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 2028, there are several takeaways. Beyond the freshly departed pieces (Mekhi Allen, Chacho Womack, Jaleel Smith etc.), this remains arguably the most talented class in the state. 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 large enough. Let’s take a closer look…
(1) 6’10 Xavier Hall (Mooresville)
Built like a brick house with phenomenal size, explosiveness, and a physically imposing presence, it’s easy to see why Xavier Hall holds the top spot in our updated rankings. He’s a big, strong big man who legitimately dominates the paint on both ends of the floor. Hall occupies so much space (in the best possible way) that he’s basically an unmovable force. He utilizes his powerful frame to absorb tons of contact around the basket, both as a finisher and rebounder. Hall carves out space with incredible ease and is capable of playing above the rim seemingly whenever he desires. He’s a capable scorer out of the post and shows flashes of floor-spacing ability. Hall is an exceptional rebounder and natural double-double threat who controls the glass with relative ease. He also positions himself well to block or alter shots at a consistent rate. Already one of the top prospects in the country, it’s scary to consider Hall’s remaining upside.
(2) 6’3 Micah Gunter (Greensboro Day)
There is so much value in consistent production and leadership, which rings true for Micah Gunter more than arguably anyone in North Carolina. He’s the closest thing to a complete guard with his combination of IQ, skill, and athleticism. Gunter is an extremely polished creator, both for himself and others, with the ability to fill it up in a variety of ways. He controls the offense as the main ball-handler, displays smooth pace off the bounce, and makes intelligent decisions. Gunter scores the ball at a frequent, yet efficient rate from all levels, but truly excels at getting downhill and putting pressure on the rim. He’s a quality shooting threat, both from midrange and beyond the arc, who finishes with nice craftiness and explosiveness. Gunter is a terrific athlete with the size and strength to cause constant problems for opponents on both ends of the floor. Add in his reliable defensive and rebounding presence, and it’s easy to see why he’s continued to warrant attention as a national prospect.
(3) 6’4 Kaharri Coleman (West Charlotte)
It’s fair to say that Kaharri Coleman possesses as many natural gifts as anyone in the state, regardless of class. He possesses a unique blend of size, twitchiness, and freakish explosiveness from the point guard position. Coleman is able to get downhill and put pressure on the rim legitimately whenever he desires. He utilizes his crafty handle and sharp change of pace to relentlessly attack the basket, set up others, and finish at the rim. At 6-foot-4, Coleman has a strong, powerful frame that allows him to physically dominate opponents on both ends of the floor. Although he touches the paint at a nonstop rate, Coleman has shown useful shooting prowess from midrange and beyond the arc. The amount of offensive attention he draws creates a ton of openings for his teammates. He rebounds his position and highlights quickness and anticipation defensively to force turnovers. Clearly a major prospect, Coleman’s stock should only continue to rise.
(4) 6’7 Tjay Brunson (Clayton)
Arguably the most exciting, electric player throughout North Carolina, it’s so easy to appreciate everything Tjay Brunson brings to a team. He’s ridiculously explosive with a nonstop motor and the mentality to dominate a game through his energy, physicality, and nose for the ball. Brunson is an athletic freak with impressive length, twitchiness, and effortless pop. He poses a powerful downhill threat who puts as much pressure on the rim as anyone you’ll ever find in basketball. Brunson is able to attack off the bounce, move without the ball, capitalize on second-chance opportunities, and wreak havoc in transition. He’s virtually unstoppable from getting to the rim, but is willing passer who sees the floor particularly well for someone who attacks with such force. Brunson can knock down open jumpers, but wants to get downhill whenever possible. He’s an incredible rebounder and imposing, suffocating defender across multiple positions. It’s easy to see why Brunson has become one of the most coveted prospects in the country.
(5) 6’2 Kenyon St. Louis (Winston-Salem Christian)
Given his ability to run a team as a highly poised, intelligent floor general, there’s so much to like about what Kenyon St. Louis brings to the table. He controls the action so well from the point guard position, displaying balance between his ability to consistently set up others and pick his spot as a scorer from all levels. St. Louis highlights impressive pace and navigates well to get where he wants off the bounce. He sees the floor at a high level to set up others in scoring positions, but is more than comfortable at asserting himself from all over the floor. St. Louis makes excellent decisions with the ball in his hands, but is also capable of playing alongside another creator as needed. He’s a reliable defender at the point of attack and useful rebounder for his size/position. Already one of the top players, both in Canada and the United States, his appeal is clear.
(6) 6’8 Chase Smith (Queens Grant)
Easily one of the most consistently productive players in North Carolina, Chase Smith continues to evolve while maintaining his foundational identity. He’s a highly skilled forward/post player with a terrific blend of touch, strength, and inside-out ability. Although Smith has visibly developed his ability to space the floor and make plays off the bounce, he’s still able to reliably produce around the basket. He’s capable of being a double-double threat with his consistent scoring prowess and overall rebounding presence. Smith has the tools to be a matchup problem for several types of opponents. He utilizes his size very effectively against smaller players and is more than willing to draw out bigger defenders to the perimeter. Smith also blocks shots at a quality rate defensively and runs the floor well in transition. Expect him to keep collecting offers as a focal point for the Stallions.
(7) 5’11 AJ Morman (Southern Durham)
It’s difficult to overstate the amount of success AJ Morman has already achieved across his two seasons of high school basketball. The winner of back-to-back state championships, he’s proven to be a true difference-maker since his freshman year. Not only is he a pure gamer who seems to elevate when the lights are bright, Morman doubles as a natural leader whose IQ, leadership, and sheer consistency make him a terrific floor general. He controls the action with terrific poise and unselfishness while highlighting a strong balance between scoring and playmaking. Morman is a crafty creator who reliably gets where he wants off the bounce and makes great decisions with the ball. He displays scoring polish from all areas on the floor and competes well to make his presence felt defensively. Currently 58-6 in his career, another noteworthy season could be on the horizon for Morman.
(8) 6’7 Cameron Moore (Greenfield)
There’s so much appeal surrounding Cameron Moore, both as a current player and long-term prospect. He’s already a big, strong, physically imposing athlete with a well-rounded skillset and the ability to affect all facets of the game. Moore is a versatile, explosive piece who can handle the ball, attack off the bounce, and put consistent pressure on the rim. He utilizes his size and athleticism to naturally create matchup problems for all types of opponents. Moore is comfortable initiating the offense and setting up others, but can also find success as a creator or off-ball threat. He’s a really sharp passer for his size/position and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Moore can knock down open jumpers, but is at his best when getting downhill or making his presence felt in transition. That being said, so much of his value comes through his high motor on the glass and rugged, switchable defensive identity. Moore should only continue to attract Division I coaches.
(9) 6’7 Julian Tweedy (Cary Academy)
Fresh off a notable travel ball season where he stood out as a consistent leader and focal point, Julian Tweedy continues to showcase very real appeal as a next-level prospect. At 6-foot-7, he’s able to create a variety of matchup problems for opponents on both ends of the floor. Tweedy is a versatile, switchable piece whose positional flexibility allows him to defend multiple positions and operate in several roles offensively. He’s a smart, well-rounded offensive piece who can initiate the offense, create off the bounce, or be effectively featured from numerous spots on the floor. Tweedy scores from all levels, but is at his best when applying pressure from midrange or around the basket. He’s able to score out of the post and finish through contact or above the rim. Tweedy is a willing passer who sees the floor well for his size. He’s a strong rebounder and terrific defender across multiple positions. Already appealing, Tweedy still has considerable upside remaining.
(10) 6’2 Jermier Nelson (Carmel Christian)
Despite being one of the newest additions to North Carolina, Jermier Nelson has already asserted himself as a notable prospect prior to the high school season. After a strong summer, he’s rapidly vaulted himself forward in the eyes of college coaches (more than doubling his offer sheet since June). Nelson is a dynamic, athletic floor general with a high IQ, strong penetration sense, and quality playmaking instincts. He’s able to effortlessly break down opponents and mix it up as a scorer from all levels, but truly excels at getting downhill and putting pressure on the rim. Nelson finishes through contact, above the rim, and effectively with either hand. He displays nice pace, quickness, and change of direction when attacking. In addition to his polished offensive game, Nelson is a tough, physical on-ball defender who anticipates well to force turnovers. He also rebounds his position and pushes the break well in transition. Expect his stock to keep rising over the coming months.
(11) 6’8 Brice Wiersma (Christ School)
Another noteworthy transfer into North Carolina, Brice Wiersma continues to visibly trend upward as a prospect. He’s an extremely skilled forward/post player with the size, feel, and inside-out ability to cause constant problems for opponents. Wiersma is very polished on the block with his blend of touch, footwork, and array of scoring moves. He’s improved his body considerably over the recent months, yet still has the necessary strength to physically overwhelm opponents around the basket. That being said, Wiersma is more than comfortable operating from midrange or spacing the floor beyond the arc. He’s a useful shooter and threat off the bounce, which allows him to consistently alter his approach based on matchup. Wiersma is a willing passer who sees the floor well to set up others. He’s also a reliable rebounder with nice activity on the glass. It’s easy to see why he’s continued to turn heads.
(12) 6’8 Camden Hill (Panther Creek)
There are a lot of appealing post prospects in this class, and Camden Hill continues to highlight clear strides within his progression. He possesses an intriguing blend of size, skill, and athleticism as a fluid forward/post player. Hill is able to score the ball in a multitude of ways. He’s comfortable operating on the block, spacing the floor, or making plays off the bounce. Hill is willing to take what the defense gives him, but is more than capable of asserting himself and imposing his will as needed. He moves very well for his size, which allows him to anchor the paint defensively, switch ball screens when necessary, and contain opponents on the move. Hill secures rebounds and blocks shots at a quality rate. He plays with consistent energy and runs the floor effectively in transition. Hill already does a lot of things well but should only continue to develop and emerge as a target for Division I programs.
(13) 6’4 JJ Gray (Queens Grant)
Among the newest crop of incoming prospects to North Carolina, JJ Gray has already built a strong reputation as a Division I talent. The 6-foot-5 guard has the IQ, ball skills, and shooting prowess to cause a ton of problems for opponents. He’s a knockdown threat from beyond the arc with the ability to heat up quickly and fill it up. However, Gray is more than comfortable initiating the offense or creating for himself and others off the bounce. He sees the floor well as a passer and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Although he’s at his best from beyond the arc, Gray scores the ball at a quality rate from all levels. He anticipates well defensively and displays an active motor on the glass to rebound his position. Still growing into his body, Gray’s appeal is easy to recognize.
(14) 6’7 Andrew Juergens (Greensboro Day)
There’s clear intrigue surrounding Andrew Juergens and his combination of size, explosiveness, and floor-spacing ability. He’s a long, wiry forward who finds a ton of success as a low-maintenance option. Juergens thrives in transition, where he’s able to run the floor and finish above the rim or get to his spots from beyond the arc. He operates very effectively from the wings and corners to knock down jumpers and attack closeouts, but doesn’t necessarily need the ball to make his presence felt. Juergens provides quality effort on the glass and lurks well to capitalize on lobs, putbacks, or second-chance opportunities. He utilizes his activity and athleticism to make a nice impact defensively. Given his array of foundational tools, Juergens still has a lot of long-term potential.
(15) 6’7 Thomas Bowes (Greensboro Day)
Easily one of the fastest risers in North Carolina, it’s easy to see why Thomas Bowes has become an increasingly popular name with Division I coaches. At 6-foot-7, his blend of skill, scoring polish, and physical tools makes him a versatile matchup problem for various types of opponents. Bowes can reliably make plays with the ball in his hands as a creator for himself and others, displaying IQ, vision, and the ability to efficiently apply pressure from all levels. He’s a fluid athlete who puts pressure on the rim, both as a cutter and transition threat, and plays well through contact. Bowes rebounds his position very well and is comfortable toggling between multiple positions defensively. His positional size, natural ability to create mismatches, and remaining upside should make him a target for several types of programs.
(16) 6’5 Travis Cooper (Leesville Road)
Quietly trending as one of the more intriguing prospects in North Carolina, Travis Cooper has visibly elevated his stock over the recent months. He possesses an impressive toolkit with the size, skill, and athleticism to pose a ton of matchup problems for opponents. Cooper is a quality creator who displays pace, craftiness, and decisiveness when breaking down defenders. He’s able to get downhill at a consistent rate and finish through contact, above the rim, or effectively with either hand. Cooper knocks down jumpers off the catch and bounce, both from midrange and beyond the arc, and sees the floor well to put others in scoring positions. He defends with toughness and rebounds at a consistent rate. At 6-foot-5 with Cooper’s blend of physical tools, scoring polish, and creation instincts, it wouldn’t be surprising to his recruitment take off over the coming months.
(17) 5’11 Sherod McCormick (Mooresville)
Fresh off a noteworthy travel ball season, Sherod McCormick continues to solidify himself as one of the more consistent and dependable lead guards in the state. He’s a steady, well-rounded floor general who dictates the action with poise, patience, and terrific balance. McCormick displays quickness, craftiness, and the ability to reliably create clean looks for himself and others off the bounce. Although he’s proven capable of running the team, McCormick doubles as a valuable off-ball threat whose blend of cutting, shooting, and middle game allow him to attack defenses in various ways. He’s a malleable piece who can produce in several types of roles. McCormick defends with energy and toughness at the point of attack, which allows him to force turnovers and push transition play at a healthy rate. Expect him to have a highly productive junior year.
(18) 6’2 Ja’Von Motta (Trinity Christian)
There’s been a lot of deserved buzz surrounding Ja’Von Motta over the last twelve months, but it feels like his stock will only continue to trend upward. Following his transfer to Trinity Christian and reclassification, he quickly established himself as one of the top combo guards in North Carolina. Given his blend of creation skills, playmaking instincts, and scoring prowess, Motta fits the mold of the modern floor general. He’s a smooth creator with the pace and handle to generally get where he wants off the bounce. Motta sees the floor well as a passer, generates space effectively off the bounce, and scores with ease from all levels. He’s a very confident shot-maker who can heat up and fill it up in a hurry. In addition to his polished offensive game, Motta is a useful rebounder and active defender who anticipates well to force turnovers. His recruitment should take a drastic leap over the coming months.
(19) 6’2 Rucker Jamison (Myers Park)
Consistently trending as one of the more intriguing guards in this class, Rucker Jamison has a lot of current ability and long-term upside remaining. He’s a dynamic lead guard who has made steady strides within his development as a playmaker and overall scorer. Jamison is long, athletic, and able to physically overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor. He breaks down opponents well to touch the paint and finish or set up others in scoring positions. Jamison is a strong transition threat whose speed allows him to put consistent pressure on the rim. He knocks down jumpers at a respectable rate and displays nice overall balance as a floor general. On the other end, Jamison rebounds his position well and utilizes his length and anticipation to force turnovers at a strong rate. Given his toolkit, genetics, and blossoming identity, Jamison should only continue to progress.
(20) 6’6 Roman Solheim (Caldwell Academy)
There’s obvious value in a player who can do everything on the court, and that sentiment certainly rings true with Roman Solheim. At 6-foot-6, he’s a highly versatile wing/forward with a terrific blend of size, skill, and athleticism. Solheim is a quality creator for his size, displaying the ability to handle the ball and generate clean looks off the bounce for himself and others. He’s a willing passer and polished scorer who can apply pressure in a healthy variety of ways. Solheim scores well from all levels, but also has the ability to post-up, attack in transition, and simply outwork opponents for putbacks and second-chance opportunities. His constant effort on the glass makes him an excellent two-way rebounder. Solheim is a scrappy defender with the length, activity, and athleticism to guard multiple positions. Expect him to warrant a lot of attention from Division I coaches going forward.
(21) 6’9 Biar Deng (Combine Academy)
It doesn’t take very long for folks to recognize the obvious level of intrigue and potential surrounding Biar Deng. Although he’s shown a lot of ability as a two-way piece, Deng is truly just beginning to scratch the surface of his long-term abilities. He’s a long, fluid post player with excellent activity and natural feel on both ends of the floor. Right now, Deng mainly impacts the game through his rebounding, shot-blocking, and ability to fill in the gaps on both ends of the floor. However, he highlights enticing flashes of skill. Deng displays solid touch around the basket, but can also finish effectively through contact and above the rim. He’s a capable floor-spacer and post-up option with the ability to attack opposing big men off the bounce as needed. Deng is already an obvious target for Division I programs, but it’ll be exciting to monitor his continued development over the next two years.
(22) 5’11 Tre Jefferson (Weddington)
Given how many times we’ve seen Tre Jefferson absolutely dominate, it’s difficult to do anything other than reiterate the obvious. He’s an intelligent, heady floor general with sharp quickness, vision, and a highly impactful identity on both ends of the floor. Jefferson utilizes his pace and tight handle to consistently break down opponents off the bounce, touch the paint, and make quality decisions with the ball in his hands. He’s a dynamic penetrating threat who frequently finishes and puts others in scoring positions, yet also possesses a smooth middle game and the ability to knock down jumpers from beyond the arc. Jefferson is a phenomenal offensive engine with the right level of unselfish playmaking and assertive scoring prowess. On the other end, he’s arguably just as impactful. Jefferson is a stifling on-ball defender who mirrors his assignment and forces turnovers at a consistent rate.
(23) 6’5 Dillon Robinson (Gaston Day)
Gradually trending up as much as any prospect on this list, it wouldn’t be surprising if Dillon Robinson vaulted himself another five to ten spots forward over the next twelve months. At 6-foot-5, he’s a versatile wing with the size, skill, and athleticism to pose constant matchup problems for opponents. Robinson is a smooth creator who displays quality feel and ball skills with the right balance between unselfishness and assertiveness. He’s comfortable with or without the ball in his hands, and mixes it up well as a scorer from all levels. Robinson knocks down jumpers at a consistent rate, puts pressure on the rim, and seizes transition opportunities at a healthy rate. He rebounds well for his size and defends multiple positions with relative ease. Clearly armed with the tools to be a notable prospect, expect Robinson to turn a lot of heads over the foreseeable future.
(24) 6’6 Aiden Dalton (Forsyth Country Day)
Folks should be quite familiar with Aiden Dalton, as he’s maintained consistent status as a notable prospect since the start of his high school journey. He’s a long, fluid athlete with nice size, strength, and inside-out ability. Dalton possesses a quality skillset, particularly for his size, and is comfortable operating in various types of roles. He can post-up, operate in the short corner, and space the floor from midrange or beyond the arc as needed. Dalton is a capable threat off the bounce against bigger defenders. He also plays with solid energy, which allows him to secure and capitalize on second-chance opportunities. Dalton positions himself well to get involved in the rebounding battle and block or alter shots defensively. Although he’s already a productive varsity piece, he still has plenty of potential as a long-term piece.
(25) 6’0 Paul Cauthen (Reidsville)
Widely regarded as one of the top two-sport athletes in North Carolina, Paul Cauthen should be poised to have an incredibly productive junior season as the clear, undisputed focal point for the Rams. He’s a dynamic, athletic floor general with a crafty handle, sharp penetration sense, and the ability to consistently make plays for himself and others. Cauthen effortlessly breaks down defenders and touches the paint, where he’s able to reliably set up others or finish with either hand. He shoots the ball well from the perimeter, but is simply at his best when getting downhill and putting pressure on defenses. Cauthen is a gamer and overall pest defensively, utilizing his quickness, physicality, and general toughness to cause problems for opposing guards. He’s a capable rebounder for his size/position. After recently earning an offer from UNC in football, Cauthen should have ample options at the next level.
(26) 6’2 Cruz Miller (Concord Academy)
After making a lot of noise over the last few years, it feels like Cruz Miller should be poised to enjoy yet another highly productive season. He’s a very crafty, shifty guard with impressive offensive polish and the ability to fill it up in a variety of ways. Miller has the blend of quickness, ball-handling, and aggressive scoring prowess to cause constant problems for opponents. He’s capable of initiating the offense and setting up others as needed, but simply has a knack for scoring the ball. Miller is quick and slippery enough to consistently get downhill and attack the basket at a strong rate. However, he also highlights a quality mix of midrange pull-ups and jumpers from beyond the arc. Miller is very fast in the open floor and generates fast-break opportunities with relative ease. He’s also a scrappy defender with anticipation for forcing turnovers.
(27) 6’6 Kam Lucas (Phoenix Montessori)
In terms of sheer appeal, Kam Lucas arguably has as much attainable long-term upside as anyone in the class. At 6-foot-6, he’s a powerful athlete with incredible fluidity, explosiveness, and the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. Lucas is a walking mismatch with the creation skills, scoring prowess, and defensive tools to cause a ton of problems for opponents. He possesses a strong frame with terrific length and an excellent nose for the ball. Lucas has the ability to do basically everything on the court. He excels at getting downhill and putting pressure on the rim, but can also hit jumpers at a respectable rate along the perimeter. Lucas is a useful playmaker and willing passer. In addition to his well-rounded offensive game, he’s an impactful defender with the size, motor, and instincts to toggle across multiple positions. If Lucas is able to maximize his potential, a special player is on the horizon.
(28) 6’4 DJ Howze (Southwest Guilford)
There are a lot of players whose impact isn’t fully encompassed through the stat sheet, and that certainly rings true for DJ Howze. He’s an extremely steady, well-rounded player whose IQ, size, and versatile skillset allow him to shine in every type of situations. Howze is a highly adaptable piece who knows how to reliably dictate the offense, score in various ways, and actively fill in the gaps as a switchable two-way cog. He’s a useful creator who sees the floor well and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Howze can cut, knock down open jumpers, or operate as a connecting piece. He rebounds the ball at a consistent rate and is more than capable of pushing the break in transition. Add in the fact that he’s comfortable defending three to four positions, and it’s easy to see his value. Expect Howze to have a breakout season for the Cowboys.
(29) 6’0 DaVonta Lindsey Jr. (North Mecklenburg)
Although he’s been a consistent standout since his middle-school days, it feels like DaVonta Lindsey only continues to trend upward. He’s a heady, dynamic floor general with a quick first step, sharp feel for the game, and a tight, crafty handle. Lindsey is able to reliably break down opponents off the bounce, touch the paint, and make plays for himself and others. He finishes well for his size, but also has a nice middle game and the ability to knock down jumpers from midrange or beyond the arc. Lindsey sees the floor very well as a playmaker and makes passes to set up others on a regular basis. He’s a tough, pesky defender at the point of attack and anticipates well to force turnovers at a consistent rate. Already established as a clear leader and focal point for the Vikings, Lindsey should be in store for another big year.
(30) 6’0 Micah Goodlow (Christ School)
Since entering the state nearly one year ago, Micah Goodlow has easily been among the most intriguing guards in North Carolina. Though somewhat undersized, he’s a very polished, well-rounded lead guard who can fill it up as a scorer in a multitude of ways. Goodlow displays a terrific blend of IQ, playmaking instincts, and shot-making ability. He touches the paint at a frequent rate and finishes very well for his size, but also sees the floor to locate open teammates and make timely kickout passes. Goodlow shoots the ball at a high level along the perimeter, both off the catch and bounce. He’s comfortable operating from either guard position and finding ways to make his presence felt. Goodlow is a solid defender whose quickness allows him to keep opposing ball-handlers in front. All signs point to him enjoying a productive season as a focal point for the Greenies.
(31) 6’0 Mack Jordan (Charlotte Catholic)
In terms of reliability and dependability, folks would be hard-pressed to find many floor generals more qualified than Mack Jordan. He’s a smart, steady point guard with excellent poise, maturity, and an impactful presence on both ends of the floor. Jordan dictates the action in a very balanced manner, displaying natural feel as a playmaker and strong scoring polish from all levels. He does a great job of picking his spots as a scorer, but also looks to put teammates in scoring positions as much as possible. Jordan highlights nice pace as a creator and makes quality decisions with the ball in his hands. He defends with energy and toughness at the point of attack, and has the necessary strength to cause problems for opponents. Jordan simply knows how to lead by example and set the tone as an adaptable piece. He should shine as the undisputed leader of Charlotte Catholic going forward.
(32) 6’2 Jeremiah Harper (Trinity Christian)
It’s no secret that Jeremiah Harper has possessed an intriguing toolkit and array of skills for quite a while now. However, it feels like everything is starting to come together for him. Harper is a dynamic athlete and on-ball creator with the ability to fill it up in a variety of ways. He’s able to generate clean looks off the bounce, set up others at a strong rate, and pick his spots as a scorer from all over the floor. Harper is a crafty threat off the bounce, displaying quickness and a nice change of pace to keep opponents on their heels. Although he’s very capable of running the team, he’s just as comfortable operating without the ball in his hands. Harper is a quality cutter and spot-up threat who simply has a knack for finding ways to score. He has all the makings of a potential breakout candidate.
(33) 5’10 Bobby Montgomery (Queens Grant)
Although he’s been a varsity contributor since middle school, it’s been impressive to watch Bobby Montgomery’s evolution as an overall player. He’s always been a knockdown shooter who spaces the floor at a high level and consistently hits jumpers off the catch, bounce, and coming off movement. Montgomery has more than proven himself as an incredibly impactful complementary piece who knows how to initiate the offense, move without the ball, and reliably defend the point of attack. However, his game, specifically as an on-ball creator, took a major leap over the last few months. Montgomery now stands out as a polished lead guard who generates looks for others at an increased rate and mixes it up well as a scorer while still applying his usual pressure from beyond the arc. He possesses deep range, a quick release, and the ability to get off clean looks with little to no space.
(34) 6’3 Isaiah Whitsett (Wesleyan Christian)
Few players in North Carolina’s Class of 2028 are more wired to score the ball than Isaiah Whitsett. He’s a very skilled, polished guard with nice positional size and creation instincts. Whitsett is an extremely aggressive scorer who can effectively mix it up from all levels, both as an on or off-ball threat. He displays a crafty sense to create separation and generate clean looks off the bounce, but also appears comfortable in spot-up situations. Whitsett does a great job of keeping defenses guessing. He’s a capable playmaker with the natural gravity to collapse defenses, regularly leading to open opportunities for others. Whitsett possesses nice strength and athleticism, which he utilizes to his advantage defensively and on the glass. His ability to attack defenses in so many ways is what consistently stands out, but he clearly has potential remaining on both ends of the floor.
(35) 6’0 Rob Beasley (Hibriten)
Arguably one of the most overlooked players by the masses, Rob Beasley is someone whose consistency and all-around identity deserves more attention. He’s a smart, steady floor general who offers terrific balance from the point guard position. Beasley knows how to effectively run a team, put others in scoring positions, and pick his spots within the flow of the offense. He displays a tight handle and quality penetration sense with the ability to reliably finish, score in the midrange, or locate open teammates. Beasley knocks down shots from beyond the arc at an efficient rate. He simply knows how to constantly apply pressure while still being an unselfish leader by example. On the other end, Beasley defends the point of attack well to contain opposing guards and force turnovers at a strong rate. He should be poised for another highly productive season.
(36) 6’2 Noah Dulin (Davie County)
Anyone who has followed Phenom Hoops over the years should be quite familiar with Noah Dulin and everything he brings to a team. He’s a long, bouncy athlete with strength, creation skills, and shot-making ability. Dulin offers a nice variety of downhill drives (both in transition and the half-court), midrange pull-ups, and jumpers from beyond the arc. He’s a capable playmaker and willing passer who continues to progress as a creator for others. Dulin is comfortable running the offense or applying pressure without the ball, both as a cutter and spot-up threat. He utilizes his physicality and explosiveness to consistently make his presence felt defensively. Dulin blocks shots, forces turnovers, and battles well on the glass. He frequently flies around to wreak havoc and generate fast-break opportunities. Although he’s a notable football player, Dulin should also have a variety of basketball programs in pursuit.