2024 Josh Bullock (Northside Christian): Bullock is a strong sturdy point guard that isn’t afraid of the bright lights and he really started his season off in a great way. Bullock is a tough-minded guard that understands what is needed to do on the court, leads the offense, and is a strong playmaker with the ball in his hands. His ability to get into the paint, finish strong through contact, or find his teammates is big time. But he also stepped up on the defensive end and made some big plays late. Bullock is one that you know and trust in leading the charge for your team.
2023 Antonio Perkins (Northside Christian): I’m expecting a big year from the senior and he will be needed in a big way to help lead the charge both offensively and defensively. Perkins continues to have a strong showing, finding ways to score and add more to his offensive arsenal, finishing strong in the paint but also being a threat from outside. What you have to like is that he is a leader on the floor, willing to do whatever is needed for his team; whether it is finding teammates, making strong plays, or helping on the boards.
2023 Tyson Barrett (Quality Education): Barrett is a new name that should only start gaining more traction as the year goes on, but what a start he had. Barrett is a long, athletic forward that can make his impact felt on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he was able to score from multiple levels, finish at the rim, and help attack the boards with his athleticism. But he also made some terrific passes out of the post to set up his teammates and used that same athleticism to alter shots defensively.
2024 Kyrell Shaw (Northside Christian): Shaw is a new name to the program, as he comes in from Mooresville. But boy, did he step up in a big way especially late for his team. Known for his shooting ability, he showed just that and hit some HUGE shots late in the game to ultimately seal the game for Northside. He will be another guard that can help stretch the floor offensively for this team, as he is a confident three-point shooter and showed that on Day 1.
2024 Trentyn Flowers (Combine Academy): Flowers came out strong to start the game and was able to get others involved in the game as well. But North Carolina was officially introduced to the 6’9 nationally-ranked prospect and his tremendous skillset. Flowers’ ability to create and make plays with the dribble at his size, pretty much be effective scoring-wise from all levels, and his vision/ court awareness, we continue to say that this young man is a mismatch nightmare on the court.
2024 Zion Walker (The Burlington School): Walker has been a favorite of mine for some time now, especially with the heart and mentality that he plays with every possession. Walker shows that he can be that true floor leader, bringing a toughness that you have to love, his ability to finish tough plays and get into the paint, but also hit big shots. True team player though with his ability to get others involved.
2024 Rakease Passmore (Combine Academy): Passmore needed a little time to get going but he got it going in the second half to ultimately lead his team in scoring with 17 points. It is clear to see his athleticism and it has been recognized for quite some time now, but people need to be more aware of how effective he can be in all areas of the court. He has continued to improve his outside shooting, makes an impact defensively, creates well for himself, and is an absolute show in transition. His game has hit another level in the last year or so.
2023 Steven Lassiter (The Burlington School): Lassiter really stepped up for his team, helping lead the charge scoring which is something his team needed in this showdown. At 6’7, he has the ability to make plays away from the basket but also uses his size to compete down low in the paint on both ends. Tough, makes strong plays downhill, and can stretch the defense well.
2024 Michael Marcus Jr. (Carmel Christian): From when we first watched him as a young player to where he is today, it is almost a night and day difference. Marcus’ game has continued to make progress, along with his understanding and his physicality. You can see he is understanding more his ability to be more assertive and aggressive in the paint, adding more levels to his game, and being stronger in the paint and on the boards.
2024 Jaeden Mustaf (Carmel Christian): It was the first for many to see Mustaf in action and what he provides to a team. Watching him this summer, we knew more about his game and he continued to show that with his ability to get downhill, embrace and go through contact, get to the line consistently, and also showcase his vision to find and create for his teammates. That doesn’t mention his defensive impact as well.
2023 John Baldwin (Northwood Temple): One of several bigs for Northwood Temple, Baldwin was the most effective on the court. His ability to be effective down in the paint, finishing with soft touch around the basket or get to the line as well as being a presence on the boards, he really helped his team stay within striking distance in this game. Also gave people a glimpse that he can step out with his shot.
2023 Cannon Keziah (Northwood Temple): Keziah came out with a ton of confidence, and it never decreased on Day 1 at the Carmel Tip-Off. Keziah showcased his ability to be a big threat from outside, as he has a quick release and doesn’t need much space to get it off; no hesitation in his game. But he mixed it up at times, putting it on the deck and finding ways to score. He is a player that created well and made defenders pay with his outside shot.