2028 Isaac Smith (Hargrave)
Smith, who is regarded as a premier prospect in his class, continues to shine with his impact, his skillset, and potential as a prospect. As a 6’7 prospect, he impacts the game in a variety of ways, scoring well around the basket, being active on the glass, and bringing versatility both offensively and defensively. He looks to only continue his trajectory as a prospect, as he will continue to be a national prospect to watch.
2028 Kade Flowers (Alexander Central)
Flowers was one who really impressed me as a young big man. He was active all throughout the game, whether it was looking to score and be physical down in the paint, as well as be active on the glass. Finishing with a double-double in the loss, Flowers operated with poise in the paint, scored well around the basket as well as being able to step out at times, and battled hard on the glass.
2028 Cohen Edwards (Lake Norman)
Edwards has been a surprise this season, but also consistent with his ability to lead the offensive attack. The lengthy guard has proven he is able to score in a variety of ways, attacking off the bounce and finishing, playing off the ball, and being a presence from the perimeter. Edwards does a great job in not forcing the action, making good reads, being active defensively, and consistently finding ways to score.
2028 Hunter Gerould (Carmel Christian)
I really liked what I saw overall from the lengthy and bouncy young prospect, as Gerould really looked to assert himself throughout this game. Gerould did a nice job in attacking by scoring over defenders, using his athleticism well, but also showing he can be an offensive option from multiple levels. Gerould provided positive minutes as a scorer, rebounder, on the glass, and as a defensive presence for his team.
2026 Matthew Craft (Ardrey Kell)
Though he may not always get the attention, he truly is a coach on the court for his team and a leader. Craft does a nice job in being an unselfish point guard, making good reads, understanding the situations, finding open teammates well, and also was active as a defender in this one. Craft knows when to score the ball with his ability to knock down shots but also runs the show for his team.
2027 Sara Kate Carr (Wesleyan Christian)
It was exciting to watch Carr in action and can see why schools are making her a target in the Class of 2027. Carr has a strong yet smooth feel for the game, being able to be a ball-creator but also is an effective option off the ball. She has a smooth shot from the perimeter, excels in creating and penetrating the defense, and makes high-IQ reads for her team. She plays hard on both sides and is a clear leader.
2029 Ava Powell (Hickory)
Just a freshman, Powell looks to be a name you will want to monitor more down the road as I believe college coaches will be heading her way. She presents great size and feel as a big, getting to her spots, carving out space, being physical as well as active on the glass. She brings a strong two-way presence as an enforcer on the defensive end, blocking multiple shots and controlling the paint for her team.
2027 Caleb Nixon (Kings Mountain)
Nixon reminded everyone of what he can provide and more about his game, as Nixon had a strong showing in leading his team with 29 points. With good positional size, Nixon excels as a shooter, getting to his spots, displaying range, and a confident release from multiple areas. Nixon can be a big threat from outside but mixes it up well overall. He has been a leader all season long for this team and showcased that on the big stage on Saturday.
2027 Javian White (Hickory)
White had an impressive game in leading the charge, and his team needed every point from him in what was a tight game throughout. White did a great job in scoring from all levels, whether it was attacking off the bounce and getting paint touches, creating off the bounce to get to his spots, or being an effective shot-maker off the catch. White was strong when the ball was in his hands, being a true playmaker and stepped up big for his team in the win.