The Hype is Real with Christ School
While they’re already the consensus top team in the state, the Christ School Greenies looked like a team playing on a different level from their peers at the John Wall. They had four players rank in the top 10 of all players in +/-, despite being one of four teams to only play two games in the tournament. Their roster is constructed in an incredibly meticulous way with each player fitting almost perfectly into their role. Tyler Jones, Dacen Petty, and Madden Collins (American) is one of the more sound and reliable backcourts in the region while Mason Collins is a 6’6” swiss army knife and arguably the best freshman prospect in the state. Inside, Zymicah Wilkins (NC State) is making a fun case for all of the state player of the year awards. They have a slew of quality rotation pieces, headlined by Koen Booker, Joseph Ahart, Will Robinson, and Thomas Vickery. Given their roster makeup, coaching staff, and overall talent, it’s incredibly easy to make a case for the Greenies being the undisputed top team in NC.
Garner Can Emerge as the 4A East Favorite
Even past the new year, there hasn’t been a singular team that has separated themselves from the pack as a favorite in the 4A East division. The team who currently sits atop the region in the NCHSAA’s RPI rankings? The Garner Trojans. After a gutsy win over Washington and a well-fought loss to the OTE Cold Hearts, Garner is stealing my attention away from a handful of the early season favorites. The 2026 trio of Darius Whitner, Geren Holmes, and Kingston Beale is a huge reason why they’ve had the success that they’ve had. Whitner is a true point guard, able to score when he needs to, is capable of leading the state in assists, and is as good of an on-ball defender as you’ll find. Holmes is a microwave scorer with enticing upside. His shooting touch, athleticism, and unwavering confidence pairs perfectly next to Whitner. Beale compliments the other two incredibly well thanks to his in-your-face athleticism and motor. He works non stop on the glass, runs the floor well in transition, and is always viable for a highlight play in transition. Around those three, seniors Cairo Hines, Cam Reyes, Keaton Bloms, and Ghab Scott provide great support and all impact winning within their roles. Sophomores Allen Davis and Robert Ogoke round out the rotation and make the Trojans especially dangerous with their ability to impact the game defensively.
2028 Talent was on Full Display
The John Wall is always home to young breakout prospects, with this year being no exception. There were a myriad of underclassmen prospects on display and I took a particular interest in the freshman class. There were a handful of names who stuck out but the trio of AJ Morman, Isaiah Carter, and Mason Collins all appear to be trending in the right direction nationally. Morman had the most prolific weekend of the group, averaging 18 PPG and shining as a focal point for a productive Southern Durham squad. Carter showed plenty of high upside flashes in limited minutes for a loaded John Marshall team. His athleticism, skill set, and feel is highly intriguing. Collins has been a productive and versatile piece for Christ School since his 8th grade year, and is really coming into his own with his identity and skill set. Outside of those three, guys like Braxten Dubose, Cam Moore, Jadah Washington, Colinn Morris, and Eli Nelson (2029) stood out throughout the weekend.