What We're Looking For (Part 4)
Phenom's High School Jamboree
By Jamie Shaw
This is Phenom's 5th Annual High School Jamboree, the region's premier pre-season hoops jamboree filled with talent, scouts and college coaches. Every year baselines full of college coaches have attended with the last two years bringing in 60-70 college coaches from around the region.
With that many coaches and scouts in tow, it is a given this event has kick started players recruitments. This event was the first time Columbia saw their (now) starting center Patrick Tape in 2015, the first time UNC saw 2018 commit Leaky Black in 2015, Davidson saw (now) starting forward Dusan Kovacevic for the first time in 2014 and the same with Jay Huff and Virginia in 2014. There have been many other instances of this, but it is safe to say that if you perform well in this event, your recruitment can spring board.
Let's Take a Look at the Ranked Players Expected to Play
6'4' 2019 Jalen Lecque
Christ School (Arden, NC)
5-Star
Lecque comes in ranked #10 in the most recent 247 Sports 2019 rankings. He is one of the hottest names in the country, on the recruiting trail and what is not to like about him. Lecque is an explosive downhill lead guard who can navigate in traffic with pace and explode to finish above the rim. He makes his teammates better and can get his. He carries over 30 offers from across the country. He is a treat to watch and this will be his first games in the state of North Carolina, going to a school in the Hoop State.
6'11' 2019 Brandon Stone
Christ School (Arden, NC)
4-Star
Already carrying offers from the likes of South Carolina, West Virginia, Pittsburgh and others, Stone reminds many of Cody Zeller. He is long and very bouncy, he runs the floor well and he has some face up skills. The production is current and the projected upside is still there. Stone will blow up this season, watch closely'there is a lot to like.
6'7' Chance Moore
Beckley Prep (Beckley, WV)
4-Star
Moore just recently narrowed his final college list to perennial tournament teams Virginia Tech, Butler, Wichita State and Dayton. Moore is a skilled wing with great size and able to fill a lot of roles on the floor. Taking a post grad year at Beckley Prep has turned things up for Moore and the offers followed suit, he quickly became a highly sought-after prospect, earning close to 20 offers. Eager to see how he performs here, in this setting and who is there to watch.
6'6' 2018 John Newman (Clemson Commit)
Greensboro Day (Greensboro, NC)
4-Star
Newman is ranked number 120 by 247 Sports and is an early commitment to Clemson where he was made a priority. Newman isn't flashy but is incredibly productive. His all around skill set will see him padding the stat book, on both ends of the floor, game in and game out. Newman is a winner, as a 3 year starter for Greensboro Day he has led his team to a 95-12 overall record, a winning percentage of 88%. Newman makes a team better.
6'3' 2021 Carson McCorkle
Greensboro Day (Greensboro, NC)
4-Star
Only a freshman, McCorkle already carries offers from the likes of South Carolina, Iowa, NC State and others. He is a top 50 rated player in his class and will carve out playing time on a talented, veteran clad Greensboro Day team. McCorkle is a bouncy wing who plays with a high basketball IQ, he is efficient in getting to his spots and plays with a less is more approach with the ball in his hands. Huge upside, but he also is a player who already produces despite his age.
6'9' 2019 Jaelyn Withers
North Meck (Huntersville, NC)
4-Star
Kentucky has already been in the gym multiple times to see him, he has offers from the likes of NC State, Georgia Tech, Clemson, Virginia Tech and others. With his combination of length, athleticism and ball skills Withers is, at worst, a top 100 prospect who can stretch the floor. However, when/if the light clicks for him he has the upside of a Top 30+ type of prospect. All of the tools are there and he can be fun to watch as he lights up scoreboards. The high majors will continue to come as will a gradual climb in the rankings.
6'2' 2020 Tristan Maxwell
North Meck (Huntersville, NC)
4-Star
Maxwell can just flat out score the basketball, he has a nose for buckets. In fact, Maxwell has a chance to graduate as North Meck's all-time leading scorer. That is no small feet considering the number of D1 players and incredible success the school has seen. He comes by his skill honestly as Tristan's father Vernon is a 2-time NBA champion. He already carries an offer from NC State and expect more of that to come'There is a lot to like here.