2026 Kenan Dixon (Cannon)
Talk about a player who was tough as nails, Dixon fit that description right on the head. In leading his team offensively, Dixon wasn’t afraid of the moment and did all he could do to help his team. He moves extremely well without the ball, hunting for his shot from behind the arc and having a confident release, but also attacking off the dribble and looking to finish as well as contact. He put his body on the line countless times.
2025 Dario Williams (Gaston Christian)
I can’t talk about this young man’s performance enough, especially at the start of this high school season. Gaston Christian needed someone to step up for this team, and Williams answered the bell. His versatility, with his size and length, his impact on the glass, his touch inside and outside, and his ability to defend multiple positions, allow him to bring so much value to the table for this team.
2025 Jayden Ross (Rocky River)
Ross only continues to play at a high level and lead this team offensively. The bouncy guard was able to make valuable plays, creating for himself, forcing the action and getting inside the defense, attacking the rim and getting to the line, and also rising up over defenders well. Ross had a great showing overall, impacting the game in so many ways both offensively, rebounding, and facilitating.
2025 Joseph Bruce (Pine Lake Prep)
Bruce was a key piece on Day 1 for his team. He did a great job in being a strong offensive contributor, attacking out in the open floor, pushing and being assertive in transition, and making several valuable plays offensively. Bruce isn’t afraid to mix it up and be physical but also does a great job in bringing a balanced attack offensively, hurting you in a variety of ways.
2025 Trent Steinour (Lake Norman)
The big man and Clemson commit was off the charts as well in his Day 1 victory. Not only was he showing to be a dominant force down in the paint and finishing at the rim, but he did a great job in stepping outside and showing his confidence from three as well as running the floor to get easy buckets in transition. You add on top of his dominant showing on the boards, racking up 10 rebounds, and also being a true rim protector, recording six blocks, Steinour was a huge piece to his team’s success on Day 1.
2027 Travien Williams (Hickory Ridge)
Williams had a big showing to help secure his team’s victory on Day 1. He finished with 27 points, using his frame well, not settling when attacking off the dribble, finding ways to score in transition and off second-chance opportunities (had 10 rebounds in the game), and just being an overall aggressive guard on the court. His team needed every point from the young man, as he understands how to use his body well, get to his spots, and be an effective scoring option.