6’8 Beckham Tharpe (North Iredell)
It’s probably somewhat difficult to stay under the radar after scoring fifty points as a big man in public school basketball, but many folks are still unaware of Beckham Tharpe. After opting to forego travel ball, the fluid 6-foot-8 post prospect is still clearly enjoying the opportunity to dominate throughout the high school season. Tharpe possesses excellent length with a quality blend of touch, mobility, and athleticism. He alters shots well defensively, rebounds on both ends of the floor, and can finish around the basket or space the floor along the perimeter. It’s unclear if he even wants to pursue basketball at the next level, but there should be plenty of suitors if he chooses to do so.
6’4 Enzo Geremski (Forsyth Country Day)
In terms of guys who embrace doing the little things, Enzo Geremski is easily among the best. On a team laden with talented scorers, the two-way wing/forward displays a clear emphasis on doing the dirty work, making hustle plays, and filling in the gaps as needed. He defends multiple positions and rebounds bigger than his size. Geremski finishes well around the basket, but can also knock down jumpers and make the extra pass whenever necessary. He simply understands how to thrive within his role as a complementary piece, which should be quite appealing to college coaches. Expect Geremski to have a place at the next level.
6’7 Caleb Surgers (Panther Creek)
After playing with Strong Center and being a key piece on last year’s state championship team, it’s unclear as to why Caleb Surgers doesn’t have more action within his recruitment. Between his size, steady presence, and ability to produce as a low-maintenance guy, he’s the perfect type of player to plug into a variety of different systems and find success. Surgers possesses great length and mobility, and will only continue to add strength to his wiry frame at the next level. He moves very well for his size, both when recovering in small spaces and running the floor in transition. Surgers also displays great feel and timing as an interior defender and rebounder. More programs should be involved.
6’0 TJ Cave (Winston-Salem Christian)
Although they are all worthy, perhaps no player on this list is more deserving of an offer than TJ Cave. He’s a tough, rugged, team-oriented lead guard prospect with a unique blend of strength and quickness. Cave is an incredible defender, both at the point of attack and when slotted away from the ball, and frequently harasses opponents into miscues or turnovers. He legitimately mirrors opposing ball-handlers without giving them a glimmer of operating space, and knows how to pounce at the precise time. Cave welcomes contact or physical play on either end of the floor, and is capable of meeting opponents at the rim as a finisher. His feel, mentality, and general willingness to excel within a role should have various coaches vying for his commitment.
5’11 Jordon Nevill (East Mecklenburg)
It doesn’t take very long to notice the highly entertaining way that Jordon Nevill approaches the game—especially as the focal point. He’s an exceptional shot-maker with the combination of range, craftiness, and creation skills to seemingly apply nonstop pressure as a scorer. Nevill mixes it up at a healthy rate, but is arguably at his best when launching bombs from beyond the arc. Whether hitting jumpers off the catch, bounce, or movement, it doesn’t seem to shake his consistency. That being said, Nevill is also a useful playmaker with great pace and the ability to get where he wants on the floor with the ball in his hands. While his game is quite different from most prospects within the landscape, Nevill should have a bevy of coaches in pursuit over these next few months.