The inaugural NC Top 80 was held on March 29, 2014 in Greensboro, NC and I was fortunate enough to attend and see many of the top players in the state under one roof. I wasn’t able to fully scout the event due to the fact that we were broadcasting six of the games live on NetCast Sports Network, but I still had quite a few notes and I’m putting up them here broken out by each game to try and make it as easy to review as possible. So without further ado:

Game One:

Full Event Roster

The first game we broadcast was Team 3 vs. Team 4, with the following rosters:

Team 3

# Name Class Height School
1 Darion Slade 2016 5’11” West Forsyth HS
15 JJ Watson 2017 6’1″ Smith HS
16 Lavar Batts, Jr. 2017 6’1″ JM Robinson HS
17 Derek McKnight 2015 6’1″ Gaston Day
39 Ian Dubose 2017 6’3″ Ravenscroft
48 TyShon Alexander 2017 6’4″ Concord HS
60 Harrison Curry 2015 6’6″ Elite Prep
67 Micheal Pippins 2016 6’7″ Conley HS
68 Quate McKinzie 2016 6’7″ Harrells Christian
70 Isaiah Maurice 2015 6’8″ Bull City Prep

Team 4

# Name Class Height School
5 Juan Munoz 2016 6′ Panther Creek
6 Darriel Brown 2017 6′ FCDS
7 Kenny Hairston 2015 6′ Davidson Day
18 Quayson Williams 2015 6’1″ Eastern Guilford
28 Emmett Tilley 2016 6’2″ Northern Durham
49 Charles Minlend, Jr. 2015 6’4″ First Assembly
54 Zach Cottrell 2016 6’5″ Hayesville HS
61 Peter Agba 2015 6’6″ Greensboro Day
69 Matt Kalaf 2016 6’7″ Nuese Christian
74 Papa N’Diaye 2016 6’9″ Quality Education

Notes:

Papa N’Diaye (PF/C, 6’9″, 2016) is one of the best post prospects in the Southeast right now. His natural skill set is his length, high shot release and fluid ability to score from the mid range. I’ve seen N’Diaye play multiple times and have always been impressed with his ability to play – and score – against other true big men. His go-to move is a turn around jumper but he has a college build and will be playing at the Division I level somewhere. Great hands, good footwork and can even finish a bit slashing on the move. N’Diaye should be considered a national prospect.

Lavar Batts, Jr. (PG, 6’1″, 2017) is an elite passer. He has an ability to find teammates on the break that is uncanny, one of the best passers I’ve seen at the high school level in some time. He does have the ability to create off of the dribble, slashing to the basket at times but where he really impresses is when he carves up the defense on the break with precision passes.

Derek McKnight (PG, 6’1″, 2015) elite crossover and tough to stop on the drive. Slasher, good passer who can run the team but also puts pressure on the defense in the half court with his quickness.

Harrison Curry (SF/PF, 6’6″, 2015) a player who impressed me all day with his ability to be involved at all times. At his size, he was forced to play in the post a lot but also found a way to disrupt the passing lanes, has a great build that he will continue to add to on his way to the college game, and showed an ability to score. Definitely one of my favorite players of the day.

Isaiah Maurice (PF/C, 6’8″, 2015) was matched up against some of the top post players most of the day and held his own. Good hands, good length, active and an ability to score. More of a facing-the-basket PF in today’s game and a lot to like.

Darion Slade (G, 5’11”, 2016) hard nosed combo guard who played effectively both on and off of the ball. Showed an ability to drive the lane but also worked to get open looks from deep. Another guard who likes to put pressure on the defense in the half court with the dribble. Ability to take contact in the lane.

Juan Munoz (PG, 6′, 2016) very quick guard with a deft dribble. All over the floor on both ends and held his own against several top players.

Charles Minlend, Jr. (SG/SF, 6’4″, 2015) one of the top performers of the day and definitely had the scouts talking. Showed a versatile game and at times looked unstoppable. In on every play, has a natural ability to get buckets, but I want to be clear that although Minland is an effective SG/SF who can score the ball, he isn’t the type of player who just drives for his shot as soon as the ball touches his hands. He showed an ability and willingness to drive and kick to teammates or give up the ball in the half court when it made sense. Easily arrived on the scene as one of the top prospects in the state in the class of 2015.

Emmett Tilley (PG, 6’2″, 2016) Tilley is another player who I’ve seen several times and is a solid college guard prospect. Showed his ability to get to the bucket and has a quick release on the drive that makes him hard to stop going at the basket. Can run the team but today showed his ability to play and move without the ball, but was still very much involved in the game.

Zach Cottrell (SF, 6’5″, 2016) Cottrell was active and played a lot of perimeter today, showing an ability to hit from deep and a willingness to play scrappy. Good passer and awareness.

Matt Kalaf (SF, 6’7″, 2016) Great deep shooter with length. College coaches have to like what they see in Kalaf, who has the size to play the small forward spot at the collegiate level. He has a high, fluid release on his jump shot and his height gives him an ability to shoot right over smaller guards and forwards. He also has the range to scorch teams from outside. Moves without the ball to get shots but doesn’t just set up on the perimeter, also gets inside on defense and posts up at times when he sees the right match up.

Peter Agba (PF/C, 6’6″, 2015) Agba is a rebounding machine and a physical presence in the post. Although he is undersized for a collegiate center, he outrebounded many players today who had an inch or two on him. A beast inside, he relishes and plays through contact all day long.

Want to watch all of the game replays from the NC Top 80? Check them out on NetCast Sports

Marcus Shockley scouts high school basketball in the southeast and nationally. Want the latest scouting insight? Follow Marcus on Twitter, right now.

Public School Team of the Year: Westover High School Wolverines. This team overcame numerous obstacles on and off the court this season, the passing of Ashton ‘‘Moosey’’ Foxx was a crushing blow for the entire Westover Community. However the team dedicated the season to him and would put together a very successful season, winning the Cape Fear Valley Conference Championship as well as reaching the Sectional Finals of The State Tournament. Congrats to Coach Stackhouse, his Staff and the entire Westover Community.

Private School Team of the Year: Trinity Christian School. Trinity reached the State Championship last season and lost to Word of God Christian Academy, they would return this season focused on getting back to the state Championship, putting together an outstanding record during the regular season. Trinity would reach the State Championship once again but this time they would exit the gym victorious. Congrats to Coach Heath and his staff at Trinity Christian on a great season

Jabri Bullard High Character Player of the Year: Jabri Bullard (Northwood Temple, Senior)- This young man suffered a season ending injury in the 1st game of the season, but unlike many young athletes that would feel sorry for themselves and dwell on the negative, Jabri stayed strong for his team and was constantly seen on the sidelines with a smile on his face. Jabri will play with the NC Panthers unsigned Senior Team This Summer and from what I hear he will back at Full strength soon. Legit LM/High D2 player when Healthy.
Jatrious Smith Rookie of the Year: Jatrious Smith ( E.E Smith High School, Freshman)- After scouting Jatrious in Middle School I was anxious to see how well his game would transition to the high school level. Not only did he transition smoothly to the next level but he was dominant the majority of the season. The Sky is the limit for Jatrious and he is a legit HM prospect without a Doubt.
Michael Hueitt basketball Hand Down Man Down Award (Best Shooter): Michael Hueitt Jr (Village Christian Academy, Freshman) – Mike is a tremendous shooter, it doesn’t matter if there is a hand in his face or not. This season I witnessed him have multiple games where he knocked down more than five treys. Mike finished the season shooting a mind blowing 62% from behind the 3pt line, this young man is def one to keep an eye on and is already getting the attention of some LM and MM Schools.

First Team All-County:

Dennis Smith Jr basketball – Dennis Smith Jr. (Trinity Christian School, Sophomore, Point Guard)– My Player Of the Year Award goes to this young man, Dennis had an outstanding year averaging 17 Points and 7 Assits per game, was dominate throughout the season no matter who he was matched up with. Led trinity to the NCISAA 1A State Championship, currently holds offers from VCU, NC State and UNC- Charlotte. There is No doubt in my mind that he will be one of the top Point Guards in the Country before its all said and done.
Adrian Rich – Adrian Rich (Village Christian Academy, Senior, Point Guard) – had a very productive year, averaged 15.9 Points, 6.7 Assits, 4.1 Rebounds Per game. Led Village to CFIC Conference Regular Season and Conference Tournament Championships. Very Good PG and will help a team at the next level on and off the court, Still unsigned but getting interest from various LM schools. Great young man and Student
Jatrious Smith – Jatrious Smith (E.E Smith High School, Freshman, Guard/Forward) – My Rookie Of the Year Award goes to Jatrious, he was outstanding this season, in my eyes he is already one of the best, if not the best, public school player in the County. Was Named MVP of the Holiday Classic, averaged 15 Points, 7 Rebounds & 3 Assist per game. Very talented player, sky is the limit for him, Getting HM interest already.
Zane Waterman basketball -Zane Waterman (Fayetteville Academy, Senior, Forward) – one of those players that a coach loves, plays hard regardless of score and is very talented. Plays inside and out, and plays strong, tough player to defend, Led Fayetteville Academy to the CFIC Conference Championship game, averaged 25 Points and double figure rebounds per game. Signed with Manhattan.
Dalen Traore basketball Dalen Traore (Northwood Temple Academy, Senior, Center) – very strong player inside, does not back down from any challenge, Has made strides offensively throughout the season, and has impressed college coaches with his defense and rebounding ability. Averaged 12 Points, 14 Rebounds Per game, is still unsigned, recently worked out for Hofstra University.
Dominique Kelman Polo basketball -Dominique Kelman-Poto (Freedom Christian Academy, Senior Center) – very productive season for him, is a double double machine because of his scoring ability inside as well as rebounding. Averaged 16.8 Points and 11.2 Rebounds Per game currently unsigned but is receiving interest from: Barton College, Mt. Olive, Newberry and numerous other D2 Schools

 Second Team All-County:

Kwe Parker basketball Kwe Parker-(Trinity Christian School, Sophomore, Guard)-  athletic player, also is a good on the ball defender, has shown improvement in knocking down the jump shot with consistency. Averaged 11 points per game, has potential to be very good if he stays focused, currently holds offers from: Clemson, VA Tech and UNC-Charlotte
Alphonzo Josey basketball Alphonzo Josey-(Westover High School, Senior, Shooting Guard)- knock down shooter that averaged 11 Points Per game, finished 3rd  in public schools in the county in 3pt Field Goals made. Very Good at coming off screens, knows when to pass and when to shoot, Still unsigned
Pervis Louder basketball Pervis Louder – (Village Christian Academy, Senior, Guard) – was a huge asset to Village Christian this season, very underrated player but has a High IQ for the game. Much improved shooter, also has what I would call sneaky athleticism. Averaged 16.7 Points, 6.7 Rebounds Per game, Verbally Committed to Air Force Academy
Xavier Robinson basketball Xavier Robinson-(South View High School, Junior, Guard)- led the public school county schools in scoring averaging 18 Points per game and was second in the county in three point shots made, Also averaged 4 rebounds and 3 Assist per game.
Shawn Barnes Shawn Barnes- (E.E Smith, Junior, Forward) – is a rebounding machine, led public schools in the County in Rebounding with 11 per game also averaged 12 Points a night. A very athletic player that plays with intensity and desire has a great motor and loves to compete.
Macoumba Kane basketball Macoumba Kane- (Northwood Temple, Senior, Forward) – talented player that has great length, gives it everything he has on the court. Can play inside the post but also has a very nice midrange and three point shooting stroke. Averaged 13 Points and 6 Rebounds Per game, Holds Offer from Portland State, worked out for Hofstra University recently, is still unsigned. Would be a great fit at the LM level

Third Team All-County:

Isaiah Vinson basketball Isaiah Vinson- (South View H.S, Guard) Averaged 15 Points and 6 Rebounds per game, finished 4th in the Public School County Schools in three point field goals made. Isaiah is a very talented player that has good length, is a Legit D1 Prospect.
Isaiah Stallings basketball Isaiah Stallings-(Terry Sanford, Sophomore, Forward) Strong player, picked up the scoring load for his squad after Starting Guard Mark Gilbert suffered an injury. Averaged 15 Points and 8 Rebounds per game, was Named Cape Fear Valley Conference Player of the Year
Chris Thomas basketball Chris Thomas-(71st H.S, Junior, Guard) very quick Guard, fits well with an up-tempo team like 71st, helped lead team to Conference Championship. Averaged 10.9 points per contest, also finished as the leader in Assist for public schools in the County with 4 per game.
Jaiquan Manning-(Westover H.S, Senior, Guard) outstanding ball-handler and finisher, is a nightmare to guard 1 on 1, averaged 8 Points and 3 assist per game. Still unsigned but is a Legit LM/ High D2 PG.
Josh Bryant basketball Josh Bryant- (71st H.S, Junior, Guard) Talented Player who surprised me on a few occasions this year, showed the ability to get into the paint as well as knock down shots, talented passer. Has potential to be good if he continues to progress, plays within the flow of the offense, averaged 11.6 Points Per game, as well as 2.5 Assists.
Michael Hueitt basketball Michael Hueitt Jr.- (Village Christian Academy, Freshman, Guard) The Winner of My
Best Shooter Award Winner, this young man can knock down shots form anywhere. Can be an outstanding defender when he wants to be, finished the season Averaging 9.2 Points per Game, and came up big for his squad on numerous nights. In my eyes Mike Will be a legit MM prospect before it’s all said done.
Tyler Creammer basketball Tyler Creammer-(South View H.S, Center, Junior) averaged 9 Points and 10 Rebounds per game, has great size for a next level post and plays hard. Has been getting interest from numerous D1 Schools, Great student, has one of the highest GPA scores of any player in the County.

Honorable Mention:

Tymell Blue, Pine Forest H.S, Senior Guard

Jaron Withers, Fayetteville Academy, Senior, Guard

Jahi Hughes, Northwood Temple, Senior, Guard

Kenneth Walters, Pine Forest High, Senior, Guard

Zo Tyson, Trinity Christian, Junior, Forward

Telligence Johnson, Terry Sanford, Freshman, Forward

Justin Huggins, Cape Fear H.S, Guard

Christian Lathan, Westover H.S, Junior Guard

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Olivier Hanlan

By James Blackburn

Game Scouted: Boston College @ Wake Forest
BC wins 80-72

Olivier Hanlan (G, 6’4”,SO)

Stats
36 min, 3-10 FG, 2-5 3 pt, 9-10 FT, 4 reb, 2 assists, 1 steal, 17 TP

Strengths
Big time scoring guard who at one point last year dropped 41 points against ACC opponent Georgia Tech. Gets his points mostly from the perimeter but also does a tremendous job of getting to the FT line (7.2 attempts a game) where he shoots over 80%. Efficient player who scores over 18 ppg on just over 11 shot attempts. Although he doesn’t have great quickness, he changes speeds well and doesn’t pick up his dribble until he knows what he wants to do. Uses his dribbles effectively and doesn’t drop dribble the ball. Capable of attacking the basket going either direction. Is an underrated passer who is unselfish and sees the floor well in both the half-court and in transition.

Has a simple but effective shooting style. Capable of hitting the open 3 and gets to his spots on the wing in transition.

Is a scoring combo guard who is capable of handling the ball adequately and driving and kicking to the open guy. Spent a decent amount of time today bringing the ball up the floor, but is more of a SG. Unselfish player who plays within the offensive system and does not force shots. Poised and patient on the offensive end. High IQ player who has an excellent feel for the game. Looked comfortable creating offense for himself out of the P/R and hitting open teammates on the weak side. Uses his body well to create space. Fluid.

Solid defender who doesn’t hurt you on that end of the floor. Took good lines when defending off-ball screens. Quick lateral speed who keeps the ball in front of him.

Weaknesses
Shooting release is low and its not very quick. His 3 pt shooting is an area where he could improve on. Also in question is if he can make the NBA 3? Ball handling to improve a degree as well- has a habit of carrying the ball and also needs to get lower when attacking rim.

Although he did bring the ball up the court a good amount and looked comfortable handling the ball, Hanlan is not a pure PG at this point. Still needs to improve ability to read defenses out of P/R situations and he has a scores mentality (which is fine because that is what the team needs). First step is average- struggled today to create his own shot or get by 1st line of defense.

Overview
The combo guard originally from Canada is having another stellar year after being named ACC Freshman of the Year last season. He is leading the Eagles in scoring (18.2 ppg) while also contributing 3.5 rpg and 2.9 asp on the season.

I was surprised to see him come out in the first half a little passive and was not really looking to score a lot or for his own shot (took only 5 shots in first half). Seemed to be more assertive the 2nd half, but still did a good job of getting others involved. Was getting his teammates involved and seemed to be feeling out Wake’s defense.

Is not a pure PG at this point, but I could definitely see him making the transition to that. Has the instincts and the IQ to do so as well as the passing ability. Would go from being an average sized combo guard to one of the bigger PG’s out there. Making the switch will be something NBA teams will be tracking, as well as his overall development over the next couple of years.

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