It’s the time of year when rankings, both from national and regional outlets, begin to generate a lot of buzz to the masses. As Phenom Hoops concludes our rankings for North Carolina’s Class of 2027, there are several takeaways. Beyond the freshly departed pieces (Jordan Page, James Minlend, Dylan Twitty, etc.), the class still has an incredible depth of college-level talent. It’s important to remember that rankings are an imperfect, subjective process that factors in the opinions of numerous individuals. After seeing the vast majority of these kids throughout the entirety of their high school journeys (and many prior to that), the sample size is sizable enough. Let’s take a closer look…
(1) 6’5 RJ Moore (Ambassador Christian)
Leading off the rankings, RJ Moore has ownership of the top spot. At 6-foot-5, he has so much to his game. Moore is long, fluid, and athletic with incredible scoring polish, smooth creation instincts, and the size to cause matchup problems for all types of opponents. He scores the ball at an extremely aggressive rate and mixes it up from all levels with relative ease. Moore puts quality pressure on the rim as a downhill threat, but is more than comfortable at generating space and filling it up along the perimeter. Beyond his scoring prowess, he’s shown intriguing playmaking flashes and the tools to be a difference-maker defensively. Already holding a slew of high-major offers, it’ll be fascinating to see where Moore ends up.
(2) 6’7 Jayon Connor (Forsyth Country Day)
Clearly the fastest-rising prospect in North Carolina, Jayon Connor’s recruitment looks drastically different now compared to twelve months ago. Going from two Division II offers (Elizabeth City State, Lee’s McRae)–prior to transferring and reclassifying–to the likes of Clemson, Houston, Michigan State, and various others, visibly relays how much he’s ascended. So much of his rise has been predicated in Connor possessing a clear understanding of his strengths as a player and how to effectively apply them on the court. He’s strong, physical, explosive, and, most importantly, plays considerably harder than everyone else. Connor is a phenomenal rebounder and switchable defender who constantly wreaks havoc with his nonstop motor. He finishes everything, both through contact and above the rim, and displays the ability to handle the ball and knock down jumpers as needed. It’s easy to see why Connor has blown up.
(3) 6’1 King Kendrick (Combine Academy)
Following his recent decision to transfer to Combine Academy, the expectations are certainly high for King Kendrick going into his senior season. The top floor general in North Carolina entered the state two years ago and has largely maintained his noteworthy status throughout that span. He’s an incredibly smart, steady point guard with a tight handle, sharp playmaking sense, and the ability to reliably set the tone on both ends of the floor. Kendrick displays impressive poise and confidence when dictating the action. He effortlessly breaks down defenders and displays terrific pace to get where he wants off the bounce. Kendrick makes terrific decisions with the ball to consistently set up others and score with efficiency. He’s a quality defender with strength, quickness, and anticipation. Given what he provides as a highly dependable floor general, it’s easy to see why Kendrick holds a variety of offers.
(4) 6’6 Dillon Mason (Southlake Christian)
Although many folks are already familiar with the names listed above, it feels like Dillon Mason will continue to gradually emerge as one of the top prospects in North Carolina. At 6-foot-6 with a phenomenal frame, real explosiveness, and an extremely refined skillset, the appeal should be quite obvious. Mason is a very smooth creator and three-level scorer who causes a ton of problems for opponents. He possesses a picturesque jumper with the ability to hit shots at a high clip from midrange and beyond the arc. However, Mason gets downhill with ease and puts pressure on the rim when he desires. He’s a willing passer who appears comfortable operating as a playmaker, off-ball threat, or creator for himself. Mason is a strong rebounder and quality defender across multiple positions. Countless Division I programs should be extending offers to Mason, as his pending blow-up feels inevitable.
(5) 6’2 Travien Williams (Hickory Ridge/Richmond commit)
The first official commit on the board, Travien Williams recently selected Richmond over a collection of noteworthy offers. Since his freshman year, he’s basically been a model of consistency and leadership. Williams is a strong, intelligent floor general who gets downhill seemingly whenever he wants and applies nonstop pressure as a penetrator. He possesses a smooth midrange pull-up and useful jumper from distance, but is clearly at his best when attacking the basket. Williams highlights terrific pace with a crafty handle and the ability to finish very well through contact or with either hand. He’s also continued to make strides as an overall playmaker and has a clear willingness to make the right play. Williams is a solid on-ball defender and quality rebounder for his size/position. Expect him to have a highly productive senior season.
(6) 6’5 Thomas Vickery (Myers Park)
Between his size, explosiveness, and shot-making ability, there’s obvious appeal and intrigue surrounding Thomas Vickery. He’s a big, strong wing with useful creation skills and the ability to find success with or without the ball in his hands. Vickery shoots the ball at a high percentage from beyond the arc, but can also apply pressure in the midrange and attacks closeouts to get downhill with relative ease. He moves well without the ball and cuts effectively to find opportunities to finish above the rim. Vickery is a quality threat in transition, both with and without the ball. He’s a solid rebounder who utilizes his size to make his presence felt defensively. Given his overall toolkit, it’s easy to see why Vickery is a popular name amongst college coaches.
(7) 6’5 Geren Holmes (The Burlington School)
After his decision to transfer to The Burlington School and reclassify, Geren Holmes has maintained consistent status as a top prospect in the state. He’s able to pose a variety of matchup problems with his combination of size, strength, and athleticism from the wing position. Holmes is comfortable handling the ball and initiating the offense as needed, but is arguably at his best as an off-ball threat. He excels at getting downhill and finishing through contact or above the rim, yet also displays the ability to knock down jumpers from midrange or beyond the arc at a respectable rate. Holmes possesses a quality frame with nice toughness, explosiveness, and positional size. He rebounds his position and has the tools to be a game-changing defender. Although already impactful, Holmes still has upside remaining.
(8) 6’3 Nylan Rush (Leesville Road)
Despite previously showcasing intrigue and ability, it’s clear that Nylan Rush took a major step forward over the last twelve months. He’s a long, wiry, explosive lead guard with smooth scoring polish, reliable creation skills, and blossoming playmaking instincts. Rush possesses a crafty handle with the necessary pace, quickness, and change of direction to get where he wants off the bounce. He scores the ball at a consistent rate from all levels, and mixes it up effectively to keep opponents guessing. Rush picks his spots well to apply scoring pressure, yet also knows when to defer to others. He’s a scrappy defender with nice feel and anticipation. Although Rush’s game continues to evolve, he still has clear upside remaining as his body gets stronger.
(9) 6’7 Zeke Battier (Providence Day)
Easily one of the most intriguing prospects across North Carolina, few players in the state have progressed as much as Zeke Battier over the last eight to twelve months. He’s a highly skilled forward with smooth perimeter shooting and growing ability off the bounce. Battier has always found success as a faceup option, both from midrange and beyond the arc, but is attacking and putting pressure on the rim more often than ever before. He’s a smart, willing passer who displays the size and vision to see the floor effectively as a playmaker. Battier possesses nice mobility and offers consistent effort to make his presence felt defensively and on the glass. Though he still has clear long-term potential, Battier should already be a real priority for various types of programs.
(10) 6’5 Khaleil Walters (NC GBB)
Anyone within the high school landscape should already know about Khaleil Walters and his growing status throughout North Carolina. He’s an incredibly explosive wing with terrific size, strength, and a blossoming skillset. Walters is a powerful downhill threat who utilizes his athleticism extremely well to get by defenders and put pressure on the basket. He finishes well though contact, above the rim, and with either hand. However, Walters has also made clear strides as a perimeter shooter and spot-up threat from beyond the arc. He’s a willing passer who sees the floor and has a knack for making the right play. Add in his high motor on the glass and switchable defensive presence, and there’s certainly a lot to like about his game. Expect his stock to continue rising.
(11) 6’4 Matt Allen (Moravian Prep)
Since entering the state, Matt Allen has consistently turned heads with his lethal shooting ability as a skilled wing with size and athleticism. Whether spotting-up, coming off movement, or hitting jumpers off the bounce, he’s a highly useful threat from beyond the arc. Allen provides a low-maintenance identity with an understanding of how to space the floor and produce without needing the ball in his hands. However, he’s able to attack closeouts and finish or knock down pull-ups within a few dribbles. Allen works well within the team structure, but can expand his production as needed. He offers a scrappy, tough defensive presence and useful energy on the glass. Given the constant need for shooting, folks should expect him to be a priority for various programs.
(12) 6’5 Jaxon Dollar (East Lincoln)
Arguably the top two-sport athlete in the state, Jaxon Dollar has only continued to further cement his status as one of the more dynamic prospects around. He’s an excellent athlete with terrific feel, polish, and playmaking instincts. Dollar gets where he wants off the bounce and makes smart decisions to set up others and pick his spots as a scorer. He knocks down jumpers at a quality rate, but is at his best when getting downhill and attacking. Additionally, Dollar also stands out as a leader on the defensive end of the floor. He’s a strong rebounder for his size/position and offers a physical presence at the point of attack. Although he’ll likely pursue football at the next level, he’s more than solidified himself as a Division I basketball talent.
(13) 6’5 QJ Young (Chambers)
Certainly among the most intriguing prospects in the state, QJ Young has rapidly become a priority for Division I coaches. During the month of July, he collected ten offers and immediately vaulted himself into rarified territory (particularly in this era, when offers are increasingly more difficult for high school kids to receive), yet still has a ton of upside remaining. Young is a long, wiry guard with a crafty handle, polished scoring sense, and quality playmaking instincts. He’s a fluid athlete with nice explosiveness and ability as a downhill threat. However, Young also shoots the ball well from the perimeter, both off the catch and bounce, and is capable of filling it up from all levels. He’s an impactful defender and solid rebounder for his size. Given his growth, both physical and in terms of skillset, Young’s appeal is obvious.
(14) 6’4 Josiah Johnson-Freeman (Davidson Day)
After being a consistently productive piece for several years now, it feels like folks should be very familiar with Josiah Johnson-Freeman and everything he brings to a team. He’s a smart, versatile guard with a very well-rounded identity and the ability to effectively operate in various roles. Johnson is capable of doing essentially everything on the court. He can dictate the offense as a main creator, find opportunities without the ball, or simply fill in the gaps as needed. Johnson-Freeman is a willing passer and very capable scorer from all levels. He shoots the ball at a consistent rate, finishes effectively with both hands, and reliably creates clean looks for himself and others off the bounce. Johnson-Freeman is a tough, scrappy defender with terrific instincts and anticipation. His ability to do everything on the court makes him an undeniable asset.
(15) 6’11 Fallilou Mbengue (Combine Academy)
Despite being a newcomer to North Carolina, Fallilou Mbengue will have no problem asserting himself as one of the top prospects in the state. Given our previous viewings of him, it’s easy to see his appeal and intrigue. At 6-foot-11, Mbengue is a long, mobile big man with a high motor and the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. He’s able to naturally create problems for opponents on both ends of the floor. Mbengue displays great timing to block or alter shots as a defensive anchor. He pursues rebounds inside and outside of his area and understands how to run the floor to find finishing opportunities in transition. Mbengue is a useful scoring option who can reliably post-up, space the floor, or position himself for putbacks or drop-offs around the paint. Expect him to be a popular name amongst college coaches.
(16) 6’10 Mason Robinson (Greensboro Day)
Arguably no prospect in the state has been steadier than Mason Robinson over the last few years, both in terms of his status and progression. Though he’s always maintained a reputation as a top prospect in North Carolina, it’s fair to say that his recruitment really took off during June. He accumulated nearly a dozen offers during the last few months of travel ball and will now enter the high school season with a slew of options. Although he has made strides within his game, Robinson has largely found success through being a reliable, low-maintenance piece on both ends of the floor. He consistently blocks shots, secures rebounds, and outworks opponents for extra possessions. Robinson is a capable finisher who understands how to seize opportunities within the flow of the offense. He should be poised for a strong senior campaign.
(17) 6’9 Tyler Brown (Ambassador Christian)
Quietly trending up as much as anyone within North Carolina, Tyler Brown has made consistent strides in his progression over the last year or so. He’s a long, wiry big man with nice mobility, athleticism, and the ability to impact the game without requiring the ball in his hands. Brown finds constant success through his motor, rebounding presence, and rim-protection instincts. He anchors the paint very well, utilizing his length and timing to consistently block or alter shots. Brown outworks opponents on the glass and runs the floor well in transition. Offensively, he’s able to move without the ball and position himself to capitalize on lobs, putbacks, and drop-offs at a nice rate. Brown is also a capable scorer out of the post. Given his current ability and remaining upside, he should appeal to various types of programs.
(18) 6’8 Noah Dobyns (Wesleyan Christian)
Given his combination of size, fluidity, and shot-making ability, it’s easy to be enticed by a prospect like Noah Dobyns. He moves incredibly well for his size and highlights a ton of intriguing flashes on both sides of the ball. At 6-foot-8, Dobyns is a smooth perimeter shooter and explosive finisher who knows how to find opportunities within the flow of the action. He’s able to move without the ball, find spot-up chances, and attack closeouts as needed. Dobyns excels in transition but also knows how to get to his spots in the half-court. He displays useful instincts defensively and utilizes his length well to force turnovers or block shots. Although he’s suffered some untimely injuries over the years, Dobyns’ long-term appeal is still undeniable.
(19) 6’10 Tyson Thompson (Wesleyan Christian)
Consistency is such a valuable trait for basketball players to possess, and Tyson Thompson has built his foundation through being an incredibly steady, reliable piece in every possible setting. He’s a big, strong post player with a sturdy frame, physical presence, and straightforward approach on both ends of the floor. Thompson is a very dependable interior piece who controls the glass, blocks shots at a solid rate, and outworks opponents to do the dirty work. Offensively, he displays solid touch with the ability to score from the block or play above the rim. Thompson carves out space well and utilizes his strength to create advantages for himself. He also runs the floor well in transition. Thompson simply knows how to embrace his identity, and should be a prime target for college coaches as a direct result.
(20) 6’10 Kamari Nicholson (The Burlington School)
Given the value of rim-protection, it’s easy to see the overall appeal with a prospect like Kamari Nicholson. At 6-foot-10 with length, timing, and mobility, he’s an obvious difference-maker who still has considerable upside remaining. Nicholson is a capable finisher with intriguing flashes of floor-spacing ability. However, he’s capable of dominating a game without ever needing to touch the ball. Nicholson rebounds his position very well and will only become more physically imposing as he adds strength to his wiry frame. He moves exceptionally well for his size to anchor the paint defensively, hedge in screen actions, and effectively closeout against shooters or attacking threats along the perimeter. Nicholson does a variety of things well, but his elite shot-blocking presence is what separates him from other prospects. He still has considerable upside remaining.
(21) 7’0 Modou Ndiaye (Concord Academy)
In addition to possessing one of the most coveted traits, rim-protection, Modou Ndiaye has rapidly improved over the last twelve months. He’s a very long, wiry big man who excels as a low-maintenance piece on both ends of the floor. Ndiaye moves well for his size, plays with constant effort, and understands how to consistently impact the game without necessarily needing to score. He’s a solid finisher who finds offensive chances through lobs, running the floor, and his general activity on the glass. Ndiaye is a useful rebounder who routinely outworks opponents for extra possessions and hustle plays. However, his ability to be a legitimate defensive anchor is what makes him such an appealing target for college coaches. Ndiaye possesses great timing and instincts to consistently block or alter shots at a high level. Already impactful, he still has a lot of potential.
(22) 6’5 Caiden Jenkins (Ambassador Christian)
Given his blend of size, athleticism, and well-rounded skillset, it’s easy to see how Caiden Jenkins has consistently found ways to stand out. He’s a polished guard with useful creation instincts and scoring prowess from all levels. Jenkins is able to mix it up well from everywhere on the court. He gets downhill and puts pressure on the rim while consistently hitting jumpers from midrange and beyond the arc. Jenkins has upside as a playmaker due to his ability to create space and generate openings for others. He utilizes his physical tools to make his presence felt defensively and outwork opponents on the glass. Jenkins is comfortable finding opportunities without the ball, but is arguably at his best when filling it up as a primary option. Now at Ambassador Christian, it’ll be exciting to see what’s in store.
(23) 6’6 Carlos Marshall (Victory Christian)
Despite his high school season being unexpectedly cut short, Carlos Marshall still has obvious appeal as a scholarship-level prospect. At 6-foot-6, he plays much bigger than his listed height. Marshall is a strong, physical forward/post player with excellent rebounding prowess, quality defensive instincts, and an inside-out offensive game. So much of his foundation was predicated on his ability to do the little things and embrace the dirty work on both ends of the floor. He outworks opponents for extra possessions and defends multiple positions with relative ease. However, Marshall has made visible strides as an overall offensive piece. He’s a strong finisher who plays well through contact, but can also space the floor, attack off the bounce, and make decisions with the ball in his hands. Marshall’s recruitment is due for an uptick sooner than later.
(24) 6’3 Romain Boyer (Concord Academy)
Easily one of the top marksmen in North Carolina, Romain Boyer has only gotten better and better over the last few years. He’s a smart, strong guard with great positional size and the ability to thrive as a low-maintenance option. Boyer is a knockdown shooter who knows how to apply pressure off the catch, bounce, or coming off movement. He moves very well without the ball to find open seams within the defense and capitalize in spot-up situations. Boyer is capable of initiating the offense or attacking closeouts as needed, yet operates well within the team structure. He can also finish, hit pull-ups, and make the extra pass. Boyer is a reliable defender and useful rebounder for his position. Given the value of shooting, he should be a prime target for various programs.
(25) 6’3 Brennen Jefferson (Knightdale)
Quietly one of the more consistently productive players in the state, there’s certainly a lot to like about Brennen Jefferson’s polished, well-rounded identity. He’s a smart, skilled guard with size, creation instincts, scoring prowess, and the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Jefferson is a smooth scorer from all levels, but is also a useful playmaker with a willingness to make the right play with the ball in his hands. He’s comfortable operating as an initiator or playing without the ball and finding success. Jefferson is a terrific spot-up option who consistently knocks down jumpers off the catch or bounce. Add in his activity on the glass and physical defensive presence, and it’s easy to see his impact. Jefferson should be a priority for various programs.
(26) 6’6 Lusemo Macharia (Independence)
There’s obvious appeal in someone like Lusemo Macharia, whose size, motor, and switchable defensive presence make him an asset in every possible setting. He’s a long, tough, athletic forward whose nonstop effort and physicality allow him to overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor. Macharia is a reliable defender across multiple positions, showing the ability to contain various types of bigs or switch onto perimeter players with relative ease. He positions himself for success and displays terrific instincts to force turnovers, both intercepting passing lanes and blocking or altering shots at a strong rate. Offensively, Macharia is a quality finisher with the ability to score inside and attack off the bounce, but also highlights upside as a floor-spacer. Given everything he brings to a team, it’s easy to be enticed.
(27) 6’0 Brayden Gatling (Southwest Guilford)
It’s difficult to say anything other than positives about Brayden Gatling, who has been a model of consistency throughout his high school career. He dictates the action extremely well as an intelligent, balanced floor general with smooth playmaking instincts and effective scoring polish from all levels. Gatling utilizes his tight handle and sharp quickness to apply relentless pressure off the bounce, where he’s able to get downhill and attack, hit jumpers in the midrange, or set up others in scoring positions. He shoots the ball well from distance and displays a crafty change of pace when penetrating. However, Gatling also clearly prioritizes making the right play and getting others involved at a high rate. He’s a pesky on-ball defender and useful rebounder for his size. Given the way he leads, both by example and through his production, Gatling would be an asset for a ton of programs.
(28) 6’7 Josh Conti (Millbrook)
There is real value in a prospect like Josh Conti, whose polish and overall skill as a refined inside-out piece should definitely entice college coaches. He’s a big, strong post player who utilizes his sturdy frame to carve out space and overwhelm opponents on the block. Conti finishes with touch and plays well through contact, but can also step out and space the floor as needed. He’s a capable threat off the bounce with solid instincts as a creator for himself and others. That being said, Conti is also smooth face-up scorer with the ability to hit jumpers from midrange or beyond the arc. He knows how to operate in screening actions and find opportunities, and is willing to make the extra pass. Given his current ability and remaining upside, college coaches should be involved.