Going through North Carolina’s Class of 2027 and breaking down each individual has been a fascinating process. Not only can we see which players have improved over the last six to eight months, but it also shows the staggering number of players who exited the state by transferring elsewhere. Already without King Gibson and CJ Rosser, you’ll notice the players ranked second, fourth (reclassified up), and sixth have all departed this grouping for one reason or another. Therefore, we will adjust the order to fit those who are still applicable. Let’s take a closer look…
(1) 6’5 Jordan Page (Broughton)
The Team USA member continues to hold onto the top spot in North Carolina’s Class of 2027 after yet another highly productive high school season. The lefty is a strong penetrator, transition threat, and general utility piece who can alter his approach based on surrounding teammates. Page is an excellent athlete with long arms and a strong body, which allows him to physically overwhelm opponents on both ends of the floor. He’s a versatile defensive piece and quality rebounder with the ability to grab and go with ease. Though he’s already quite touted, Page still has upside remaining.
(2) 6’5 RJ Moore (Ambassador Christian)
There are very few players across the state who can match up against Moore and the seemingly nonstop scoring pressure he puts on opposing defenses. At 6-foot-5 with length, craftiness, and an aggressive approach, he’s really difficult to contain. Moore can do virtually everything on the offensive side of the ball: self-create, set up others, finish at or above the rim, hit jumpers off the catch or bounce, and everything in between. He can initiate the offense or operate as a cutter/spot-up threat if needed. Moore heats up quickly and is capable of single-handedly taking over a game. He’s also a quality rebounder with upside as a defender.
(3) 6’5 Geren Holmes (The Burlington School)
In terms of upward trajectory, Holmes has progressed over the last twelve months to become one of the more appealing prospects in the state. He’s a strong, bouncy wing with a quality blend of size, athleticism, and scoring polish. Holmes is able to consistently find opportunities with and without the ball in his hands, and knows how to make his presence felt in transition. Although he’s arguably at his best as a downhill driver, he’s a capable perimeter shooter who keeps defenses honest with his ability to knock down jumpers. Holmes is a solid defender with nice instincts and toughness.
(4) 6’5 Thomas Vickery (Myers Park)
Given the value of size, athleticism, and shot-making, it’s easy to see why Vickery has consistently warranted attention from college coaches. He’s an extremely bouncy athlete who plays well above the rim and knocks down perimeter jumpers at a high percentage. Vickery is a capable threat off the bounce, showing useful ability as a penetrator and midrange scorer. However, his ability to spot-up at a high level, attack closeouts as needed, and make explosive plays in the open floor is a massive part of his appeal. Vickery is a capable rebounder and willing passer who knows how to operate without the ball in his hands.
(5) 6’1 King Kendrick (Caldwell Academy)
One could argue that no one listed has boosted their individual stock over the high school season more than Kendrick. After winning a state title as a major focal point, he enters travel ball as the top floor general in North Carolina’s Class of 2027. Kendrick is a smart, methodical point guard who dictates the action with pace, poise, and unselfishness. He has a crafty handle with sharp vision and the ability to reliably create for himself and others off the bounce. Kendrick mixes it up well as a scorer, showing the ability to knock down jumpers, finish with either hand, and score on a variety of runners/floaters. He’s also a steady defender and useful rebounder for his size.
(6) 6’6 James Minlend (Concord Academy)
Despite being one of the most consistent performers in the state since his freshman season, it feels like not enough people are talking about Minlend. He’s long, skilled, and always seems to be a key piece on winning teams. Minlend’s well-rounded identity allows him to do a healthy amount of everything on the court. He scores from all levels, creates for himself and others, and stands out as a matchup problem for the majority of opponents. Minlend is a quality rebounder, switchable defender, and versatile offensive piece with the IQ and physical tools to lead a team.
(7) 6’3 Josiah Johnson-Freeman (Winston-Salem Christian)
Given his ability to mesh with basically any collection of teammates, it’s easy to see how Johnson-Freeman always finds ways to produce. He’s a smart, steady, well-rounded piece who knows how to consistently impact the game on both ends of the floor. Johnson-Freeman is a capable scorer from all levels, showing the ability to finish, move without the ball, and knock down jumpers along the perimeter. He’s capable of switching between multiple positions defensively and rebounding the ball well for his size/position. Johnson-Freeman’s malleable game allows him to carve out a role in any setting.
(8) 6’9 Mason Robinson (Greensboro Day)
The first big man on our rankings is Robinson, a 6-foot-9 post player who played a meaningful role on a Greensboro Day team that just secured another title. He’s a long, fluid athlete with legitimately all the physical tools to continue blossoming into a very nice long-term prospect. Robinson understands how to operate within his role. He positions himself well to rebound, alter shots, and run the floor in transition. Robinson is a capable finisher around the basket and competes nicely for second-chance opportunities on the glass.
(9) 6’3 Karon Watlington (The Burlington School)
Despite battling some injuries over the last twelve months, Watlington continues to trend upward as a focal point for The Burlington School. Regardless of team structure, he’s consistently found ways to assert himself as a leader. Watlington is a long, rangy floor general who dictates the action with strong balance between scoring and playmaking. He’s a smart, polished creator with the handle, vision, and instincts to reliably generate clean looks for himself and others. Watlington is a quality penetrator with the ability to finish or locate open cutters or shooters. He utilizes his length well to secure rebounds and be a disruptive defender.
(10) 6’7 Jayon Connor (Forsyth Country Day)
Following his decision to transfer and reclassify, arguably no player listed has boosted his stock more over the last year than Connor. In terms of athleticism and physicality, he checks all the boxes. Connor is incredibly strong, explosive, and capable of completely changing a game with his energy on either side of the ball. He’s a powerful downhill force who thrives in transition and attacks the basket with true relentlessness. Connor’s nonstop effort on the glass allows him to consistently secure extra possessions and convert second-chance opportunities. He’s also a physical, switchable defender. If Connor’s creation skills and perimeter shooting continue to develop, he will be legitimately unstoppable.
(11) 6’6 Keyonee Terry (Southern Durham)
Fresh off a state championship victory, Terry is slowly starting to become a real priority for Division I coaches. It’s somewhat surprising that it’s taken this long (and that he doesn’t hold more offers) for programs to see the obvious appeal of a 6-foot-6 wing with feel, athleticism, and two-way ability. Terry stands out through his natural passing instincts, switchable defensive presence, and blossoming scoring ability. He’s a terrific transition threat and finisher, both through contact and above the rim, who can knock down jumpers at an efficient rate along the perimeter. Terry’s game will only continue to ascend as he gets stronger.
(12) 6’2 Travien Williams (Hickory Ridge)
Given the way he’s stood out as a leader for Hickory Ridge over the last few seasons, it’s easy to see what makes Williams one of the top guards in this class. He’s smart, strong, and applies constant pressure as a downhill threat off the bounce. Williams plays with terrific pace and poise, and utilizes his tight, crafty handle to reliably break down opponents, touch the paint, and finish or set up others. He absorbs contact very well when attacking the basket and doesn’t get bumped off his spot. Williams sees the floor effectively, knocks down midrange pull-ups at a strong rate, and can space the floor as needed.
(13) 6’3 Nylan Rush (Leesville Road)
Clearly trending up as rapidly as anyone listed, Rush is showcasing a lot of appeal and translatable qualities. He’s a long, wiry guard with an enticing blend of size, athleticism, and shot-making ability. Rush is able to mix it up as a scorer from all levels, create clean looks for himself and others, and apply pressure in transition. He’s a dynamic downhill threat with the ball in his hands. Rush utilizes his length well to defend the point of attack and force turnovers leading to fast-break opportunities. His upside is clear, and he should only continue to trend upward.
(14) 6’10 Tyson Thompson (Wesleyan Christian)
Big men will never go out of style, and Thompson is one of the most consistent, reliable interior players across North Carolina. He’s a strong, sturdy post player with a very steady presence on both ends of the floor. Thompson is a quality finisher who can play above the rim or score out of the post, but can also knock down open midrange jumpers as needed. He’s a physical rebounder with the ability to carve out space and use his strength to battle against opposing bigs. Thompson does a nice job of altering/blocking shots without fouling and filling the lane in transition.
(15) 6’8 Noah Dobyns (Wesleyan Christian)
There’s still so much tantalizing potential surrounding Dobyns as an incredibly fluid 6-foot-8 forward with athleticism and smooth-shooting ability. He finds success through his ability to space the floor, run like a gazelle in transition, and finish above the rim. Dobyns possesses massive upside on both ends of the floor. He shows a lot of flashes of switchable defensive prowess, rebounding ability, and a skillset that should only continue to expand. Dobyns has all the tools to become a real matchup problem for several types of opponents.
(16) 6’6 Carlos Marshall (Victory Christian)
Although somewhat undersized for his position, Marshall is undeniably productive in every possible setting. He’s a strong, physically overwhelming post player with exceptional rebounding instincts and an inside-out skillset that continues to grow. Marshall possesses natural defensive instincts and reliably contains bigger opponents due to his strength, positioning, and nose for the ball. He’s shown the ability to create with the ball in his hands, mix it up as a scorer from all levels, and post up smaller defenders. Marshall always seems to find ways to emerge as an asset.
(17) 6’7 Zeke Battier (Providence Day)
Between his athletic lineage and blossoming identity, Battier has considerable appeal as an overall prospect. Not only does he continue to make visible strides within his development, but he had no issue consistently asserting himself in various roles for the Chargers. Battier is a skilled, faceup forward who can create matchup problems with his blend of size, ball skills, perimeter shooting, and ability around the basket. He’s a smart off-ball player and capable creator with the ball in his hands. Add in his rebounding activity and timing as a shot-blocker, and it’s easy to be intrigued by what Battier brings to a team.
(18) 6’3 AJ Roberts (Rolesville)
Arguably the top two-sport athlete in our rankings, Roberts ultimately decided to pursue a collegiate football nearly one year ago. However, he’s still an incredibly impactful basketball player. Roberts a long, physical, and explosive with the all-around skillset to effortlessly dictate the action as a main option. He’s an extremely rugged, versatile defender and terrific rebounder for his size/position who simply knows how to outwork and outmuscle opponents on both ends of the floor. Roberts is a polished scorer and sharp playmaker who can legitimately do everything well on the court.
(19) 6’8 Reid Johannes (Phoenix Montessori)
There’s still so much intrigue with a guy like Johannes, who already naturally impacts a game with his size, length, and two-way interior ability, but still has considerable upside remaining. He’s a fluid, wiry, low-maintenance big man with a nice blend of touch, activity, and defensive instincts. Johannes is a solid finisher out of the post, but also shows the ability to space the floor or fill the lane and score in transition. He’s a useful rebounder and rim-protector who utilizes his length well to be disruptive around the basket. Johannes should be poised to take another step forward over the coming months.
(20) 6’8 Dylan Twitty (Christ School)
Quite possibly the best rebounder in the state, regardless of class, Twitty understands his identity as well as anyone. He doesn’t need offensive touches to impact a game, but can reliably finish through contact, above the rim, or score on drop-offs. Twitty finds most of his scoring chances by crashing the offensive glass and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities. He does a phenomenal job of carving out space, being physical, and playing hard at all times. Twitty is a strong interior defender with nice timing and instincts for blocking shots. His complementary game fits with basically any collection of players.
(21) 6’10 Kamari Nicholson (The Burlington School)
Rim-protection will always be held at the highest value, simply due to the rarity of extremely tall human beings, and Nicholson should be regarded as North Carolina’s top player in that category. At 6-foot-10 with incredible length, nice mobility, and the ability to legitimately anchor the paint defensively, there’s a lot for Division I coaches to like. Nicholson possesses phenomenal timing and recovery ability with natural instincts to get deflections or block/alter shots. He’s an active rebounder and capable finisher who will only get better with addition strength. Nicholson also shows flashes of floor-spacing ability. His long-term upside is very tantalizing.
(22) 6’5 Jaxon Dollar (East Lincoln)
Easily one of the most dynamic athletes in the state, Dollar’s production basically speaks for itself. After an undeniably impressive sophomore season, he elevated his numbers across the board while taking on an increased leadership role for a team that lost several key pieces. Dollar dictates the action with IQ, poise, and polish, showing the ability to generate quality looks for himself and others at a seemingly nonstop rate. He gets downhill with ease but mixes it up well as a scorer from all levels. Add in his physical defense and terrific rebounding for his size, and it’s easy to see why Dollar is so highly regarded.
(23) 6’0 Brayden Gatling (Southwest Guilford)
Although this might not be a particularly deep class of guards, Gatling should only continue to climb the rankings as an extremely dynamic, polished floor general. He possesses sharp quickness, high IQ, and a balanced offensive game to reliably dictate the action as the main creator. Gatling is able to break down defenders with his tight, crafty handle and touch the paint basically whenever he wants. He finishes well for his size, displays a quality midrange pull-up, and knocks down jumpers at an efficient rate from distance. Gatling is a pesky on-ball defender with great anticipation for forcing turnovers. Expect him to have a breakout summer.
(24) 6’5 Caleb Nixon (Kings Mountain)
After being sidelined due to injury, Nixon has quietly become somewhat overlooked by the masses. However, he’s visibly turned heads as a focal point for the Mountaineers after leading them to a deep playoff run last season. Fast-forward to now, and all signs point to Nixon having a big summer season. He’s a long, fluid athlete with natural feel, useful ball skills, and polished scoring ability from all levels. Nixon is a reliable perimeter shooter who can fill it up from beyond the arc, but also attacks the basket, posts up smaller players, and sets up others as needed. Add in his capable rebounding and defensive upside, and it’s easy to be intrigued by his upside.
(25) 5’11 CP Perry (Carson)
Between his dynamic shot-creation ability and the massive load he carries as a focal point during the high school season, Perry is certainly one of the more entertaining players to watch. He’s a crafty, heady floor general who can relentlessly fill it up as a scorer from all levels. Perry displays a nice handle with quickness, pace, and sharp change of direction, which allows him to get pretty much wherever he wants off the dribble. Perry sees the floor well as a playmaker and knows how to properly make reads to set up others when attacking. He’s also a scrappy on-ball defender.
(26) 6’6 Koen Booker (Christ School)
It’s easy to see the appeal with someone like Booker, who is already a useful all-around piece who still has a lot of potential left to uncover. He’s a long, wiry wing with great positional size and the ability to do a little bit of everything on the court. Booker mixes it up well as a scorer within the flow of the action, but can also initiate the offense, set up others, and reliably fill in the gaps as needed. He’s a quality rebounder and switchable defender across two or three positions right now. Booker has all the tools to continue progressing.
(27) 6’3 Parker Watkins (Central Cabarrus)
After making the transition prior to the season to become the undisputed focal point for the Vikings, Watkins put up strong production across the board. He’s a known shot-making guard who can fill it up in a variety of ways. Watkins displays a nice combination of handle, craftiness, and the ability to apply pressure with or without the ball in his hands. He can spot up, cut without the ball, run off screens, or create his own shot. Watkins is also a capable defender and rebounder for his size/position, but the shot-making will remain his calling card.
(28) 6’9 Cannon DeBerry (Queens Grant)
On a team full of highly regarded prospects, DeBerry’s ability and understanding of how to do the little things often get overlooked. He’s a long, explosive, defensive-minded big man who does the dirty work while reliably anchoring the paint as a rebounder and interior defender. Offensively, DeBerry doesn’t require touches to impact a game. He’s a capable finisher who runs the floor well, positions himself for lobs/drop-offs, and regularly plays above the rim. However, so much of DeBerry’s value comes through his aggressive rebounding and physical interior defense. Given his ability to protect the rim, control the glass, and make hustle plays, it’ll be interesting to see how his game continues to develop.
(29) 6’1 Jazir Wright-McGhee (New Hanover)
Whether looking at the per-game averages or actually watching the Wildcats play, it’s clear that Wright-McGhee is an incredibly important piece for New Hanover. This impact translates to all settings. Wright-McGhee sets the tone with his exceptional blend of IQ, toughness, and smooth creation ability. He displays a calm, unbothered demeanor when dictating the offensive action and creating scoring chances for himself and others. Wright-McGhee is a polished scorer and sharp playmaker who looks to make the right play with the ball in his hands. He’s a capable rebounder and rugged defender with terrific anticipation, physicality, and a strong nose for the ball.
(30) 6’0 Preston Scott (Queens Grant)
Arguably the most underappreciated player throughout North Carolina, Scott is truly one of the most unselfish, team-oriented guys you’ll ever find at the high school level. Rarely do we find a floor general whose main priorities are defense and playmaking above all else. Scott utilizes his tight handle and extremely quick first step to effortlessly break down opponents, touch the paint, and make smart decisions with the ball. He’s very fast in the open floor and is capable of generating fast-break opportunities simply by rebounding the ball and flying in transition. Scott can finish with craftiness or knock down the open jumper. He’s also a suffocating on-ball defender who forces turnovers and makes life very difficult for opposing guards.
(31) 6’5 KJ Shouse (Phoenix Montessori)
Between his size, athleticism, and versatility, Shouse is able to impact the game in a variety of different ways. He’s a malleable, well-rounded wing/forward with the ability to do everything on the court. Shouse can initiate the offense, create for himself and others, and mix it up as a scorer from all levels. He’s a useful cutter and rebounder who lurks very well for lobs, putbacks, and second-chance opportunities. Shouse is a switchable defender with the ability to guard up and down a lineup with relative ease. He’s a strong finisher and useful shooting threat along the perimeter.
(32) 6’3 AC Pressley (West Charlotte)
Often overlooked due to his highly regarded teammates, Pressley consistently stands out as an x-factor and adaptable piece in every possible setting. He’s a natural glue-guy who knows how to affect all facets of the game. Pressley understands how to run a team or play without the ball and find success as a cutter or spot-up threat. He applies pressure from all levels, sets up others at a nice rate, and defends with quality energy. Pressley also rebounds his position and fills in the gaps whenever necessary. He’s capable of operating within a role or expanding his production.
(33) 6’2 Judah King (Ambassador Christian)
It doesn’t seem to matter the context or setting, King is simply a reliable player. He’s a natural leader by example who plays with a calm demeanor, unselfish approach, and a willingness to do the little things to propel winning basketball. King is a steady point guard who handles the ball well, sees the floor, and dictates the action with terrific poise. He’s improved his overall scoring polish from all levels, but still prioritizes making the right play with the ball in his hands. That being said, so much of King’s value comes through his hustle, adaptability, and defense at the point of attack.
(34) 6’3 Julian Lowe (The Burlington School)
Between his size, shooting, and defensive presence, Lowe always seems to carve out a meaningful role with any collection of teammates. He’s a tough, well-rounded wing who knows how to reliably knock down perimeter jumpers, move without the ball, and alter his approach as needed. Lowe is a solid, scrappy defender with a physical nature and willingness to do the dirty work at a consistent rate. He rebounds his position and plays hard on both ends of the floor. Whether operating in a complementary role or producing as a focal point, Lowe is an impactful player.
(35) 6’5 Dylan Bradley (Providence Day)
It didn’t take long for Bradley to assert himself as a leader upon joining Providence Day. He’s a strong-bodied guard with great size and the ability to score the ball in a variety of ways. Bradley is a quality creator with the handle, strength, and vision to generate clean looks for himself and others. He attacks the basket, applies pressure in the midrange, and knocks down jumpers with his unorthodox shooting mechanics. Bradley is a solid defender and useful rebounder for his size/position.
(36) 6’0 CJ Jones (Caldwell Academy)
Following his decision to transfer and reclassify prior to the season, it’s clear that Jones quickly proved to be a real asset for the Eagles. He’s a smart, tough, well-rounded guard who can fill it up as a scorer or operate as a secondary playmaker. Jones’ generally adaptable game allows him to effectively operate in several roles. He’s a useful creator, both for himself and others, reliable defender, and capable rebounder who can consistently make an impact with or without the ball in his hands offensively.
(37) 6’3 QJ Young (Chambers)
It probably goes without saying, but Young continues to clearly trend upward as an overall prospect. His body will only continue to get stronger, but his game is already progressing at a rapid rate. Young is a long, wiry guard with impressive feel and creation ability, both for himself and others. He’s able to effectively run a team as a focal point, offering quality balance between playmaking and three-level scoring, but can also find success without the ball in his hands. Young is a great athlete with sharp instincts on both ends of the floor. Already very enticing, his upside is undeniable.
(38) 5’11 Kobe Plata (Southern Wake Academy)
In terms of pure floor generals, arguably no one in North Carolina embodies that label better than Plata. He’s extremely smart and unselfish with a compact frame and the ability to get legitimately wherever he wants off the bounce. Plata displays terrific pace and vision, which allows him to consistently make the correct read with the ball in his hands. He takes care of the ball, touches the paint at a high volume, and visibly elevates his surrounding teammates. Plata finishes effectively for his size and can knock down jumpers at a respectable rate. He’s a tough, pesky defender at the point of attack and anticipates well to force turnovers. Plata runs a team as well as anyone in the state.
(39) 6’2 Brennan Jefferson (Knightdale)
There’s certainly a lot to like about Jefferson, a big, strong, skilled guard who can naturally create matchup problems for opponents. He’s a polished creator and scorer who can apply pressure from all levels. Jefferson shoots the ball well from the perimeter and utilizes his body to reliably finish through contact around the basket. He rebounds at a solid rate for his size and contains his assignment well defensively. Jefferson has shown the ability to produce in a variety of settings, including as a role player or focal point, and should appeal to a variety of programs.
(40) 6’6 Will Hall (Carson)
It should be obvious to most that Hall possesses a ton of upside as a long, wiry forward who continues to grow into his body. He’s very skilled and bouncy with the ability to make plays with or without the ball in his hands. Hall is a reliable perimeter shooter who can spot-up or knock down jumpers off the bounce. However, he’s also a strong finisher who plays well above the rim and through contact (especially for his lack of strength). Hall lurks extremely well for putback opportunities and makes his presence felt on the glass on both ends of the floor. Between his size, athleticism, smooth shooting, and general upside, he has a lot of tools.
(41) 6’11 Dusan Vuksanovic (Asheville School)
Between his massive size and impressive skill, there’s clearly a lot to like with Vuksanovic’s overall foundation. He’s a very polished scorer on the low block, showing terrific touch, strength, and footwork. Vuksanovic utilizes his body very well to carve out space and secure position, both on offense and when battling for rebounds. He’s not a great athlete but positions himself properly to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Vuksanovic is a smart, willing passer and capable floor-spacing option. As he continues to refine his body, expect him to warrant a lot of attention from college coaches.
(42) 6’2 DJ West (Trinity Academy)
It’s easy to see the appeal of West as he continues to make steady strides within his development as an overall player. His combination of IQ, defense, and three-point shooting allows him to consistently impact the game as a low-maintenance piece on both ends of the floor. West is a quality spot-up threat who knows how to move without the ball, attack closeouts, and made decisions off the bounce. He knocks down jumpers at a high percentage and is willing to make the extra pass. On the other end, West provides nice activity as a defender and rebounder. Given his remaining upside, he’ll definitely be a guy for college coaches to monitor closely.
(43) 6’5 Jagger Emerson (Greensboro Day)
After dealing with a variety of unforeseen circumstances, Emerson is someone whose game could take off at any given moment. The long, wiry lefty possesses great size, athleticism, and a well-rounded skillset. Emerson is a versatile offensive threat who can handle the ball, create for himself and others, and mix it up effectively from all levels. He’s comfortable operating with or without the ball in his hands. Emerson is a reliable defender and rebounder who utilizes his length and motor to consistently make his presence felt. Whether operating as a glue-guy, role player, or focal point, he always seems to find production.
(44) 6’4 Sean Nix (Cannon)
There’s simply no denying the high level of skill that Nix possesses, particularly for his size and position. He’s a big, sturdy guard who can do essentially everything on offense. Nix dictates the action as a main creator, both for himself and others, and three-level scorer who knows how to put constant pressure on opposing defenses. He mixes it up at a strong rate from all levels and is capable of taking what the defense gives him or asserting himself to get the look he wants. Nix is a very involved rebounder who knows how to push the break with relative ease. He also has the tools to be an impactful defender.