Team 1
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist'list=PLJSuI1FGChQZQh-M4T6BrGtLrrtEZn02N
Coach: Ken Potosnakk
#0: 5’4 ’25 Jalen Mills (Hope Mills)
Starting things off, we look at a player that consistently found ways to make his presence felt despite being the smallest prospect on the team, Jalen Mills. He’s a young, tough, high-motor guard with a desire to compete and involve himself in the action on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it will allow him to become a more consistent three-point shooter. Coach Potosnakk on Mills: “Jalen was one of the youngest guys in camp but competed like an upperclassman. He possesses good ball skills and the potential to become a college player at the level he works to achieve. Daily shot-making development and improving communication and leadership skills that all point guards need is his next step. I hope to get the opportunity to work with him at future events. I really enjoyed coaching Jalen.” Mills consistently leaves it all on the floor, and this camp was no different, which should make him one to watch going forward.
#1: 5’11 ’24 Tyree White (Indian Trail)
Next, we look at a player that offered a reliable two-way presence despite being among the youngest prospects on the team, Tyree White. He’s a young, unselfish guard prospect with a high motor and the ability to score from multiple levels. White also proved to be a capable passer and ball-handler. Next in his development process is continuing to tighten his shot mechanics, as it would make him a more consistent perimeter shooter. Coach Potosnakk on White: “Tyree is a good young prospect with ball skills, finishing ability at the rim, and stood out as very coachable. Shot development will be a big key with continued growth on the perimeter. He’s a very capable defender and taking the role as a stopper will be important in developing his game and mindset. I’m looking forward to watching his progress and working with him in the future.” White enjoyed a quality showing at camp, averaging 17 PPG, and should emerge as a useful high school contributor over the coming years.
#2: 6’0 ’24 Anthoney McClary (Burlington)
Moving onto a player with great intangibles to go with his tough penetration sense, Anthoney McClary. He’s a young, team-first guard with an active motor, ball-handling skills, and finishing ability. Next in his development process is working on tightening his shot mechanics, as it would make him a more consistent three-point shooter. Coach Potosnakk on McClary: “Anthony had a very good camp. He’s extremely coachable and communicative. He possesses good ball skills and finishes well at the rim. Daily shot development will be key throughout his physical maturation as a prospect in the Class of 2024. Anthony displayed good athleticism and solid skills at his young age. Give him a good foundation to achieve his goals. I’m looking forward to watching his progress this season and beyond. His best basketball is in front of him with consistent work and continued mental approach. Great attitude and easy to coach.” McClary contributed nicely during camp and could carve out a quality role for his high school within the future seasons.
#3: 6’0 ’21 BJ Keith (Raleigh)
Continuing onto a player that easily stood out as one of the most dynamic and rugged defenders on display, BJ Keith. He’s an extremely tough lead guard prospect with quickness and the ability to touch the paint at will. Keith is a quality finisher with IQ, sharp vision, and a nonstop motor. Next in his development process is working on becoming a more consistent three-point shooter, as it would make him even more difficult to contain. Coach Potosnakk on Keith: “BJ has good spped, athleticism, and finishes well from the point guard position. He’s a willing defender and displays good communication skills. Daily shot development and making three-pointers at a higher rate will allow him to use his ability off the bounce even more effectively. BJ was highly competitive at the event. I’m looking forward to watching his progress this season as he worksk towards college. Division I-level speed. He was great to work with. Be a leader each and every day!” Keith shined as a leader for his team throughout camp, securing the Mr. Defense award with relative ease, and should maintain his status as a major piece for Word of God during the upcoming season.
#4: 6’0 ’22 Jaxon Brown (Raleigh)
Next, we look at a player that offered a pretty steady presence as a penetrator and finisher, Jaxon Brown. He’s an unselfish guard prospect with IQ, quickness, and great energy on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to improve his defensive awareness away from the ball, as it would allow him to intercept passing lanes more frequently. Coach Potosnakk on Brown: “Jaxon is an excellent finisher at the rim with a nice midrange jumper. He displays a good feel for the game! Daily shot development and becoming a consistent threat from beyond the arc will allow him to do what he does at midrange and finishing at the rim. Jaxon has good body language and was very coachable throughout station work and game play. His attitude and demeanor along with continued work in skill areas will help him reach his goals. I’m looking forward to watching his progress this season. Good player, fun to coach!” Brown made his presence felt in a variety of different ways and should be an effective contributor sooner than later for Wakefield.
#5: 6’1 ’23 Malin Allard (Mount Pleasant)
Moving onto a player that stood out regularly with his abilities as a glue-guy for this squad, Malin Allard. He’s a wiry wing/forward prospect with athleticism, solid ball-handling skills, and the ability to fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working to refine his shooting mechanics, as it would likely make him a more consistent perimeter shooter. Coach Potosnakk on Allard: “Malin is an athletic wing and proved to be very good off the bounce in transition as well as the half court. He’s a capable finisher with both hands. Daily shot development and increased three-point percentages is a must to set up his slashing ability off the bounce. Malin is a willing passer who must limit turnovers as he creates offensive opportunities for others. He’s a good prospect with upside! Malin needs to move shot release point higher off of his hip. He displayed a terrific attitude and was easy to coach!” Allard definitely proved to be an asset for his team during camp and has the tools to carve out a useful role for Oceanside Collegiate this season.
#6: 6’2 ’23 Derek Bradley (Gastonia)
Continuing onto a player that showcased a pretty well-rounded skillset and approach, especially for his age, Derek Bradley. He’s a skilled, unselfish guard prospect with a strong frame and excellent abilities as a penetrator. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find even more scoring opportunities as an off-ball cutter. Coach Potosnakk on Bradley: “Derek’s body type and strong ball skills makes him difficult for opponents to defend as he attacks the rim. He’s an excellent finisher, reminds of Jayden Gardner with his ability to get downhill and finish or get fouled in traffic. He’s capable from beyond the arc but shot development and consistently making three-pointers will set up what he does best. Derek knocked down several three-pointers throughout the day. He should be a dominant rebounder given his size/strength. Mindset is important here. Working the offensive glass will add to a fine offensive game at a young age. Derek is very coachable and has a terrific attitude!” Bradley was quite impressive at camp, averaging 17 PPG, and should be a vital contributor for Gaston Christian during the upcoming season.
#7: 6’2 ’22 Ben Hale III (Boone)
Next, we look at a player that really excelled at being a complementary piece with any group of teammates, Ben Hale III. He’s a fairly well-rounded wing/forward prospect with a high motor and excellent cutting abilities. Next in his development process is working to get quicker, as it would make him a more reliable penetration threat. Coach Potosnakk on Hale: “Ben is a capable three-point shooting threat with good range. Daily shot development is vital to increase percentages. He’s excellent at moving without the ball and displays good finishing ability with both hands around the rim. Ben showed the ability to put it on the floor and finish at the cup. I’m looking forward to watching him progress this season. He has a good feel for the game. Becoming a better defender on the ball will be important in guarding opponents going forward.” Hale did a lot of things well during camp and should be able to carve out a nice role for Watauga this season.
#9: 6’9 ’21 Julian Williams (Fayetteville)
Finishing up, we look at a player that arguably stood out as the most enticing long-term prospect on this team, Julian Williams. He’s a long, wiry forward/post prospect with skill, toughness, and solid offensive versatility. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as the added wrinkle would make him even tougher for opponents to contain. Coach Potosnakk on Williams: “Julian possesses excellent ball skills for his size and position. He finished well in traffic at the rim and has the ability to become a terrific offensive rebounder with his length and size. Daily shot development will play a major role in his ability to move his game to the perimeter as he works towards his goals for the next level. His best basketball is in the future. Learning from while getting onto the next play without worry or confrontation is vital in his approach to the game.” Williams enjoyed a quality showing at camp, averaging 14 PPG, and should ultimately become a vital piece for Northwood Temple.