Team 6
Coach: James Belt
#43: 5'2 '26 Isaac Ellis (Granite Falls)
Starting things off, we look at a player that seems to always be the best shooter in the gym, regardless of competition, Isaac Ellis. He's a young, smart, wiry guard prospect with a pretty advanced array of skills for his age. Ellis can reliably handle the ball and create for himself or others, but also has the ability to move off-ball and apply nonstop pressure as a spot-up threat. He's more intense and physical than initially meets the eye, which is part of what makes him such a tough two-way player. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it'll allow him to become a more physical defender and rebounder. Coach Belt on Ellis: 'Isaac is a left-handed slasher with a highly consistent jumper. He's a solid ball-handler and will improve as he gets older. He has a high IQ and great feel for the game. Isaac is a game-changing player.' Ellis is an absolute gamer that will be one to keep a close eye on as he continues to physically mature over the coming years.
#48:'5'6 '23 Caleb Bruni (North Buncombe)
Next, we look at a player that showed a willingness to do whatever possible to provide his team with an edge, Caleb Bruni. He's an unselfish, high-motor guard prospect with excellent quickness and the ability to move/operate very effectively without the ball. Bruni can knock down open jumper from the perimeter but typically looks to penetrate and attack the paint, where he showed the ability to finish or pass to open teammates. Next in his development process is working on the use of his off-hand, as it would allow him to become a craftier ball-handler and passer. Coach Belt on Bruni: 'Caleb has a great first step with soft touch on his shot. He has a good feel for the game and can finish around the rim through contact. He will continue to improve as he physically develops.' Bruni has a pretty solid foundation and works well in a variety of different roles, which should allow him to become a useful contributor at the high school level.
#59:'5'10 '23 Caleb Senyo (Veritas Christian)
Moving onto a player that seems to legitimately get better each time he touches the court, Caleb Senyo. He's a smart, wiry point guard prospect with an excellent blend between playmaking and three-level scoring. Senyo handles the ball with care and displays phenomenal passing vision on a regular basis, but also takes advantage of open scoring chances whenever possible. He leads by example and works well with any group of teammates through his unselfish, team-first mentality. Senyo is a great rebounder for his size and knows how to position himself extremely well as a defender, which leads to a strong amount of forced turnovers. Next in his development process is working to add strength, as it'll only make him more physically imposing on both ends of the floor. Coach Belt on Senyo: 'Caleb is a crafty guard with long arms and a great first step. He finishes really well at the rim and showed his ability to score nicely off the dribble. He can defend on all three levels and loves contact.' Senyo is a great floor general that could be an immediate contributor at the high school level, definitely making him one to watch.
#65:'5'11 '22 Carter Metz (Cherokee)
Continuing onto a player that made quite an impression with his all-around defensive prowess during camp, Carter Metz. He's a wiry, high-motor guard prospect that knows how to overwhelm his assignment with nonstop energy and quality positioning. Metz is a pretty useful offensive player that typically works without the ball and makes his presence felt as an off-ball cutter. He's fairly quick, which allows him to enter the paint quite often while also mirroring his assignment on defense. Next in his development process is working on his ability to finish through contact at the basket, as it would make him a more lethal offensive threat. Coach Belt on Metz: 'Carter is an excellent defender that plays team ball on both ends of the floor. His motor was a major asset throughout the day. He plays with a great pace to his game and proved to be a solid point guard. Carter was a coaches dream.' Metz quietly went about his business but enjoyed an excellent showing at camp and could be a nice contributor for Cherokee sooner than later.
#83:'6'2 '22 Jacob Estrada (Liberty)
Next, we look at a player that was arguably the most intriguing two-way performer on this team, Jacob Estrada. He's young, wiry, and possesses a solid offensive array of skills, especially for his age. Estrada is a reliable three-level scorer that can create for himself or operate without the ball and find opportunities as a spot-up threat or off-ball cutter. He has great shooting mechanics and handles the ball effectively. Estrada is a solid overall defender that can rebound the ball well and push the break in transition. Next in his development process is working on becoming quicker, as it would make him a better penetrating threat. Coach Belt on Estrada: 'Jacob is a nice guard prospect with good size and the ability to knock down three-pointers at a consistent clip. He has a nice feel for the pick-and-roll game and should continue to develop over time.' Estrada enjoyed a pretty nice showing at camp and will be one to monitor as he continues to progress.
#87:'6'2 '24 Trent Noah (Harlan County)
Moving onto a player that continues to be undeniably impressive in every single facet of the game, Trent Noah. He's an incredibly smart, advanced two-way guard prospect with the necessary skill and versatility to play all five positions on either end of the floor. Noah simply sees the game in a different light than others and makes the correct read/play with unbelievable consistency. He possesses a strong built, which allows him to get downhill, attack the rim, and make plays through any amount of contact or traffic. Noah also scores efficiently on all three levels while being the primary creator. Next in his development process is working on his ability to shoot off the dribble, as it would make him even more difficult for the opposition to contain. Coach Belt on Noah: 'Trent is a skilled, athletic all-around player with a great body and the ability to finish extremely well at the basket. He has tremendous upside and will continue improving with development.' Noah is mature and poised well beyond his years, which makes him an obvious candidate for college coaches to watch going forward.
#115:'6'9 '22 Deante Green (Christ School)
Continuing onto a player that seems to simply get better and better each time we see him perform, Deante Green. He's a smart, skilled, unbelievably polished forward/post prospect with the ability to legitimately control the action on both ends of the floor. Green checks basically every box. He's unstoppable on the block, can handle and pass the ball, and now has the perimeter game to complement his interior presence. Green is a quality athlete that has looked even bouncier over the recent months, playing above the rim for dunks and blocks with regularity. Next in his development process is continuing to work on his overall motor, as it would make him even more dominant on both ends of the floor. Coach Belt on Green: 'Deante is a very promising player with a high ceiling. He showed his ability to guard on all three levels while facing up and working with his back to the basket. Deante has a lot to like and is a good teammate.' Green has certainly vaulted himself into high-major consideration and should start seeing even more offers come piling in.
#119:'7'0 '21 Philipp Kreile (Asheville School)
Finishing up, we look at a player that possesses a clear amount of long-term potential on both ends of the floor, Philipp Kreile. He's a massive post prospect with size, strength, and quality hands. Kreile positions himself well around the paint to alter shots and collect rebounds, but also knows how to clear out space for post-ups. He doesn't force the action and understands how to run the floor hard in transition. Next in his development process is working to shed some weight and work on becoming laterally quicker, as it would allow him to be a much better all-around defender. Coach Belt on Kreile: 'Philipp is a traditional big man prospect with a great build to work with. He has soft hands and displays soft touch around the basket. I'd bet that Philipp continues to improve throughout his career.' Kreile was certainly one of the most intriguing prospects from camp and will be one to monitor throughout these next two seasons.