Day 1 Standouts
2027 Caiden Jenkins (Phoenix Montessori)
Jenkins simply set the tone in this game, coming out strong and making a statement for his team. He was on a tear early on, scoring 20 points in the first half and continued to play well within the game in the second half. Jenkins was consistent in showing his ability to score from multiple levels, getting to his spots off the catch, or also being able to create his own opportunities. However, he didn’t force anything on the court as well, playing within the offense, attacking off the dribble, and doing a great job in finding open teammates as well.
2028 Garang Garang (WS Christian)
Garang is going to be a player to really watch in the Class of 2028, as he was able to really flourish and show his development as a prospect. As a younger prospect, he flourished early as a shot-maker with range, getting to his spots and displaying range. But now, you can clearly see that he has added a lot more to his game, looking comfortable in creating off the bounce for himself, scoring with a little wiggle, showing touch and feel, and also being a playmaker for others. Garang has a chance to be a name worthy of college coaches to watch in the class.
2026 Jeromy Davis (Combine Academy)
I’ve really enjoyed watching Jeromy Davis the first few weeks of the season, as the Georgia Southern commit has really impressed me overall with his play. Of course, he will catch your eyes with how athletic he can be, flying high and finishing at the rim with authority. But what I appreciate the most about his game is how hard he plays. In both events, Davis has proven to have an elite motor that allows him to compete in so many areas. He has been impressive with his ability to score from all over and make an impact in so many areas.
2026 Nick Haney (Ambassador Christian)
Though it might not have been the showing Ambassador wanted, credit to Haney for what he was able to provide and show throughout the game. He came out early in the game, attacking well off the bounce, getting to the basket, scoring, and finishing strong, or also knocking down shots well. Haney proved to be a strong ball-handler who can create for himself as well as others, and can also hurt you with his shot-making from outside. Strong overall showing from the senior guard.
2027 Columbus Parker (Providence Day)
A new addition to the team this season, Parker really proved he is going to be a big part of this team’s success in leading the charge. Parker is a strong and physical guard who found success in creating and attacking the paint. With his frame, he does a great job of taking contact and still getting inside, finishing well with touch around the basket. However, he mixed it up quite well with his ability to create and score, as well as find others on the court. Parker certainly proved that he is going to be a player to watch more this season in leading the way for PDS.
2026 Will Stevens (Davidson Day)
Stevens simply was a difference-maker on the court for his team, as the 6’11 Clemson commit made his presence on either side of the court. Defensively, he was an elite rim protector, blocking multiple shots, erasing easy drives for Providence Day, and controlling the paint for much of the game. Offensively, he is such a weapon with his footwork and touch down in the paint, but is easily capable of stretching the floor from behind the arc. Stevens has a lot of tools that you have to like in a big man, and there is still potential left in the tank with his development.
Day 2 Standouts
2026 Kyle Broughton (Hopewell)
Broughton grabbed my attention early and was an impact player all throughout the game. As a 5’8 guard, he was able to be an impact player, playing with terrific energy no matter where he was on the court. Offensively, he is a quick, crafty guard who can create and get inside, score off the bounce, and also knock down shots off the catch. But where his impact was really felt was on the defensive end, playing scrappy defense, getting in the passing lanes, and in-your-face defense that ultimately led to offense the other way. He was all over the place for his team in this game.
2026 Ahmad Savage (Mallard Creek)
It was a battle throughout this game, and Savage did all he could for his team in this game, especially in the second half. Savage excelled in being assertive and aggressive, attacking off the bounce, creating contact, looking to score and finish, or finding ways to get to the line. Throughout the second half, he looked to be one of the clear leaders, hitting big shots from multiple levels on the court.
2026 Q Williams (FCDS)
There were plenty of standouts from this game, as FCDS is proving that it could be the best team in the state. One of the reasons for that is the play of Q Williams, the veteran leader and playmaker on the court. Last year, scoring was a must for the point guard, but this season, he has more help around him, and it is showing. He has been able to really flourish a balanced attack, whether it is scoring, creating, leading the offense, making plays on the defensive end, or facilitating to others, as he is showing he can do a little bit of everything for his team. A veteran leader this year who makes the right plays, leads by example, and produces.
2027 Zyon White (Chambers)
White, a lengthy 2027 prospect, has not only carved out a role as a specialist for this team but is also showing progress in his overall development as a prospect. When you talk about his game, you immediately have to start with his outside game, as he has proven time after time that he is one of the premier shot-makers from behind the arc. At 6’4, he does a great job in getting to his spots and knocking down shots with confidence and range. But he is showing that he can do more than that at times, attacking and scoring off the bounce and using his length well to his advantage.
2026 Abu Riak (Combine Academy)
Riak, a new player to watch more with this Combine team and a new name here in North Carolina, showcased more of his impact and overall game. He has good size at 6’7, was active and engaged around the basket, comfortable in operating from a variety of areas on the floor, and brought production to the table. He finished well around the basket, used his size well on the glass, and is capable of stretching the floor as well.
2027 Malik McCotter (Phoenix Montessori)
McCotter did all he could for his team to lead, as the shifty, quick guard was able to display his overall game/impact. Defensively, he uses his speed really well in being active and getting in the passing lanes, creating multiple steals, and just being a pest on the ball. Offensively, he has really shown a nice all-around game with a balance of knocking down shots with range and off the catch, as well as getting around defenders, creating, and finishing over bigger defenders.
2026 Cameron Newman (Gaston Christian)
Gaston Christian has been welcoming all challengers and has done a great job in knocking them off, racking up some impressive wins to start the season. Against a gritty Providence Day team, it was Newman who elevated his play and led the charge impressively, as a true leader should. Newman stepped up offensively as a creator, making plays off the bounce, attacks the paint strongly and getting around defenders, and finishing well around bigger defenders. Love his ability to make plays for himself, make tremendous reads to others, and step up when he is needed in a variety of ways.
2027 Dylan Bradley (Providence Day)
It was a balanced attack from Providence Day and should be for much of the season, but in looking at what Bradley was able to provide, he will be a key factor all season long for PDS. Standing at 6’5, he is a strong-framed guard that uses that to his advantage, attacking downhill and getting inside the defense, embracing and creating contact, and helping attack the glass. Add on top his energy and motor on the defensive end, playing strong on the ball and being physical against opponents, Bradley is a useful piece on the court and will be one to watch all season long.
2026 Lincoln Raper (Concord Academy)
Raper had a really good showing, coming out red hot and continuing to be a constant presence throughout. A playmaking guard that has a strong feel in finding others as well as being a scoring threat, Raper came out in impressive fashion to knock down shots from behind the arc. He showed again that he is a confident shotmaker but takes what is given to him by the defense, as he is a quality playmaker for others as well.
2026 Dacen Petty (Christ School)
Petty has drastically improved in the last year and it is clear that D1 schools should be looking his way in a big way. He has a mature understanding and feel for the game, especially being 6’4 now. He plays with confidence in being able to rise up in catch-and-shoot situations as well as off the bounce. Petty is a strong creator and takes high IQ shots, along with making the right reads for his team. That doesn’t mention his ability to be an impact player on the defensive end. Really good overall player with a well-rounded game.
2026 Cody Peck (Davidson Day)
Peck played really well and college coaches have to be impressed with a player at his size (6’11) and his ability to move. Defensively, he does a great job in altering shots and being able to play along the perimeter comfortably, being disruption with his length and athleticism. Offensively, Peck excels out in the open floor, looking to punish the rim out in transition but also being active on the glass with putbacks. There is a lot to like about Peck’s game along with the potential still in his game, as he showed a lot of it on Day 2.
