2027 Tre Ratliff (Hough)
Hough really impressed overall with their play and balance, and this season could and should be an eye-opening one for many around the area. Ratliff, a 6’3 prospect, has shown time after time to be a productive guard with his ability to create and score, effectively operating from various levels. He can attack and create, knock down shots off the bounce, play off the ball and spread the offense out, and consistently apply pressure on the defense. He looks like he is one of the main driving forces this season, as I expect a strong season from him overall.
2027 Adrian Long Jr. (Cresset Christian)
Long was impressive throughout the weekend, as Cresset Christian has a chance to be a surprise team around the state. A tough, scrappy overall group, Long is one that embraces that role but also constantly applies pressure against the defense. He is a strong, physical guard that excelled in getting downhill, finishing through contact, getting paint touches, and bringing tremendous overall value to his team. He easily could be a sneaky guard for college coaches to check out more.
2027 Landon Moore (Northside)
Moore is a new name, personally, for me, and he still has a way to go. However, he is a prospect that you can see flashes with and what he could be down the road. Moore is an intriguing 6’9 prospect who displayed flashes of his ability to be a true perimeter threat, doing a nice job in moving without the ball and looking for his shot from behind the arc. He has a nice release and, with his size, can easily knock down shots over defenders. Overall, Moore is a raw prospect but is one who could be a sneaky player down the road as he gets stronger and develops his game more.
2027 Blake Smith (Salisbury)
Smith was really impressive and looked like he could be in for an even bigger breakout season as a senior, leading the way at Salisbury. He has a tremendous blend of size, skill, physicality, athleticism, and versatility that allows him to bring value in so many areas, and it seems that he is playing with even more confidence. Smith did a great job in bringing a balanced attack offensively, showing explosiveness at the rim but also comfortably being able to knock down shots from multiple levels. You add on to his impact on the defensive end, Smith finds ways to bring value all over the court.
2027 Avery Hicks (Wakefield)
Hicks has been a steady presence throughout the summer and the 6’5 prospect should have a wide range of programs taking a look at his way. He continues to fill out and bring tremendous strength overall, along with his comfort in being able to be an impact player both inside and out. What I believe separates him as a player is his motor and the energy he brings on either side, making timely blocks, battling hard, and just playing with overall confidence.
2027 Heath Johnson (Pinecrest)
One of the top sneaky bigs at the event that proved to be a scholarship-level player was Johnson, as he has truly had a breakout-type summer. Johnson, who stands at 6’8, is a high-motor big man that excels in being able to finish with touch in the paint as well as power at the rim. You add on top his intriguing ability to step out and impact on the glass, Johnson continues to offer a lot as a developing big with an even brighter future. And after this last month, Johnson has proven that he is a college-level player worthy of significant attention.
2027 Anthony Penado (WS Christian)
Penado was a new name for us at the event, but when watching him throughout the weekend, the 6’7 prospect has a lot of tools that could translate to the next level. A sneaky prospect that brings size, ability to create for himself, play inside and out, and be effective from a variety of positions, Penado looks the part of a player for college to look at more. Overall, he really opened eyes with his overall play and size, along with his skillset and feel, as there are plenty of programs that could use a prospect like him.
2027 Brennen Jefferson (Knightdale)
Jefferson had a strong outing throughout the event, as he continues to prove his leadership, IQ, shot-making, and ability to produce for his team. A guard that as a good blend of strength in getting downhill at the rim but also is a threat from outside, knocking down shots with range. He plays with a polished overall game, being well-rounded and impactful throughout. He does a great job in understanding when to be a scorer and playmaker for himself, but plays well within the game.
2027 DaQavis Greene (Fike)
Greene had a really good showing throughout the event, as the big man proved the has been putting in the work, adding more to his game, getting stronger, and also being assertive with his size. With his frame, he is able to really carve out space down in the paint and around the basket, using his big hands and physicality to be assertive on the glass, finish with touch around the basket, battle through contact on both sides, and just outwork opponents. He will not only be a pivotal piece for Fike this season as a double-double type prospect, but should be rising up on the radars of college coaches.