Team 8
Coach: Robinson
#5: 5’6 ’25 Jalen Mills (Hope Mills)
Starting things off, we look at a player that continues to make a lasing impression with his nonstop motor and blue-collar approach, Jalen Mills. He’s a young, unselfish guard prospect and possesses a clear willingness to make hustle plays or do whatever possible to provide his team with an edge. Mills can knock down the open jumper and looks to make the extra pass with regularity. Next in his development process is working on become a craftier ball-handler, as it would allow him to run a team with less resistance. Coach Robinson on Mills: “Jalen can continue to work on his fundamentals (rebounding, passing, shooting, ball control). I highly encourage Jalen to take his development seriously going forward. His on-ball pressure is his ticket right now. Continue to take pride in defending. He can work to give himself time to develop more confidence on the offensive end.” Mills excelled within his role throughout the weekend, and will be one to watch progress over the coming years.
#8: 5’8 ’26 Braylen Todd (Gaston Day)
Next, we look at a player that was quite impressive despite being among the youngest campers in attendance, Braylen Todd. He’s a young, wiry guard prospect with sharp quickness and a strong penetration sense. Todd displays a nice feel for the game, especially for his age, and understands how to capitalize on his opportunities within the flow of the action. He’s a capable finisher, ball-handler, and on-ball defender with a desire to play hard on either end of the floor. Next in his development process is working to become a more consistent perimeter shooter, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Robinson on Todd: “Braylen is an amazing downhill driver and has the ability to finish with either hand. He plays the game with selfless intent. Braylen can continue to work on his shooting mechanics, and overall consistency off the catch and dribble. Being more vocal could take his leadership as a lead guard to another level. His speed and quickness are his ticket.” Todd did a variety of things well at camp, and has the tools to emerge as an enticing prospect over the foreseeable future.
#56: 6’0 ’23 Chase Dawson (Cary Academy)
Moving onto a player that easily stood out among the top all-around performers on display, Chase Dawson. He’s an incredibly quick, speedy floor general with the ability to get downhill and touch the paint at will. Dawson shot the ball effectively, set up others whenever possible, and consistently overwhelmed his assignment defensively. His open-floor speed turns every transition chance into a fast-break opportunity. Dawson also rebounds the ball well, displays nice feel, and plays with great energy on both ends of the floor. Next in his development process is working on his awareness as an off-ball defender, as it would allow him to force even more turnovers by intercepting passing lanes. Coach Robinson on Dawson: “Chase can look to work on his off-ball defense. He has a tendency to stay attached to his man, even when he doesn’t have the ball. Learn to use help-side defense and don’t watch the ball as much. I highly encourage Chase to work on his passing out of ball screens.” Dawson enjoyed a phenomenal showing at camp, securing the MVP award with relative ease, and should have another productive season at Cary Academy.
#57: 6’0 ’24 Coen Locklear (Ashley)
Continuing onto a player that arguably stood out as the main glue-guy of this team during camp, Coen Locklear. He’s an unselfish, team-first guard prospect with the necessary array of skills to affect the action on either side of the ball. Locklear does a little bit of everything, and understands how to capitalize on opportunities within the flow of the team structure. He defends nicely at the point of attack and forces turnovers with regularity. Next in his development process is working to become a better finisher, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Robinson on Locklear: “Coen can continue to improve his shot mechanics and finishing packages around the basket. He can get more comfortable with his initiative to lead. Adding a one/two-dribble pull-up would benefit his game. Continue to work on ball screen, reads, attacks, and passes while getting paint touches and making smart decisions. On and off-ball defense is his ticket.” Locklear made a nice impact at camp and should be able to carve out a useful role sooner than later for Ashley.
#131: 6’3 ’23 Isaac Dobie (First Flight)
Next, we look at a player that simply knows how to make an impact through his steady, straightforward approach, Isaac Dobie. He’s a wiry, long-bodied guard prospect with a reliable jumper from the perimeter and the necessary instincts to effectively operate within a variety of different roles. Dobie is a quality spot-up threat, but also displays solid creation skills and the ability to finish around the basket. He provides great effort as a defender and rebounder, and looks to make the right play at every possible opportunity. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing player on either side of the ball. Coach Robinson on Dobie: “Isaac’s long-term upside is strong. He can improve his confidence when driving the basketball to score, in addition to consistency off the dribble, footwork around the basket, help-side defense, and being more vocal at all times.” Dobie proved to be an asset throughout camp and should return as a definite leader during the upcoming season for First Flight.
#132: 6’3 ’23 Jakaree Byrams (Forest Hills)
Moving onto a player that highlighted flashes of an adaptable, versatile game on either side of the floor, Jakaree Byrams. He’s a long, wiry, athletic wing/forward prospect with solid skill and the necessary tools to consistently outwork his assignment. Byrams is quick, especially for his size, and does a great job of getting downhill and attacking the basket. He’s a capable finisher and can knock down the open perimeter jumper as needed. 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 a cutter. Coach Robinson on Byrams: “Jakaree is athletic with a good wingspan. He can continue to improve IQ and dribbling with his head up. He needs to work on scoring and passing out of ball screens, and be under control when attacking the basket to finish. Developing his footwork and overall balance will help a lot.” Byrams made his presence felt throughout camp and should be a useful contributor for Forest Hills during the upcoming season.
#178: 6’6 ’23 Omarion Ferguson (Mountain Island Charter)
Finishing up, we look at a player that showcased a nice crossroads between productivity and long-term upside, Omarion Ferguson. He’s a long, wiry, athletic forward prospect with nice unselfishness and regular flashes of skill. Ferguson shot the ball at an efficient clip from midrange and beyond the arc, and finished strong around the basket. He possesses great physical tools, runs the floor hard in transition, and is capable of causing mismatches with opposing defenders. Next in his development process is working to become a better ball-handler, as it would make him an even tougher assignment for opponents to contain. Coach Robinson on Ferguson: “Omarion was a pleasure to coach. Skill development and strength training would benefit him. He can continue to improve his footwork at the elbow, mid-post, and from the block. Omarion can also use his wingspan through on-ball defensive pressure.” Ferguson highlighted a lot of intriguing ability at camp and should be able to emerge as a primary contributor for Mountain Island Charter over these next few seasons.