5’9 ’23 Darren Lloyd (Carolina Bad Boyz)
Though slightly undersized, Lloyd has been a staple of this Bad Boyz group throughout the last few years. He’s tough, makes smart decisions, and utilizes his quickness very well on both ends of the floor. Lloyd is a nice finisher, capable perimeter shooter, and quality passer with great open-floor speed. He also fights for rebounds and defends bigger than his size would imply.
6’3 ’23 Zandae Butler (Carolina Bad Boyz)
Despite already being a noteworthy varsity talent as an eighth-grader, Butler has only continued to further his progression as a dominant all-around force. He’s still a strong, physically overwhelming presence but has developed tremendously in terms of skill and overall leadership. Butler is tough, smart, athletic, and well-rounded with the ability to find success with or without the ball in his hands. He stands out as a reliable scorer, defender, and creator with a great motor and defensive prowess.
5’10 ’23 Nathan Baldovino (Cap City Clutch)
Given his natural abilities as a glue-guy, it was easy to see Baldovino making contributions for this squad. He’s steady, unselfish, and consistently makes plays within the framework of the team structure. Baldovino is an effective shooter, creator, and defender that simply understands how to embrace his role.
6’3 ’22 Jose Figueroa (Carolina Cavs)
Although they showcased pretty strong balance as a group, Figueroa could consistently be found making plays on either end of the floor. He’s a long, wiry forward with a high motor and nice interior presence, which allows him to rebound the ball at a pretty strong rate. Figueroa ran the floor, finished around the basket, and highlighted athleticism in transition.
6’4 ’24 Derrick Benbow (Team Loaded)
The Team Loaded organization is overflowing with talent, and Benbow quietly stands out among their most consistent performers. He possesses incredible size and fluidity for a legitimate guard prospect. That being said, Benbow’s on-court abilities go far beyond his athleticism and physical tools. He displays IQ, motor, defensive prowess, and the all-around skillset to be a dominant offensive force. While already very talented, Benbow should only continue to progress and assert himself a priority for college coaches.
6’6 ’24 Drake Powell (Team Loaded)
After enjoying one of the most productive freshman seasons amongst players within the Class of 2024, Powell continues to maintain his strengths while improving his weaknesses. He’s long, active, and truly overwhelming as an all-around defender. However, Powell is also a very intriguing, useful offensive focal point for this group. He can initiate the offense, attack in transition, or knock down perimeter jumpers at a pretty reliable percentage. Difficult to envision a scenario where he isn’t a massive target for next-level programs.
6’6 ’23 Sean Rose (Team Synergy)
The extremely long, fluid forward prospect was able to make a constant impact throughout this showing. Defensively, Rose showed the ability to alter an abundance of shots and move his feet effectively within space. On the other end, he displayed vision, the ability to score on multiple levels, and made multiple decisive moves in transition. Expect his growth to continue over the next few years.
6’7 ’23 Collin Kuhl (Carolina Explosion)
Between his multiple showings at our Queen City Showcase, it’s easy to see why Kuhl should be regarded as one of the better prospects in North Carolina’s Class of 2023. He’s quite skilled and understands how to operate out of the high post extremely well as an offensive focal point. Looking beyond his high IQ, savvy passing vision, and overall skillset, Kuhl offers athleticism, rebounding, and visible two-way toughness. While he was very productive as a sophomore, it would be shocking if he didn’t have a breakout season at Holly Springs.
6’10 ’23 John Baldwin (Team Loaded Bryant)
The big, strong-bodied post prospect has obvious appeal for college coaches at the next level, especially considering that he’s truly just beginning to harness his upside. Baldwin understands the game and embraces his role on either end of the floor, offering a low-maintenance presence and capitalizing on opportunities within the flow of the action. He finishes, rebounds, and blocks shots at a nice rate and should ultimately be a player worth noting.
6’1 ’23 Kevon Vanderhorst (Team Loaded NC)
Between his progression and physical maturity, Vanderhorst has done an impressive job of taking his game to another level as a floor general. He’s smart, unselfish, and consistently works to get others involved within the offense. However, Vanderhorst is also a reliable three-level scorer with range and toughness.
6’1 ’23 Isaiah Joyner (Team Vision)
Given the overall structure of Team Vision, it’s unsurprising to see Joyner elevate his game to another level after steady development over the years. He’s a useful, fairly well-rounded guard with the ability to create for himself and others when necessary. Joyner is a capable penetrator and spot-up threat with solid defensive prowess. He does a nice job of finding ways to contribute within the flow of the action.
6’5 ’23 Truman Claytor (Team Loaded NC)
Although they are extremely talented across the board, Claytor is easily one of the most intriguing prospects on this roster. His combination of size, fluidity, and versatility makes him pretty difficult for opponents to contain, as he’s usually able to get wherever he wants on the court. Claytor handles the ball well, attacks the basket and finishes with regularity, but can also set up others or knock down perimeter jumpers at a nice clip.
6’6 ’21 Tyler Fearne (PSB Elite)
As the only unsigned senior on this roster, it’s easy to see the maturity within Fearne’s skillset and overall identity as a player. He’s a very well-rounded player with phenomenal shooting abilities, useful initiation skills, and nice instincts as a rebounder/defender. Fearne seems to produce in every setting and will be a quality piece at the next level.
6’2 ’22 Xavier McKelvey (Charlotte Royals)
Considering everything he’s done over the last calendar year, it should come as no surprise to see McKelvey continue to dominate for this Royals squad. He’s their clear leader, tone-setter in all facets of the game. McKelvey is smart, physical, and skilled, which makes him a brutal assignment for most opposing guards. He’s great at getting downhill or attacking in transition and finishing, but also passes well and has shown consistency as a perimeter shooter.
6’5 ’24 Lewis Walker (Team CP3)
While Team CP3 is certainly not strapped for talent, Walker is quietly one of their more valuable pieces with his natural abilities as a glue-guy. He’s a constant threat for double-doubles with points and rebounds. Walker is so sturdy andskilled, which is somewhat of an unusual combination for players with his type of skillset. He’s smart, creates well, and highlights versatility on either end of the floor.
6’3 ’23 Lance Gill (Charlotte Royals)
After being a staple for this organization over the last few years, Gill continues to show steady improvement within his overall development. Between his length, feel, and scoring ability, Gill knows how to make a strong impact against any opponent. He defends well and is capable of switching across multiple positions with relative ease. Though still the youngest guy on the roster, Gill is already a worthy next-level prospect.