Each year, we host our annual Top 80 Camps in North and South Carolina. These camps attempt to put all the top players in the state to compete under one roof. Many players take this opportunity to elevate their stock or prove themselves against higher-ranked opponents. Either way, it presents kids with a unique setting. Now that we’ve implemented the Freshman 40 and Sophomore 40 over the recent years, competition has only continued to increase. In addition to the exposure and ability to battle against top opponents, there are always subplots and storylines worth following. Let’s take a look at a few from the past…
Zymicah Wilkins vs. Isaiah Evans
Given the recency of its occurrence, people should remember the extremely intense, cutthroat battle between top players in Wilkins (2025) and Evans (2024). Already regarded as a 5-star and obvious high-major talent, Evans arguably carried the most status of anyone in attendance. He put on a nice show for the cameras, but Wilkins was happy to interrupt. Not only did Wilkins start going at Evans on the court, but he also made his voice loudly heard. It was a memorable moment between two noteworthy prospects, one trending upward and one already atop the mountain, where neither backed down.
Coby White vs. Devon Dotson
Quite possibly the most noteworthy storyline from any camp we’ve ever hosted, a committed Coby White (UNC) and committed Devon Dotson (Kansas) still had unfinished business to address. The two were commonly placed in “who’s better” arguments, and this was the perfect stage to settle the debate. Again, we are talking about two committed seniors who didn’t need to attend but chose to compete for nothing more than bragging rights. The idea of being too cool to compete or play hard didn’t exist at this point, and even nationally ranked prospects still carried a chip on their shoulder. Attending alone would’ve generated buzz, but the intense back-and-forth made it special.
Elite Group of Freshmen Guards (2028)
Although this subplot remains active, last year’s Freshman 40 truly had an overabundance of talented players. There are so many intriguing young prospects across the board, but it’s impossible to overlook the ridiculous depth of high-level guards in this class. Guys like AJ Morman, Micah Gunter, Jaleel Smith, Travis Cooper, Chacho Womack, JJ Sati-Grier, Dyson Britt, Bobby Montgomery, Aaron Lawler, DJ Lindsey, Paul Cauthen, Sherod McCormick, Mack Jordan, Eddie Cota, and countless others. Most of these guys will be attending Sophomore 40 to continue to separate themselves from one another.