The high school basketball season has already been loaded with excitement, intensity, and anticipation, and we aren't even halfway. Various players have been emerging throughout the month of November and should be noted accordingly, which is the main purpose of this article. We will take a deeper look at some of the recent breakout performers that college coaches should be monitoring over the next calendar year.
6'6 Raekwon Horton (Keenan)
It seems like a broken record at this point, but Raekwon Horton is a really intriguing, yet productive, Division I prospect. Charleston Southern just recently extended a scholarship to the forward prospect, which marked his first offer, but it feels like he should already have three to four more. He's a vital part of this powerhouse Keenan squad, given his offensive versatility and ability to cause matchup problems for opponents. Horton shoots the ball exceptionally well while utilizing his size and length nicely to get where he desires on the court. He's still somewhat wiry and should start showing more extended flashes of dominance with additional strength, especially on defense. Horton should be a major breakout candidate during this season, as he seems to look more poised than ever before.
6'8 Ja'Von Benson (Ridge View)
There's a ton of talent on this Ridge View team, but folks need to know about Ja'Von Benson, who is suddenly becoming one of the most promising big men in South Carolina. He's big, strong, athletic, and'able to shoot from the perimeter, which immediately makes him a threat to overwhelm any opponent. He has the ability to play within a role and then emerge for stretches to burden the scoring load whenever necessary. Benson can operate from the high or low post and highlight his strength or touch around the basket. He's effective within one to two dribbles, but typically doesn't force the issue and scores a majority of his points on quality attempts. Benson is pretty comfortable moving in space defensively, but poses a bigger threat when protecting the rim and securing rebounds. He holds offers from South Carolina State and South Carolina Upstate, but that'll likely change, especially if he's able to maintain his two-way consistency going forward.
6'8 MJ Wildy (Rock Hill)
No prospect on this list is more unique or intriguing than MJ Wildy, a long, wiry 6-foot-8 walking mismatch. He's best classified as a power forward, but his ability to shoot and handle the ball have started to blossom, which puts no real limit to his ceiling. Wildy is already a defensive menace, despite his slight frame, and shows no fear when protecting the rim. His length is already quite disruptive for most opponents to cope with, as he frequently extends past others for blocks, rebounds, and finishes around the basket. Wildy has grown considerably over the last calendar year, so it's somewhat amazing how seamlessly his coordination and skillset have adapted. Multiple schools have already offered Wildy, but that list is guaranteed to continue growing throughout the season.
6'1 Destin Clark (Indian Trail)
The three previous names should be relatively common talking points for most folks around South Carolina, but not enough people are talking about Destin Clark and what he's doing at Indian Land. Through four games, Clark is averaging a robust 29.5 PPG, which puts him at fourth in the state. The big-bodied point guard is strong and very polished with the ball in his hands, which allows him to effortlessly navigate around or through the opposition. Clark is most effective when attacking the basket and finishing through contact, but can also knock down perimeter jumpers at an efficient rate. That being said, his passing and vision are still arguably his most attractive qualities as a prospect. Clark has a great feel for the game and could be a monster with surrounding talent, as it would allow him to play naturally and thrive.
6'4 Case Roach (Travelers Rest)
There are a lot of things to like with Case Roach, especially in today's basketball with the emphasis on shooting and positional size. He's a guard prospect that can create shots for himself, and others, with relative ease. Roach scores the ball efficiently on all three levels and is capable of playing above the rim. He's currently leading his Travelers Rest squad in various statistical categories, including points (15.8 PPG) and steals (2.5 SPG), while doing an excellent job of affecting both sides of the ball. Right now, Roach is under the radar, but that's likely to change within the next year, as he possesses all the necessary tools to succeed at the next level.