2026 Cameron Thompson – Team Charlotte
Thompson may be one of the most underrated talents in the state, but he brings unbelievable value to the court when he plays. I absolutely love what he can provide for his team, and he showed that all throughout the event in different ways. Whether it was a 30+point performance in the championship game or being an impact player in other areas, Thompson finds ways to help his team. He does a great job in understanding what is needed from him, whether it is making plays outside his scoring, defending and being a versatile piece, and making those hustle plays; or his ability to turn it up a notch and be a true scoring threat from all levels of the court.
2028 Ace Rogers – Thrill Skillz Academy
Rogers has had an eye-opening summer the last two months, and he has clearly put his name on the watch list for his class here in North Carolina. He has size and a strong overall skill set that allows him to thrive, especially as a scoring option. Time after time watching him, Rogers has shown to be an assertive scoring presence in attacking the basket, embracing contact, and forcing the action to get to the line. He has put up some impressive scoring performances throughout the last few months and should be a noteworthy prospect to watch in the coming years. There is a lot to like about his game.
2026 Tristan Smith – VA Havoc 434
Smith was a new name personally for me, but I liked what I saw from the bouncy 6’4 prospect from Virginia. Smith ended the event averaging nearly 20 points per game, but also being extremely active on the glass and an exciting playmaker in general. He brings good athleticism to the table in attacking and getting to the rim, finding ways to break down defenders, and excelling in transition. But he proved that he can be a multi-level scorer, creating off the bounce, picking his spots, breaking down defenders well… he was strong all throughout and impacts the game in a variety of other ways.
2027 Kingston Carmichael – NLPB
Carmichael is another one of those players that I believe goes a bit under the radar but should deserve some more attention this upcoming season. He brings athleticism, scoring ability, and versatility to the court with his overall feel for the game. Carmichael can catch your attention with not only his ability to knock down shots with a quick release, but also his ability to get to the rim and finish. He is an incredibly effective offensive presence that shows he can fill it up, mixing it up well, and displaying good overall ball skills. I expect him to have a big upcoming high school season and be in the mix for schools more.
2026 James Wood – Anthony Morrow Elite
Now part of the Class of 2026 and heading to Carmel Christian, Wood did a great job in being a leader on the court all throughout the event. And it would be interesting to see if he can carry that momentum into the upcoming high school season, as he looks to help Carmel Christian fight as a top-tier program. Wood though is a physical and strong guard that can force the action, attack downhill off the bounce, finish well, and also be a threat from outside. Watching him throughout the event, he showed that he is able to get inside the defense and finish, look to get to his spots for his jumper, and play off the ball in catch-and-shoot situations. Wood proved to be a huge value to his team and will look to do the exact same this upcoming high school season.