by: Ethan Reece
2023 Will Gray (East Forsyth)
As one of the most highly regarded prospects in the area heading into his senior year, Will is proving he’s hardwired to be a multidimensional leader for the Eagles. He’s the pulse of their offense, providing quality ball control with a quick handle to navigate defenses, efficient creation of his own looks with shotmaking ability, and natural lead guard instincts to initiate things whether he’s playing the 1 or 2. All this leaves him set up for a big summer and primed to repeat as the CPC player of the year.
2023 Brayden Blue (Concord)
I like to reward the fundamentals, and nobody has been more exemplary in making this part of the game look good more than Brayden the last two weeks. He sticks to the basics, which should be the roots for all players, and again has provided such a reliable consistent leadership quality and scoring factor. Because of his great feel and patience reading things, some of the moves he makes literally could be used for a basketball 101 clinic.
2023 Jaylen Henry (Thomasville)
As the sole big in a guard oriented environment, Jaylen finds ways to produce with a low-maintenance approach. He’s more quick and nimble than his build suggests, rim runs to find his place consistently, and has proven a reliable finisher with soft hands for his guards to dish off to with confidence as they drive. Given the lack of true bigs in the CCC, Jaylen could be in for a nightly double-double to boost and complement the Bulldogs’ stellar balanced backcourt.
2023 Markquan Gilbert (Ben L Smith)
Markquan is one of the most unique prospects in the area with his physique and skill. 9 out of 10 guys with his build are going to rely on their athleticism too much instead of finely tuning their skill set to optimize their gifts like Markquan has done. He’s built like a linebacker to play the power game in bullying other guys, but also can shift his game to a more gentle approach with swiftness and touch to finish, either way he’s going to be a big name in Greensboro hoops this season.
2023 TJ Cave (WS Christian)
The term “defensive specialist” is not one to throw around loosely, and TJ genuinely fits all the requirements to be the primary on ball defender you put on the best player. Not shying away from any contact and playing with his chest, he can clamp things up to stop any forward momentum, cutting you off at every turn and using his quickness to reach his hands in at the right times. These same qualities are used on the other end making him a slasher with shoulder driven attacks seeking contact.
2026 Kendre Harrison (Reidsville)
Kendre has the opportunity rarely given at any level, he can come in and instantly produce and lead as a freshman. Especially for bigs, their first year is spent worthily developing on JV into hopefully a valuable asset as a sophomore. But Kendre is well equipped and naturally set with a mature frame and advanced feel for things to already take advantage of experienced varsity guys. Matched with fellow freshman stud Dionte Neal, they have the chance to make the next 4 years at Reidsville truly special.
2023 Adreil Miller (Central Cabarrus)
I don’t think you could ask for more out of a role player than what Adreil provides. He’s the perfect last piece to complete the Vikings’ primary lineup and run the way they want, he’s a quick unselfish guard that plays hard and relentlessly jumps passing lanes or presses up on ball handlers. He doesn’t require any light, just works toward the success of the team and that’s exactly what you need in you plug-in guys, they do their jobs and rarely have to be yelled at for things because of their high effort.