Alphonso Smith of Team Charlotte 16U (2021 Combo Guard Hickory Grove Christian School)
AJ is a physical guard that is at his best in transition, getting to the rim, and finishing through contact. He showed a will to play defense and is a flat out DOG. He also showed an improvement in playing in half court sets and has an above average outside shot. He is one of the better 2021 players in the state of NC, look for Smith to make a name for himself this spring and summer as he competes in the Under Armour Association with Team Charlotte.
Chandler Speight of Synergy Elite WV 16U (2020 Point Gard Comenius School)
Chandler shoots the ball from the outside extremely well, he has shown vast improvements in all other aspects of his game. He handles well and can get to the rim, he also does a great job setting up teammates after drawing the defense. He has a high basketball IQ and it shows on the defensive end as he is always in the right position. To further improve, Chandler needs to become a more vocal leader especially at the point guard position.
Shakeel Moore of Team United EYBL 16U (2020 Point Guard Piedmont Classical High School)
Moore is a scoring point guard that has ELITE D1 athleticism. He has a crafty handle and blow by speed that gave opponents headaches all weekend. Moore is an elite defender and will develop into an elite PG once he learns how to not only score once he gets into the lane but also facilitate, keep his big men happy by dropping the ball off for dunks.
Colin Thomas of Charlotte Dragons 15U (2021 Shooting Guard Charlotte Catholic)
Colin is a flat out hooper, he made plays on both ends of the court and showed a superior outside shot. He works on defense and plays hard all game, the kind of kid who doesn't take any plays off. With continued work, Colin has a chance to be special.
'Jackson Threadgill of PSB Elite 16U (2020 Wing Davidson Day School)
Jackson has high level length and shooting ability, whether it's from 3-point range or his sweet mid-range game. Two things that translate to the next level are length and shooting and Jackson has both. We have seen improvement over the last two years in his ability to handle and create his own shot, but one other area that could use some work is become a more willing rebounder. A player that can snag a defensive rebound and push the ball in transition, with his offensive arsenal, could get his name into the national conversation.
Randy Johnson of PSB Select McCathy 16U (2020 Point Guard Charlotte Latin)
RJ is a little undersized but plays with that one unmeasurable attribute, which is heart. He made winning, high level, winning plays all weekend. He seemed to make the right play just about every time, whether that was scoring or setting up teammates. At his size, he will need to become more of a dog on the defensive end and a more vocal.
Usual Suspects
Wendell Moore of CP3 17U (2019 Combo Guard/Wing Cox Mills)
Wendell solidified himself as the top player in NC and a top 10 nationally caliber player. He's really good!
Langley Twins of CP3 17U (2019 Guards High Point Wesleyan)
They are good individually but create havoc on the defensive end together. Elite defenders that WIN! They are fun to watch and will be high level recruits as their stock will continue to rise this spring and summer.
DJ Robertson of Team Wall 17U (2019 Point Guard)
Most shifty PG we have seen in a while. DJ has elite handle and uses great pace to make defenders look silly. This kid puts on a show with the ball in his hands. To really contribute at the next level he will need to improve his outside shot and like most young point guards, become a more vocal leader.
Greg Gantt of Team Felton 17U (2019 Forward Trinity Christian School)
Gantt competes and never backs down. He has all the tools to become a special player at the next level and only scratching the surface of what kind of ball player he can become.
JC Tharrington of Team Felton 17U (2019 Point Guard Charlotte Christian)
JC has shown improvement on the defensive end. He looked a step quicker and did a great job staying in front of other elite guards. He always makes the right play but needs to shoot more. Yes' Shoot more, that is rare to say these days but JC is too unselfish at times. When you shoot the ball as well as JC does, you have to get up more shots.