Team 8
Coach: Kelvin Mills
#28: 5’9 ’29 Austin Williams (Calvary Day)
First up, Austin Williams is a 5-foot-9 prospect in the Class of 2029. Though small and young, he clearly knows how to impact the game. Williams runs a team with IQ, assertiveness, and unselfishness. He scores the ball from all levels and sets up others at a quality rate. Pesky defender at the point of attack. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a more imposing player on both ends of the floor. Coach Mills on Williams: “Austin is a high-IQ combo guard who combines elite scoring ability with strong leadership on the court. He is a consistent three-level scorer. His poise, decision-making, and ability to lead make him a standout prospect with the tools to excel at the high school level.” Williams found success during his time at camp and will be a player to monitor at Calvary Day going forward.
#29: 5’9 ’29 Liam Walton (Seaforth)
Next, Liam Walton is a 5-foot-9 prospect in the Class of 2029. Despite his lack of size, he consistently found ways to produce within the flow of the action. Walton is a smart, unselfish guard who offers great balance between scoring and playmaking. Makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Mills on Walton: “Liam is a young, smart player with a high basketball IQ. He plays with exceptional instincts and maturity for his age. He sees the floor well, makes sound decisions under pressure, and elevates the play of his surrounding teammates. His combination of skill, intelligence, and leadership qualities makes him a standout prospect with tremendous upside. Needs to work on his off-hand.” Walton did a lot of things well at camp and will be a player to watch progress for Seaforth over the coming years.
#67: 6’0 ’26 Caden Ryker (NCLA)
Next, Caden Ryker is a 6-foot-0 prospect in the Class of 2026. It doesn’t seem to matter the context or setting, he’s simply a reliable contributor whose adaptable, well-rounded game consistently leads to production. Ryker can dictate the action, apply pressure as a scorer, or do a little bit of everything as a glue-guy. Next in his development process is working to get stronger, as it would make him a more imposing defender. Coach Mills on Ryker: “Caden scored, rebounded, and made great decisions with the ball. He has a blue-collar approach to the game. Caden is still growing into a very good basketball player. He has a high IQ and plays hard on both ends of the floor. His on-ball defense is solid. He also rebounds the ball well for his size/position. Caden’s attitude made him a joy to coach. He is the type of kid that all coaches love to have in their program. Very strong showing at camp. Needs to work on off-hand.” Ryker consistently impacted all facets of the game during camp and should be the clear leader for NCLA this season.
#68: 6’0 ’26 Chase Gilmore (West Johnston)
Next, Chase Gilmore is a 6-foot-0 prospect in the Class of 2026. He’s a smart, polished guard who possesses an impressive blend of IQ, motor, and all-around ability. Gilmore scores from all levels, sets up others, and forces turnovers defensively. He’s a tough competitor with the ability to consistently outwork opponents on both ends of the floor. 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 Mills on Gilmore: “Chase was dynamic at camp. He has so much natural ability and a rapidly developing skillset. Beyond the measurable skills, his work ethic is what separates him from other players. Chase has a very competitive side and is a natural leader on the floor. He rises to the occasion in big moments, embraces coaching, and makes his teammates better. With continued growth and development, he will play at the next level.” Gilmore enjoyed a strong showing at camp and should be a focal point for West Johnston during his upcoming senior season.
#88: 6’1 ’28 Beckett Puchalaki (Union Pines)
Next, Beckett Puchalaki is a 6-foot-1 prospect in the Class of 2028. Given his age and blend of skills, Puchalaki is at a nice crossroads between production and long-term upside. He already knows how to apply scoring pressure from all levels and is comfortable with or without the ball in his hands. Scrappy defender and useful rebounder for his size/position. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would allow him to absorb increased contact when attacking the basket. Coach Mills on Puchalaki: “Beckett is a young player with exceptional talent and the skillset to impact the game at a high level. He displays three-level scoring ability, finishing at the rim with strength and creativity, knocking down midrange jumpers, and stretching the floor with good perimeter shooting. He has a good handle and nice court vision. Needs to work on his off-hand.” Puchalaki did a lot of things well during camp and will be a player to watch emerge at Union Pines going forward.
#89: 6’1 ’28 Caden Bregu (Combine Academy)
Next, Caden Bregu is a 6-foot-1 prospect in the Class of 2028. Given his adaptable, well-rounded identity, he’s able to find success in a variety of different roles. Bregu excels at getting downhill, where he can reliably finish or set up others, but also knocks down jumpers at a solid rate. Scrappy defender with IQ and toughness. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better creator under pressure. Coach Mills on Bregu: “Caden is a very smart, solid player. One of the top ten kids at camp. He has a clean form on his jumper. Versatile, skilled player with the ability to finish the break and hit the floater with touch and body control. Caden is a good defender capable of locking up anyone he guards. Rebounds his position well. Needs to work on his off-hand.” Bregu found consistent success at camp and should only continue to steadily progress for Combine Academy.
#91: 6’4 ’30 Bruce Griffin (Fayetteville Academy)
Next, Bruce Griffin is a 6-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2030. Easily one of the most intriguing campers on display, he has obvious appeal. Griffin possesses the size, skill, and athleticism to cause constant matchup problems for opponents. Showed the ability to impact all facets of the game. Next in his development process is simply continuing to refine his game to prepare for the high school level. Coach Mills on Griffin: “Bruce is an outstanding talent with a polished skillset. One of the most talented young guards at camp. He has a combination of skill and athleticism. Bruce is a gifted scorer who can convert buckets at all three levels. His skillset is rarely seen in players his age. At 6-foot-4 and only 14 years old, he demonstrates poise, athleticism, and versatility on both ends of the floor. He has a smooth jumper with excellent form. Capable of creating his own shot off the dribble. Strong ball-handler and facilitator; an excellent passer who makes teammates better. He can guard three positions effectively with great length, quickness, and awareness. Bruce rebounds well for his position, contributing on both ends. I would like to see him add 10 pounds of muscle.” Griffin clearly impressed at camp and will be a player to monitor closely over the coming years.
#132: 6’3 ’28 Julius Hurley (Wesleyan Christian)
Next, Julius Hurley is a 6-foot-3 prospect in the Class of 2028. He’s a highly adaptable piece with the ability to hit shots, defend with energy, and fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Hurley has the necessary IQ, motor, and skillset to produce in a variety of different roles. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Mills on Hurley: “Julius became whatever we needed him to be. One on one, he consistently outworked opponents for extra opportunities. As he gets stronger, he is going to be highly sought out. He’s a natural glue-guy who gives the team everything he has. Julius has the ability to be a double-double type of player. I love his grind. I would like to see him add 10 pounds of muscle for additional strength.” Hurley made a lot of valuable contributions during camp and should be a useful piece for Wesleyan Christian going forward.
#133: 6’3 ’28 Rickey Torrence (Metrolina Christian)
Finishing up, Rickey Torrence is a 6-foot-3 prospect in the Class of 2028. He stands out as a tough, rugged, high-motor piece with a terrific nose for the ball. Torrence is a well-rounded offensive piece who can create and apply scoring pressure from all levels. He’s a physical defender and quality rebounder. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more reliable ball-handler under pressure. Coach Mills on Torrence: “Rickey is a true blue-collar player who consistently gets the job done. He thrives on effort and hustle, impacting the game in ways that don’t always show up on the stat sheet but directly contribute to his team’s success. Rickey did a variety of things well at camp and could carve out a role for himself as a varsity starter. Needs to work on his off-hand.” Torrence proved to be an asset at camp and has the tools to emerge as a useful piece for Metrolina Christian.