Team 9
Coach: Tyler Lewis
#1: 4’11 ’31 Landon Norman (Elkin Middle)
First up, Landon Norman is a 4-foot-11 prospect in the Class of 2031. Despite being among the smallest campers on display, he regularly found ways to make an impact. Norman is a scrappy player who displays feel, unselfishness, and a high motor. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would allow him to play through increased contact on both ends of the floor. Coach Lewis on Norman: “I really enjoyed coaching Landon. Smart, high IQ, and fundamentally sound. Makes the right basketball play. I thought game one was his best game of the camp. He played a lot bigger than his size. Getting bigger and stronger is the next step in his game. Landon will need to get more assertive and find ways to impact the game when he doesn’t have the basketball in his hands. He should work on his first step and his ability to get past defenders or stay in front of ball-handlers.” Norman enjoyed a quality showing at camp and will be a player to watch progress over the coming years.
#3: 4’11 ’31 Tyson Eaddy (Riverbend Middle)
Next, Tyson Eaddy is a 4-foot-11 prospect in the Class of 2031. Though small, he did a great job of mixing it up as an offensive threat. Eaddy showed the ability to attack the basket, hit jumpers, and make plays in transition. 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 Lewis on Eaddy: “Tyson showed flashes throughout camp. He showed that he is capable of knocking down shots from the perimeter and attacking the rim. On his drives, he played with pace and displayed really good footwork, especially on step-throughs and playing off two feet. Possesses a really good feel for the game. His next step is learning how to compete on every possession. Being a smaller guard, he’ll have to always find ways to impact the game. Tyson can also work on getting in better shape and staying in front of ball-handlers defensively.” Eaddy offered solid contributions during camp and should only continue to progress going forward.
#11: 5’4 ’32 Oliver Ladley (Charlotte Latin)
Next, Oliver Ladley is a 5-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2032. Given his status as one of only two players in his grade, there was certainly a lot to like about his game. Ladley already displays a lot of refinement within his skillset and is capable of creating or scoring in several different ways. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher around the basket. Coach Lewis on Ladley: “Oliver was one of the youngest kids at camp. Tremendous skillset for his age/class. Battled every possession. Displayed good footwork on the inside and showed the ability to hit shots from the midrange/perimeter. Played angles really well defensively. Really productive. His next step is improving his footspeed and overall athleticism. Work on not giving up ground to bigger/stronger opponents. Continue to improve lateral quickness and first step burst.” Ladley did a lot of positive things at camp, especially for his age, and will be a player to monitor over the coming years.
#12: 5’5 ’30 Kamari Walker (PreEminent Charter)
Next, Kamari Walker is a 5-foot-5 prospect in the Class of 2030. He’s a quick, well-rounded athlete with solid feel and a high motor. Walker scored in various ways, defended with toughness, and outworked his assignment on both ends of the floor. 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 Lewis on Walker: “Kamari showed a lot of flashes during camp. Athletic, versatile wing who had to play multiple positions throughout the day. Scored the ball from all three levels. Moved well/cut without the basketball and hit a game-winning three in our first contest. His next step is playing with increased speed while staying under control. I would also like to see him get more consistent from the perimeter. Overall, Kamari had a really productive day.” Walker proved to be an asset during camp and has the tools to become a quality player with continued work.
#14: 5’5 ’30 Levi Wilson (Metrolina Christian)
Next, Levi Wilson is a 5-foot-5 prospect in the Class of 2030. Given his advanced feel and skillset, he caused a ton of problems for opponents. Wilson displays phenomenal polish as a creator and scorer from all levels. Reliable rebounder and smart decision-maker. Plays with terrific energy and unselfishness. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a more imposing defender. Coach Lewis on Wilson: “Levi is a smooth, lefty guard. Probably one of the most skilled players on display. Possesses tremendous feel and skillset. Played at his own pace. Showcased good body control on drives and soft touch on floaters and finishes around the rim. Shoots the ball well from the perimeter. His next step is becoming more of a leader on the court and being able to be a leader on the floor. Communicate and don’t give up ground defensively.” Wilson was clearly among the best campers in attendance, earning a Top Performer award, and will be a player to monitor closely going forward.
#18: 5’6 ’30 Riley Southern (Trinity Middle)
Next, Riley Southern is a 5-foot-6 prospect in the Class of 2030. Between his nonstop motor, quality skillset, and blue-collar approach, he made an impact on both ends of the floor. Southern showcased the ability to score from all levels and apply pressure with or without the ball in his hands. Pesky defender with a rugged mentality and strong nose for the ball. Great rebounder for his size. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Lewis on Southern: “Riley made a lot of winning plays. Tough as nails. Loved his motor. Battled and competed hard against bigger/stronger opponents. Moved well without the basketball and displayed a good understanding of the game. Nice shooter from the perimeter, but also showed the ability to get to the rim.” Southern did a lot of things well during camp and should only continue to progress over the coming years.
#19: 5’7 ’30 Messiah Simmons (Winston-Salem Christian)
Finishing up, Messiah Simmons is a 5-foot-7 prospect in the Class of 2030. Although we’ve seen him throughout the years, it’s easy to see how he’s progressed. Simmons possesses a nice blend of size, athleticism, and two-way ability. 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 Lewis on Simmons: “Messiah has really improved! He’s an athletic, versatile wing who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. Able to guard multiple positions. Good instincts and nose for the ball defensively and on the glass. Shot the ball really well from the perimeter. Also, made some really nice plays attacking the basket. His next step is being more engaged every possession and not taking plays off. Be more assertive. Messiah can do a better job of finishing at the rim when attacking the basket. Needs to do better on the fundamentals of team defense.” Simmons made strong contributions at camp and will be a player to monitor over the coming years.