6’5 Caleb Nixon (Kings Mountain/NLPB)
After returning from injury and getting back to speed, Nixon has clearly established himself as a worthy target for Division I programs. Now, entering the travel ball season, he should be ready to take yet another step forward. Nixon’s blend of size, skill, and perimeter shooting alone gives him obvious value. However, he’s shown increased creation instincts and overall ability off the bounce. Nixon is a capable playmaker who looks to make the right play with the ball in his hands. Add in his quality frame, defensive prowess, and involvement as a rebounder, and it’s easy to see the appeal.
6’3 QJ Young (Chambers/AWigg Elite)
Although we’ve been high on Young for quite a while, this travel ball season should be his most stable and productive summer yet. It’s worth remembering that he lost a considerable chunk of his high school season due to injury, but was on an impressive tear prior to being sidelined. Young is still physically developing and properly growing into his body, but already clearly has the IQ, skill, and athleticism to be a dynamic piece on the court. He’s able to consistently create clean looks for himself and others while highlighting pace, vision, and shot-making ability. Young is also an impactful defender and capable rebounder. His upside is tremendous.
6’7 Wesley Hilldale (Trinity Academy/Garner Road)
The combination of size and skill will always appeal to college coaches, which is definitely an advantage for someone like Hilldale. At 6-foot-7, he’s a smooth, polished inside-out offensive piece who can finish from the block, space the floor from distance, and make plays off the bounce or in the midrange. Hilldale rebounds his position and capitalizes on second-chance opportunities whenever possible. He’s a solid defender who utilizes his length and positions himself well to make plays. Hilldale is comfortable in various role and producing alongside all types of teammates.
6’2 Zyon White (Chambers/Team Charlotte)
Shooting will always be one of the most valuable traits in basketball, and White is undeniably one of the top marksmen in the state. He’s simply an elite spot-up threat with the size, length, and off-ball movement to legitimately terrorize opponents from beyond the arc. White possesses smooth shooting mechanics and a quick release, which allows him to get off clean looks with general ease from distance. He’s at his best when slotted along the perimeter, but can reliably attack closeouts and make plays off the bounce. White possesses natural instincts on both ends of the floor. Add in the fact that he’s still just growing into his body, and there’s certainly a lot to like.