Team 13
Coach: Curtis Patton
#26: 5’7 ’30 Jamiir Ara-Jones (Cleveland)
Starting off, Jamiir Ara-Jones is a 5-foot-7 prospect in the Class of 2030. Between his handle, vision, and penetration sense, he consistently put pressure on opposing defenses. Ara-Jones is a quick, heady lead guard with the ability to break down defenders, touch the paint, and finish or set up others. He knocks down three-pointers at a quality rate and looks to make the right play with the ball in his hands. Ara-Jones is a pesky defender and strong rebounder for his size. Next in his development process is working on his ability to move without the ball, as it would allow him to find more scoring opportunities alongside another lead ball-handler. Coach Patton on Ara-Jones: “Jamiir is a small, pass-first point guard who can consistently get downhill to score or create opportunities for others. Shows the ability to hit shots at a solid rate along the perimeter. Finds the ball well offensively, defensively, and off the glass. Jamiir does a nice job of finding involvement on both ends of the floor.” Ara-Jones made a quality impact throughout camp and has the tools to emerge as a contributor for Cleveland over the coming years.
#28: 5’7 ’30 Jaycee Victoria (Acellus Academy)
Next, Jaycee Victoria is a 5-foot-7 prospect in the Class of 2030. Given his flashes of two-way ability, it’s easy to see his upside as a long-term piece. Victoria is a strong, sturdy guard with a compact frame and the ability to play effectively through contact. He showed the ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, both midrange and beyond the arc, and operate with or without the ball in his hands. Victoria is a willing passer who consistently plays hard and looks to make unselfish decisions. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Patton on Victoria: “Jaycee is young and still fairly new to basketball. He shoots it well from the perimeter and has flashes of useful ball-handling ability. Jaycee accepts coaching well. He’s a team-first player and leader who has ample room and time to grow his game.” Victoria highlighted promising flashes during his time at camp and will be one to monitor as he continues to progress going forward.
#42: 5’9 ’29 Jayden Yanez (Wheatmore)
Next, Jayden Yanez is a 5-foot-9 prospect in the Class of 2029. Easily one of the more productive campers on this team, he found a lot of opportunities through his solid effort and ability to space the floor. Yanez is a tough, scrappy guard with a useful skillset and scoring polish from multiple levels. He’s at his best when hitting jumpers from beyond the arc, but is more than capable of attacking off the bounce and applying pressure 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 more easy scoring opportunities. Coach Patton on Yanez: “Jayden is a solid shooter who plays hard and looks to mix it up on both ends of the floor. He’s a coachable kid with a good attitude. Knows how to run the offense or knock down shots as an off-ball threat. Will lead his teammates.” Yanez enjoyed a quality showing at camp and has the tools to emerge as a difference-maker for Wheatmore over the coming years.
#94: 6’0 ’29 Quinn Ward (Community School of Davidson)
Next, Quinn Ward is a 6-foot-0 prospect in the Class of 2029. He consistently found ways to impact the game through his well-rounded presence and unselfish approach on both ends of the floor. Ward is a steady guard who knows how to do a little bit of everything on the court. Although he’s arguably at his best when spotting-up from beyond the arc, he’s more than capable of making plays off the bounce, operating in the midrange, or setting up others. Ward competes well to make hustle plays whenever possible. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make allow him to become a more physically imposing defender. Coach Patton on Ward: “Quinn is a solid scorer and is very coachable. He’s a team-first player who is vocal and plays with quality effort on the court. Quinn is a reliable outside shooter who operates well within the team structure and capitalizes on his chances when available.” Ward made a nice impact during his time at camp and should be a useful piece for Community School of Davidson going forward.
#128: 6’1 ’30 Jayden Johns (Pinecrest)
Next, Jayden Johns is a 6-foot-1 prospect in the Class of 2030. Given his polished skillset and ability to produce in various roles, he had no issue making his presence felt. Johns displays a nice combination of effort, unselfishness, and well-rounded ability. He showed the ability to score at a consistent rate from all levels, but is arguably at his best when finishing or spacing the floor from distance. Johns is a capable creator and passer. He’s a solid on-ball defender with the strength and instincts to contain his assignment. Next in his development process is working on establishing himself on the glass, as he has the necessary effort and physical tools to become a more impactful rebounder. Coach Patton on Johns: “Jayden plays hard and shoots the ball well from beyond the arc. He’s a team-first guy with the skills to become a leader. He finishes extremely well at the basket and plays well through contact.” Johns proved to be an asset during his time at camp and should be able to emerge as a difference-maker sooner than later for Pinecrest.
#162: 6’3 ’29 Markell Clark (West Forsyth)
Next, Markell Clark is a 6-foot-3 prospect in the Class of 2029. Quietly one of the more impactful guys on this team, he consistently found ways to stand out as a glue-guy. Clark is a very smart, unselfish piece with a nonstop motor and the ability to make his presence felt with or without the ball in his hands. He scores from all levels, makes hustle plays, and overwhelms opponents with his rugged, high-motor defensive presence. Clark moves well without the ball and secures rebounds at a strong rate for his size/position. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better creator against pressure. Coach Patton on Clark: “Markell is a good player. He displays IQ and provides a lot of effort on either side of the ball. He leaves it all on the floor. Markell plays well around the rim but has also shown he can stretch the floor from beyond the arc.” Clark shined as a difference-maker during camp and will be a piece to watch for West Forsyth over the next few seasons.
#177: 6’4 ’29 Connor Lucas (Living Water)
Next, Connor Lucas is a 6-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2029. It didn’t take long to recognize the way he asserted himself as a tone-setter for this group. Lucas is a wiry, skilled forward with great positional size and useful scoring polish. He’s arguably at his best when applying pressure as a spot-up threat from beyond the arc, but can also attack and finish well. Lucas competes well on the glass and knows how to run the floor in transition. Next in his development process is working on getting quicker, as it would make him a better defender along the perimeter. Coach Patton on Lucas: “Connor plays hard and plays smart. He can shoot effectively from the perimeter and finish at the rim. He can handle the ball with some efficiency. Connor stepped up to be a leader and has the desire to keep getting better. He’s a high-ceiling kid with ample time to progress.” Lucas highlighted a variety of intriguing flashes at camp and has the tools to become a useful piece for Living Water going forward.
#211: 6’0 ’29 Jacob Lindsey (O’Neal School)
Finishing up, Jacob Lindsey is a 6-foot-0 prospect in the Class of 2029. Clearly the most productive camper on this team, he showcased a lot of intrigue. Lindsey checks so many boxes with his high IQ, nonstop motor, and polished array of skills. He scores the ball with strong efficiency and mixes it up at a healthy rate from all levels. Lindsey knocks down three-pointers at a high percentage and finishes very well through contact. He’s a tough, physical defender who anticipates well to force turnovers and create transition opportunities. Lindsey is also a terrific rebounder for his size/position. 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. Coach Patton on Lindsey: “Jacob is a strong guard and natural leader who sets the tone with his production. Knows how to get downhill and put constant pressure on the rim. High-motor player who plays with heart and grit to go along with his skills. Capable of making outside shots. Jacob will be a name to remember in North Carolina.” Lindsey made a lasting impression during his time at camp and should be a key piece for O’Neal School over the foreseeable future.