Hunter Huss’ Jaleel Smith is the real deal
Early in the day, we had a chance to watch one of the best freshmen in the state in 2028 Jaleel Smith for Hunter Huss. Smith was able to capture our eyes and impress once again, showing that he could be a Top-100, nationally ranked guard in NC. He is terrific in creating and finding his shot, he has excellent feel and makes smart decisions, and brings a ton of offensive production to the table. Smith looks bigger and stronger, and ready to lead this team as he hopes to make a statement this season.
Queen’s Grant and Mooresville impress in victories
Queens Grant and Mooresville were looking to impress at the George Lynch Invitational, as both picked up strong wins at the event. Queens Grant took down Hunter Huss, led by 2025 Ian Howard and their strong freshmen in 2028 Mekhi Allen and 2028 Chase Smith. This is a team that continues to get better week by week and should be clicking even more down the road. Mooresville was another team we wanted to learn about, as they took down Weddington. 2025 Kyri Wilson and 2026 Nolan Ericson, among others, had a strong showing and was able to make enough plays to secure an impressive victory.
Don’t doubt Concord Academy… ever
Every year, we continue to hear some question marks about Concord Academy and what they may bring to the table. Well, we are here to say… stop doubting. Coach Frank Cantadore does a great job and proves to be one of the best coaches in the state, and his team looks strong enough to secure another title. They have experienced guards that can knock down shots, a rising star in 2027 James Minlend, good size that battles down low, and this team competes. They picked up a big win vs. GDS at the event, and remain undefeated on the season.
2026 Markus Kerr playing at another level for Chambers
Kerr has been recognized as one of the top players in the state but it seems ov the last month or so, it is starting to click for this young man. Even in a loss, Kerr finished with 22 points and made shots look effortless at times. He has such a smooth feel to his game but he is really showing to be more assertive offensively in looking for his offense. He is a three-level scorer, has great size, operates smoothly, ad brings versatility to the court. Watch out, as this young man is looking stronger and better, and looks to be on a mission.
TBS and Christ School continue to collect statement wins
Both TBS and Christ School secured big Day 1 victories, but they didn’t let that get into their heads. Both were able to pick up to big wins on Day 2 as well, with TBS taking out Chambers in impressive fashion and Christ School taking down Caldwell Academy. Both were strong on the court, as Kaden Hammon and King Gibson led a balanced attack while also getting it done defensively. Christ School continues to show balance both offensively, and proving to be one of the top defensive teams in the state. Both made statements on Day 2 and walked out with a 2-0 record on the weekend.
It’s hard to slow down the offensive attack from Combine Academy
When things are rolling for a team like Combine, it is simply hard to slow them down. They love to get up and down, they have exceptional guards that can score in so many ways, and they bring athleticism to the table. 2025 Kaden Magwood is an elite scorer, 2026 Yohance Connor has improved overall with his game and showing to eba a dynamic scorer, 2025 CJ Purdie stepped up big as a scorer, 2025 Josiah Parker has made his imprint early in North Carolina, and so many others. This is a team that loves to get out with the best of them, and they continue to show they can put on an offensive show.
Davidson Day vs. Myers Park learn more about themselves
In what was a thriller to end the day, both Davidson Day and Myers Park learned something about themselves. Davidson Day, who secured a come-from-behind win after being down 23 points at halftime, showed that they are a team that can turn it on and be a title contender; that they are never out of it until the final buzzer. That comeback win could go a long way down the road for this team. Myers Park also proved that they are going to be a tough outing this season, with Bram Early and Josh Hines stepping up and leading the way. They competed, they created havoc defensively at times, they knocked down shots, and this will be a team that will surprise many.