Team 14
Coach: Charles Brown
#31: 5’5 ’29 Trevor Thompson (Airport)
Starting off, Trevor Thompson is a 5-foot-5 prospect in the Class of 2029. Despite being the smallest camper on this team, he found ways to make his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Thompson is a quick, scrappy guard prospect with a tough, rugged approach to the game. He’s a capable perimeter shooter who can attack closeouts as needed. Thompson defends the point of attack with energy and toughness, and forces turnovers at a solid rate. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better creator against pressure. Coach Brown on Thompson: “Trevor is a quick, feisty guard. He thrives at creating offense from his defense. He also made the right basketball play by default. He’s quick and able to knock down open jumpers along the perimeter.” Thompson enjoyed a solid showing at camp and will be a player to watch emerge for Airport over the coming years.
#36: 5’7 ’29 TyKayvian Smith (Ridge View)
Next, TyKayvian Smith is a 5-foot-7 prospect in the Class of 2029. Though small, he did a great job of consistently producing within the flow of the action. Smith is a smart, unselfish lead guard with quickness, craftiness, and a reliable presence on both ends of the floor. He’s a capable perimeter shooter, but is at his best when getting downhill and attacking the basket. Smith is a nice finisher and willing passer. He also displays sharp defensive instincts and the ability to contain his assignment at the point of attack. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Brown on Smith: “TyKavian is a tough, small guard. He does a great job of breaking down defenses off the dribble to create for himself and others. He’s also a pest on defense. Very coachable kid who consistently made his teammates better.” Smith did a lot of things well during camp and has the tools to blossom for Ridge View over the coming years.
#39: 5’8 ’29 AJ Cureton II (Nation Ford)
Next, AJ Cureton is a 5-foot-8 prospect in the Class of 2029. It didn’t take long to notice his dynamic, intelligent presence on either side of the ball. Cureton is a smart, unselfish, high-motor floor general with incredible quickness and the ability to touch the paint at will. He has a crafty handle with sharp vision, which allows him to effortlessly break down opponents and score or set up others. Cureton thrives in transition, yet knows how to run a team in the half court. He’s also a rugged defender. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would complement his penetration game nicely. Coach Brown on Cureton: “AJ is a defensive pest who forces turnovers and bad shots. His nonstop motor energizes his teammates to play harder. He can consistently turn defense into offense and loves to play in the open floor. With excellent ball-handling and decision-making, he gets others involved and puts tremendous pressure on the paint.” Cureton proved to be an asset during camp, securing a Top Performer award, and should be a key piece at Nation Ford going forward.
#47: 5’9 ’29 Caden Staley (Ridge View)
Next, Caden Staley is a 5-foot-9 prospect in the Class of 2029. He highlighted a strong understanding of how to make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. Staley is a smart, scrappy, high-motor guard with an unselfish approach to the game. He’s a capable perimeter shooter who can attack closeouts and make the extra pass as needed. Staley does a nice job of filling in the gaps offensively. He’s also a pesky defender who forces turnovers and contains his assignment well. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a more physically imposing player. Coach Brown on Staley: “Caden is a very confident player. He defends and is creative with the ball in his hands. Caden has the ability to finish at the rim and knock down the open three-pointer.” Staley did a lot of things well during his time at camp and should only continue to steadily progress over the coming years.
#52: 5’10 ’29 Seth Oparah (Catawba Ridge)
Next, Seth Oparah is a 5-foot-10 prospect in the Class of 2029. Given his blend of toughness, assertiveness, and two-way ability, it’s easy to appreciate everything he brings to a team. Oparah is a steady, well-rounded guard with nice feel and energy on both ends of the floor. He shows the ability to do a little bit of everything offensively, capable of playing within a role or expanding his production as needed. Oparah is a scrappy defender who anticipates well to force turnovers. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Brown on Oparah: “Seth is a surprisingly good athlete. He’s also very aggressive on the court. He competes at a high level defensively and can finish through contact on drives. He has a solid midrange jumper and can knock down open looks from beyond the arc.” Oparah provided a very reliable presence throughout camp and should emerge as a difference-maker for Catawba Ridge over the coming years.
#62: 5’11 ’29 Aiden James (Lancaster)
Next, Aiden James is a 5-foot-11 prospect in the Class of 2029. Although he possesses a nice skillset and physical defensive presence, his nonstop energy is what makes him so problematic for opponents. James is a skilled, scrappy guard with a strong frame and the ability to consistently do the dirty work. He’s a useful creator and scorer from inside the arc, but doesn’t need touches to be impactful. James is also a quality rebounder and defender who positions himself for success. Next in his development process is working on his consistency as a three-point shooter, as it would complement his penetration game nicely. Coach Brown on James: “Aiden is a big-bodied guard that competes on both ends of the floor. He plays very hard and rebounds well for his size/position. He can turn defense into offense quickly, and makes everyone better.” James proved to be an asset during camp and has the tools to be a key piece at Lancaster going forward.
#69: 6’0 ’29 Deuce Green (St. Joseph Catholic)
Next, Deuce Green is a 6-foot-0 prospect in the Class of 2029. Given his steady, well-rounded presence, he did a great job of filling in the gaps on both ends of the floor. Green is a scrappy, high-motor guard who does a little bit of everything on the court. He showed the ability to score from all levels, create for himself and others, and move without the ball. Green is an active rebounder and scrappy defender who regularly outworks opponents to make hustle plays. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Brown on Green: “Deuce is a tough, hard-playing guard. He defends with a lot of energy and finishes well through contact. He competes with intensity on both ends of the court. Knows how to impact the game within his role.” Green did a lot of things well during camp and should only continue to progress over the coming years.
#78: 6’1 ’29 Makhai McKnight (Nation Ford)
Next, Makhai McKnight is a 6-foot-1 prospect in the Class of 2029. He showcased a highly polished identity with the IQ, skillset, and defensive presence to stand out as a leader. McKnight creates extremely well off the dribble, displaying the ability to create for himself and others while filling it up as a scorer from all levels. He’s a reliable penetrator and perimeter shooter who can dictate the action or find success without the ball. McKnight positions himself well to force turnovers defensively. Next in his development process is working on getting stronger, as it would make him a better finisher through contact. Coach Brown on McKnight: “Kai is a very skilled player offensively. He keeps defenses off balance with changes of pace and shiftiness. He can create for himself and others. He displays a great feel for the game and can turn defense into offense when locked in. Kai showed the ability to score the ball from all three levels.” McKnight highlighted a lot of ability during camp and should be a useful piece at Nation Ford going forward.
#89: 6’2 ’29 Dontay Phillips (Ridge View)
Next, Dontay Phillips is a 6-foot-2 prospect in the Class of 2029. In addition to his motor and skill, he consistently stood out through his ability to play bigger than his size. Phillips is a versatile, high-motor wing with a reliable jumper, physical defensive presence, and quality rebounding instincts. He’s able to guard multiple positions and find opportunities in transition. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a better finisher around the basket. Coach Brown on Phillips: “Dontay is a solid wing player who possesses the ability to play inside or out. He rebounds and protects the rim really well, especially for his size/position. He can create for himself and others. He’s a willing defender with the versatility to toggle between all positions on the court. Offensively, he has a nice midrange jumper and can shoot the three-pointer.” Phillips found success throughout camp and will be a player to watch progress over the coming years.
#163: 6’4 ’29 Kam Choice (Sumter)
Finishing up, Kam Choice is a 6-foot-4 prospect in the Class of 2029. It doesn’t take long to recognize his appealing blend of intangibles and physical tools. Choice is a long, athletic forward with great size and a nonstop motor. He displays terrific feel and instincts on both ends of the floor, which allows him to operate in various positions. Choice provides an active defensive presence and secures rebounds at a solid rate. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would make him a more complete player. Coach Brown on Choice: “Kam is a solid freshman. He plays well with others and knows how to produce within the flow of the action. He has a strong body and solid handle. Showed the ability to knock down open jumpers as needed. Defensively, he competes hard on every possession. Kam also finishes well at the rim.” Choice enjoyed a quality showing at camp and has the tools to continue progressing over the foreseeable future.