently outworks opponents and fills in the gaps on both ends of the floor. McKinnon does a phenomenal job of operating within the flow of the action. He’s a quality rebounder and versatile defender who doesn’t require a ton of touches to make an impact. McKinnon is a nice finisher and capable shooting threat. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Perkins on McKinnon: “Taurean is a great teammate who embraces his role. He does a little bit of everything but doesn’t need to force the action to make plays. Played with energy and toughness.” McKinnon made a nice impact at camp and should be a major addition for Mooresville this season.
#195: 6’8 ’26 Stephano Farrington (Bull City Prep)
Next, Stephano Farrington is a 6-foot-8 prospect in the Class of 2026. The significance of impactful shot-blockers will never fade, and he represents this notion perfectly. Farrington is an extremely long, explosive big man who anchors the paint really well as an interior cog. He’s a natural rim-runner and athletic finisher who regularly plays above the rim on lobs, drop-offs, and opportunities in transition. He can space the floor as needed. Farrington rebounds his position well on both ends of the floor. However, so much value comes from his ability to protect the rim at a high level. Farrington constantly puts himself in a position to block or alter shots and is comfortable switching across a lineup if necessary. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a more imposing player. Coach Perkins on Farrington: “Stephano is a big-time defender and shot-blocker. Very good rebounder. Plays with great activity and toughness.” Farrington made a lasting impression during camp and looks poised for a notable senior season with Bull City Prep.
#197: 6’8 ’27 Trevor Manhertz (Christ School)
Finishing up, Trevor Manhertz is a 6-foot-8 prospect in the Class of 2027. Arguably trending up more than anyone across North Carolina, he continues to showcase the makings of a special player. Manhertz is an incredibly long, fluid wing with elite shooting ability and a frame that continues to grow. He’s a knockdown threat from midrange and beyond the arc, but is more than capable of attacking closeouts and finishing or making reads off the bounce. Manhertz can operate as a focal point or excel as a complementary piece. He displays quality motor and instincts as a defender and rebounder. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him even more difficult for opponents to contain. Coach Perkins on Manhertz: “Trevor is a very enticing prospect with amazing physical tools and a smooth jumper. Showed the ability to make plays with or without the ball in his hands. Easy to see the upside.” Manhertz highlighted a lot of appeal at camp and should be poised for a breakout junior season with Christ School.
#201: 6’4 ’26 Jayden Gray (Clayton)
Next, Jayden Gray is a 6-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2026. The camp setting benefits some players more than others, and it certainly allowed Gray to shine. He’s a strong, explosive forward who can consistently impact the game through his energy and athleticism. Gray highlighted the ability to initiate the offense and find opportunities as a cutter or spot-up threat. He knocked down jumpers at a solid rate while looking to aggressively apply pressure in transition. Gray has the motor and physical tools to defend multiple positions. He anticipates well to force turnovers and rebounds nicely for his size/position. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Perkins on Gray: “Jayden is very athletic. Gets off the floor with ease. Solid shooter from the perimeter. Capable of making plays with or without the ball in his hands. Thrives in transition.” Gray found success during his time at camp and should be poised for a highly productive senior season with Clayton.
#202: 6’4 ’26 Kingston Carlsen (Fayetteville Academy)
Next, Kingston Carlsen is a 6-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2026. Given his malleable, well-rounded game, there’s a lot to like about what he brings to a team. Carlsen is a smart, smooth guard who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. He’s a capable creator and playmaker who can mix it up as a scorer from all levels. Carlsen’s ability to play either guard spot allows him to produce without requiring a ton of touches. Scrappy defender and quality rebounder for his position. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Perkins on Carlsen: “Kingston has a great attitude and very good feel for the game. Comfortable on and off the ball. Showed the ability to operate as a point guard but has good size for either backcourt position.” Carlsen found ways to make an impact throughout camp and should be poised for a strong senior season at Fayetteville Academy.
#225: 6’6 ’27 Will Hall (Carson)
Next, Will Hall is a 6-foot-6 prospect in the Class of 2027. Between his current ability and long-term upside, it’s easy to see the appeal surrounding Hall. He’s a long, wiry forward with a nice blend of skill, athleticism, and versatility. Hall is a terrific shooter, especially for his size, but can also make plays off the bounce and mix it up as a scorer from all levels. He’s comfortable in spot-up situations or attacking closeouts to finish at the rim. Hall utilizes his length and high motor to consistently involve himself in the rebounding battle and force turnovers defensively. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would allow him to play through increased levels of contact on both ends of the floor. Coach Perkins on Hall: “Will has a really long, slender frame. Showed scoring ability from all levels. Comfortable with and without the ball. Bouncy. Displays feel, energy, and toughness.” Hall enjoyed a quality showing at camp and will be a major addition for Carson over the next two seasons.