2026 Henry Smith (Mavs Academy Blue)
Smith is one of the more underrated players in North Carolina, particularly given what he is able to provide and lead for his team. Standing at 6’4″, Smith continues to demonstrate that he can operate and have an impact in numerous areas on the court for his team, doing what is necessary to help his team win. He battles hard down low, attacks the glass, is comfortable in playing outside and knocking down shots, and brings a physical presence on his drives to finish. Expect a strong senior year for him.
2027 Rylan Leak (Westside Hawks)
Leak is one we have enjoyed watching over the years; he is a smaller point guard, but he is going to be such an important piece for West Meck this year. Leak is a strong, crafty, and creative guard that sees the floor well, making smart decisions, creating for himself, and bringing value on both sides of the court. He can be a pest defensively, but also does a great job in attacking off the bounce or knocking down shots. I expect Leak to be a true leader this season for West Meck, especially with his experience.
2026 Luke Thompson (Roar as One)
Thompson was a player I learned about this weekend, and I really liked his overall production that he brought to his team. A high motor, competitive, and strong prospect, Thompson was able to find ways to attack the rim, show good speed to get by defenders, step out and make plays off the dribble, and was active on both sides of the floor. He is the true definition of bringing tremendous value to his team, and I expect him to have a strong senior season at Covenant Day.
2028 Kmajay Jenkins (Moravian Prep)
What a show Jenkins put on in Week 2; now part of the Class of 2028, he will be quickly rising up the ranks and competing for one of the top spots in the state. The 6’6 prospect was impressive in all aspects of his game, whether it was creating and playmaking, attacking to score, finishing at the rim, blocking shots in transition, and making impact plays all over the court. Jenkins has a lot of tools that will have college coaches salivating.
2026 James Wood (Slay Basketball)
I’m really eager to see what Wood will be able to do and provide for Carmel Christian this season. A team that certainly has the talent to compete for a state title, he will instantly provide leadership and another weapon on the court for this team. He is a guard that truly battles and competes, attacking and being physical downhill, playing with a high motor, and doing all the little things that are needed for his team to win. I’m expecting him to be a huge help for this team this upcoming season.
2026 Caleb Jones (Moravian Prep)
Jones is another player for Moravian that really impressed, and I believe that he should be a D1 priority quickly. He continues to excel in so many areas of the court, using his size, athleticism, and scoring ability to create such a tough matchup. Jones can hurt you in so many ways, whether it is breaking down defenders, attacking in transition, getting to the rim, or spacing the floor for his outside shot. His recruitment should only take off this year with what he has shown in the past few months.
2026 Tucker Robinette (Team Together)
Lincolnton will be an interesting team to watch, as they are looking to replace the firepower of 2027 LJ Smith this season. But some pieces should allow them to continue to compete; one being Cam Smith, that we talked about last week, and another will be 2026 Tucker Robinette. Robinette is a speedy, quick guard with strong handles, sees the floor, can get by defenders and create, and also mix it up offensively. Now with Smith gone, Robinette has a bigger opportunity to increase his role and show more of his game.
2026 Aziz Aljurhanni (Fayettenam Soldiers)
I haven’t had a chance to watch Aljurhanni much, so I was intrigued to get my eyes on him this week. He didn’t disappoint with his play, as he brings excitement as well as physicality to the court as a guard. At 6’1, he can be an absolute difference-maker on both sides of the ball, creating issues with his pressure defensively but also setting the tone offensively with his athleticism and ability to attack downhill. I expect him to gain more traction this season with his play, as he will be a rising stock riser here in North Carolina.