Friday Standouts
2027 MJ Gladden (Statesville)
Gladden was the clear option and leader for this team, as he has shown that over the last few months. Gladden is a prospect who has length and athleticism, using that well to his advantage. He clearly excels at attacking off the bounce, getting to the rim, and scoring well over defenders. But he has also shown significant improvement in his outside game, demonstrating confidence in his ability to knock down shots from behind the arc. Gladden is a true versatile piece for this team, as well as a leader.
2028 DJ Rogers (Cannon)
Rogers was active and consistent with his activity on the court, really stepping up as an offensive weapon but also just being engaged throughout the game. Rogers was able to show his ability to break down defenders off the dribble, getting them on his hip and finishing strong, as well as scoring out in transition. He excelled and attacked well inside the arc, moving well without the ball, being physical, and just playing with a strong motor overall.
2026 AJ Washington (Fort Mill)
Washington did everything he could do to help his team, as he came out assertive and hunting for his offensive game. Washington is a physically strong guard who attacks downhill, can get to the rim, and finish through contact, but also is a tremendous weapon with his jumper. Washington has no issues in pulling up from multiple levels, confidently being a threat from the mid-range and beyond, as he put his full game on display in this game.
2027 Jaishawn Woods (Gaston Christian)
It was a nice tandem to lead the way for Gaston Christian between Cam Newman and Woods, but Woods really helped bring a balanced attack with his scoring ability as well as his activity level in other areas. Woods is a quick playmaking guard who does a great job of getting by defenders, attacking off the bounce, finishing with touch, and being a perimeter threat. But for a guard of his size, his ability to be aggressive on the glass was quite impressive as well.
2027 Ally Smith (North Lincoln)
Smith has been something special over the last two weekends with Phenom Hoops and Lady Phenom, as the High Point commit has been on a tear as an offensive weapon. Such a savvy guard that produces and creates, scoring with ease, creating off the bounce, attacking and finding ways around defenders, getting to her spots, displaying terrific range, and is excellent in getting to the line. An absolute competitor that has proven to be one of the best scorers in the state.
2028 Rreanna Johnson (SE Alamance)
First time really watching Johnson, and we were impressed with what we saw on the court. One word to really describe Johnson is competitor, as she is relentless with her skill set and energy. No matter what is going on, she is finding ways to impact the game; an electric and tough scoring guard that excels in penetrating the defense and getting to her spots, as well as finishing/embracing contact. But her ability to impact the game on the glass, defensively, and as a facilitator was impressive as well.
2026 Jon Ross (Salisbury)
Ross really impressed with a tremendous showing, finishing with 26 points to lead the way but also impacting the game all around. Really liked his energy and leadership, but proved to be an effective and versatile option on the offensive end. He showed the ability to score from outside, knocking down multiple threes off the catch, but also did a great job in picking his spots to attack, consistently getting to the line. Really stepped up when his team needed him, as well as being active on the glass.
2026 Carter Abernethy (North Lincoln)
Abernethy is a player that I think should be on more radars, as he continues to consistently produce and step up when his team needs him to. With his sturdy build and frame, he is able to to really dictate where he wants to go, scoring well attacking downhill and embracing contact, but can also hurt you with a confident yet smooth jumper from all levels of the floor. He competes in so many areas of the floor, as he finished with 24 points to lead his team on Day 1.
2026 Kelsey Rhyne (Concord Academy)
Rhyne continues to be a difference-maker with her ability to stretch the floor as a perimeter shooter, opening up the offense for her teammates. She mixes it up well as a scorer, showing confidence beyond the arc and attacking when needed. A vocal leader and steady presence, she remains a key piece for Lake Norman. When Rhyne starts hitting and creating, it seems that everything else opens up for her team offensively.
2028 Jada Powell (Concord Academy)
Powell put together a strong all-around performance, particularly in the second half, where her impact stood out. She finished plays efficiently around the rim, was relentless on the glass, and consistently made her presence felt in multiple areas. A true stat-stuffer effort, Powell showcased her activity, toughness, and ability to contribute to winning basketball in a variety of ways.
2027 Manny VanHook (Burlington Christian)
Vanhook brings a lot of value in several areas with this team. With his length and versatility, he is one who can help run the offense, create for himself with strong handles, attack and use his athleticism to his advantage, and prove that he can fill up the statsheet. Can play on or off the ball, rebounds, facilitates, and is active on the defensive end. Vanhook proved to be valuable on both sides and should continue that throughout the season.
2028 Cohen Edwards (Lake Norman)
I was really impressed with how the young man stepped up and was a force on the court. He was engaged and active all throughout the game, looked to attack when he could and put pressure on the defense, consistently got to the rim, and just made those hustle plays on either side of the ball. Edwards was an effective scorer inside and out, as well as outworking others to be an impact player in other ways.
Saturday Standouts
2027 Drew Neve (Carson)
Neve was really good throughout the game in this one, scoring 27 points and being a force from a variety of levels. Early on, he was able to attack and be effective at the rim, finding ways to get to the basket, moving without the ball, being active on the glass, and showing versatility. As the game went on, Neve did a great job in showing his ability to stretch the floor with his perimeter shot. Overall, though, his activity all over the court was quite impressive in leading a balanced attack on Day 2.
2027 Nasir White (West Meck)
White has shown and proven to be the go-to scoring option for this team to start the season. The dynamic scoring guard is able to operate and create in a variety of ways, comfortably being a threat with his ability to create for himself or move without the ball. White does a great job in attacking and using his speed to get inside and attack the paint, finishing well. But he is also a major threat, opening up the offense well with his range and perimeter game. Finished with 24 points to lead his team.
2027 Braden Suggs (Ardrey Kell)
Suggs has taken another step in his game and looks to be one of the true leaders on this team this season. A strong-bodied and confident guard, Suggs did a great job in being able to create for himself but also make smart decisions on the court. He brings a nice two-way presence on either end, proving to be a competitor on the court. Offensively, he was able to attack and finish through contact, as well as knock down open shots from outside. It looks to be his year, as he could be in a breakout year.
2027 Noah Pierce (Asheville Christian)
It was the guard play of Ian Bailey and Pierce that impressed, and we figured we’d see what Bailey would be able to bring to the table. Pierce, though, makes this team much more balanced, giving Asheville Christian another weapon from outside and one that can create for himself. His is crafty with his handles, creating space well, constantly moving and looking to create, and has confidence in knocking down shots from outside.
2026 Cameron Newman (Gaston Christian)
Newman continues to step for this team, and they needed him in a big way on Day 2. In what was a tight battle throughout, it was Newman to the rescue, proving why he is one of the top guards in the state and that he isn’t afraid of the bright lights. Throughout the game, Newman made big plays off the dribble, got to the rim, and hit big shots, mixing it up well. But they needed one more play from in in the final seconds, and he delivered. He has been a main reason why Gaston Christian remains undefeated on the season.
2027 Sean Nix (Cannon)
Nix came alive in Game 2 against one of their biggest opponents, and they needed every point from him to have a chance to win this game. Finishing the game with 28 points, Nix was a true scoring factor throughout the contest. With a sturdy frame, he was able to make several big plays in attacking inside, embracing contact and finishing, but also continues to flourish with his ability to get to his spots and knock down shots from mid-range and three with confidence.
2028 Gary Grear (Pine Lake Prep)
You kind of know what to expect when Grear steps on the court, and he showed once again just how consistent he can be on the floor for his team. No matter the setting, Grear does what is needed to be that offensive leader, as he led the charge again with 19 points. For his age, Grear has the body, the IQ, feel, and skillset that should impress you and get looks down the road. He understands how to score effectively, whether off the bounce, create separation for his shot, and also be a playmaker for others.
2027 Blake Smith (Salisbury)
Smith was able to bounce back offensively in this game, nearly recording a double-double and showing more of his athleticism and scoring ability. At 6’5, he does a great job in being aggressive and attacking, not settling for getting to the rim to finish or getting to the line. He uses that same bounce to be active on the glass on either side of the court. But he isn’t just a one-trick pony, being comfortable enough to stretch the floor with his perimeter game as well. Very versatile piece for this team, as he could be in for a breakout season.
2026 Rayana Minard (Lake Norman)
Minard has had a really good two days at the event, as she has been an aexcellent presence on either side of the ball. Offensively, she does a great job in getting out in transition, making plays off the bounce, getting out in the open floor, and looking to allow her defense to turn into offense. She constantly finds ways to get inside the defense and apply pressure, whether it is scoring, getting to the line, or making plays for others.
2027 Alani-Skye Wilkerson (Terry Sanford)
Wilkerson was a big presence for her team today, finishing with 17 points to lead her team. As a 5’11 forward, she was able to really be an impact player with her inside presence, securing her spot down in the paint, finding open spots in the defense, being a presence on the glass, and also simply finishing with touch. Terry Sanford found success in the game due to the size and presence of Wilkerson and company in the paint.
2026 Aiden Roberson (Mallard Creek)
Roberson was a strong guard in the final game of the event, and they needed it all in what was a tight battle. He was able to penetrate the defense consistently throughout the game, creating and weaving through defense with a smooth pace, ultimately finding ways to attack on straight-line drives to get to the rim. Time after time, he was able to penetrate and score, finishing strong through contact or creating it to get to the line.
2027 Noah Wilson (Lake Norman)
It looks to be the time for Wilson to step up and help lead this team, and the 6’3 guard was able to consistently make plays off the bounce and create for himself. He displayed strong handles, embraced contact and attacked defenders well, got inside the defense, and was able to score well around the basket with his size. Throughout the game, Wilson was able to be an impact player whether it was scoring, rebounding, and creating for others.