Team 1
Coach: Colby Lewis
#14: 5’5 2026 Luke Russo (First Flight)
Starting with a player who stood out for his motor, attitude, and willingness to be coached, Luke Russo. He’s a small, scrappy guard who provides consistent effort on both ends of the floor. Russo looked to seize scoring chances whenever possible, but understands how and when to defer to his teammates. He battles defensively, fights for rebounds, and works hard to fill in the gaps offensively. Next in his development process is working to develop his overall skillset, as it would make him a more polished all-around player. Coach Lewis on Russo: “Luke has a great attitude and willingness to learn. Regardless of team or individual performance, he brought optimism to this group. He plays with nice energy and is willing to make hustle plays whenever possible.” Russo highlighted a strong work ethic during his time at camp and could be able to carve out a role for First Flight with continued progression.
#49: 5’11 2026 Raiden Ricks (High Point Central)
Next, we look at a player who looked to actively fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor, Raiden Ricks. He’s a tough, coachable guard who was arguably at his best when getting downhill or applying pressure in transition. Ricks displayed the ability to knock down jumpers from midrange and beyond the arc, yet understood when to seize his opportunities. Next in his development process is working on refining his shooting mechanics, as it would make him a more consistent shooting threat. Coach Lewis on Ricks: “Raiden is a coachable player who consistently looked to implement coaching instruction on the court. Although he knocked down some shots, getting quality game-like reps will help his consistency. Raiden took advantage of fast-break chances but can continue to tighten up his handle and sharpen his feel for the game.” Ricks enjoyed a nice showing at camp and should be a useful contributor for High Point Central this season.
#58: 6’0 2025 Seung Surmons (Southern Wake Academy)
Moving onto a player who led the camp in scoring (18.7 PPG), including a 34-point outburst, Seung Surmons. He’s a scrappy, fairly well-rounded guard prospect who found consistent success with the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working on his ability to find opportunities as a cutter, as it would make him even more problematic for opponents. Coach Lewis on Surmons: “Seung Surmons will be a key piece for Southern Wake Academy this season as they look to make an NCHSAA 1A State Championship run. The lefty guard led the camp in scoring with 18.7 PPG. Surmons was really good creating off the bounce and finishing in the paint. What impressed the most, was his ability to finish with his off-hand at the end of drives and with touch on floaters. Sumons is capable from behind the arc, given that he shot 31% from three last season. By tightening up his shooting mechanics, his percentages should improve. On the defensive end of the floor, Surmons constantly found ways to be involved in the play and has a nose for the basketball.” Surmons enjoyed a highly productive showing at camp and should be a difference-maker as a senior leader for Southern Wake Academy.
#74: 6’1 2026 Jayden Crews (Westwood)
Continuing forward, we move on to a player who showcased his playmaking ability off the bounce, Jayden Crews. He is a long, athletic guard who excels getting downhill and applying pressure as a penetrator. Next in his development process is working on his playmaking instincts, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Lewis on Crews: “Jayden utilizes his body well and displays good body control on drives. His speed and quickness put a lot of pressure on opponents to keep him in front. He’s able to create his own shot in a variety of ways. Crews also showed the ability to be a capable threat from the perimeter. As the day progressed, he did a better job of making plays for others. The next phase in his development is understanding how to better balance scoring and facilitating as a primary ballhandler by looking to get others involved early in the game so that it opens up scoring opportunities for himself.” Crews proved to be an asset at camp, finishing as the sixth-leading scorer (15.7 PPG), and should have a productive junior year at Westwood.
#83: 6’2 2025 Jonathan Meadows (Northwood Academy)
Next, we look at a player who made a lasting impression with his unselfish, malleable identity, Jonathan Meadows. He’s a smart, well-rounded player who consistently made his presence felt within the flow of the action. Meadows proved to be a useful spot-up threat, willing passer, and active defender. He looked to make the extra pass whenever possible. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a more lethal penetrating threat. Coach Lewis on Meadows: “Jonathan is a true team player. Very unselfish. He hit a couple of jumpers throughout the day but didn’t force anything. Consistently took what the defense gave him and located open teammates at every opportunity. He makes hustle plays and utilizes his body well to battle through contact as a rebounder. Solid defender, but improving his quickness will allow him to defend smaller guards.” Meadows excelled within his role throughout camp and should be poised for a quality senior season at Northwood Academy.
#94: 6’2 2027 Jordan Powell (Hickory)
Moving on to a player who knows how to run a team with IQ, poise, and unselfishness, Jordan Powell. He’s a well-rounded floor general with great size, pace, and two-way ability. Next in his development process is working to increase his pressure as a scorer, as he possesses the necessary polish. Coach Lewis on Powell: “Jordan is a high-IQ point guard who plays the game the right way, which is a key reason why he started on one of the best 3A teams in the state last season as a freshman. He is extremely unselfish and constantly looks to make the extra pass. He showcased his handle and passing abilities. He is able to create well off the bounce, finish at the rim and midrange, and is also capable in rhythm from behind the arc. As a point guard, the next step in Powell’s progression is to become more aggressive and assertive (even when playing with older players). He’s the type of player that coaches would be ok with him being a little more selfish at times looking for his own shot because they know he will run the offense and how willing he is to get everyone on the team involved.” Powell stood out as one of the most enticing prospects on display, and will be a player to monitor over the foreseeable future.
#139: 6’6 2026 Thomas Thompson (Bishop McGuinness)
Continuing forward, we look at a player who possesses an intriguing combination of physical tools and long-term upside, Thomas Thompson. He’s a long, wiry wing/forward prospect with a strong motor and blossoming skillset. Next in his development process is working on becoming a more reliable creator, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Lewis on Thompson: “Thomas is an athletic, high motor glue-guy who can adapt to multiple roles in different situations. On the defensive end, he is able to guard multiple positions and rebounds well. On the offensive end, he is at his best when attacking the rim in straight-line drives, where he can use his strong frame to finish at the rim and thru contact. Thompson also showed the ability to knock down shots from behind the arc off the catch and in rhythm. The next phase in his development will be to continue to become a more consistent threat from the perimeter. Doing these things will make it easier on him to do what he does best, which is attack the basket.” Thompson highlighted a variety of flashes during his time at camp and should be a key piece for Bishop McGuinness going forward.
#143: 6’8 2026 Jace Blocker (Watauga)
Finishing up, we look at a player who quietly stood out as one of the more steady, reliable interior guys on display, Jace Blocker. He’s a big, strong-bodied post prospect with touch, feel, and a high motor. Blocker utilizes his body extremely well to absorb contact and finish around the basket. His blue-collar approach allows him to mesh with any collection of teammates. Next in his development process is working on his quickness, as it will allow him to switch onto smaller opponents defensively. Coach Lewis on Blocker: “After coming off a knee injury this past season, Jack is making really good progress and expects to have a strong year at Watauga. At his size and position, Blocker was able to showcase his skillset. He has nice touch in the post, especially going over his left shoulder. He works for positioning in the post and with his size can carve out space and create deep post catches. He is also capable of spacing the floor on the perimeter and able to put the ball on the bounce in face-up situations. The next step in Blocker’s development is to continue to improve his mobility and athleticism (which has improved over the past few years) and finishing with his off-hand over length.” Blocker enjoyed a terrific showing at camp, averaging 12.7 PPG, and should be an asset for Watagua over these next few seasons.