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Rest assured, the Class of 2019 in NC has the potential to be an excellent class from top to bottom in terms of college level prospects. From point guards to post players, this class is loaded with potential high level players and there will undoubtedly be some sleepers as well. I’ve listed (in no particular order) a few players that caught my eye as freshmen competing for their respective high school teams and in AAU competition. Lock these names into the back of your minds.

(Name, High School, Height, Weight, Position)

Note: This list is not compiled in any specific order.
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Tarik Adams, KIPP Pride, 6’2” 165, PG/SG

As a freshman competing on the junior varsity for KIPP Pride HS, Adams showed some serious game. He dominated the competition, averaging over 27 points per game and displaying strong court vision as well. Over the summer, Adams really begin developing his body and was developing his athleticism before an injury shut him down for the remainder of the AAU season. However, he’s expected to make a full recovery and should undoubtedly put college coaches on notice in the next few seasons.

Dominique Morse, Spring Creek, 6’0” 160, PG

Morse is an extremely athletic sophomore guard. He’s a multi-sport athlete and it shows on the court with his toughness and will. In his freshman season competing on the varsity team, Morse had several 20 point 10 rebound games despite playing the guard position. He was one of a few freshmen that saw big minutes for his high school team and should only continue to improve each season. Intrigue is there. He displays fundamentals, soft shooting touch and an overall solid feel for the game. Definitely worth tracking.

Imajae Dodd, Greene Central, 6’7” 200, PF

Imajae has all the makings of a big-time prospect despite being such a young sophomore. As a freshman he showed flashes of a young agile post that can play well above the rim and create off the dribble in spurts. He also displayed a surprisingly soft touch on his jump-shot. Defensively, he gets physical and has solid timing when it comes to blocking shots and rebounding. He possesses uncommon athleticism for a player with his combination of size and youth. Colleges have already taken notice of his talent in route to him earning several D1 offers over the summer. Should gain more as the season rolls along.

Dericko Williams, Kinston, 6’7” 185, PF

Dericko is the definition of an elite run and jump athlete. Arguably one of the most athletic players in the state. Williams was able to show off his athleticism with Kinston High School in the ECI tourney held in Jacksonville, NC this summer. He was all over the court showing tons of energy on both ends. Crashes the glass, protects the rim and gets out in transition for electric slam dunk finishes. Despite being relatively raw, his athleticism alone should allow him to have an impact as a sophomore. Has shown to have a solid work ethic, so he could very well develop into a high level prospect.

Shyquan Jones, Pope John Paul, 6’4” 170 SG

Pope John Paul HS in Greenville, NC has a hidden gem in Shyquan Jones. He was able to quietly average over 24 points per game despite being double and triple teamed consistently. Jones possesses great natural basketball instincts, a tightening handle, a great frame for a wing and wiry strength. Should college coaches begin making their way down to Greenville, NC to see for themselves, don’t be shocked to see Shyquan earn several Division 1 offers before his junior season. Should have another dominate season at Pope John Paul HS.

Darryl McCaster, James Kenan, 6’0” 160 PG

After a highly successful stint on the junior varsity team as a freshman, McCaster was moved up to the varsity where he would then lead his James Kenan HS varsity team in scoring as a freshman. He showed a natural ability to create for himself and others and proved to be a clutch performer knocking down several last second shots as a frosh. In a prime position to help guide his team to the top of their conference this season, providing scoring, defense and an uncanny ability to make shots.

Marcotis Hall, Kestrel Heights, 6’4” 165 SF

Marcotis plays the game of basketball with a great confidence and displays a high IQ. In the mid-range area is where he’s most dangerous. Hall is able to elevate over most defenders and shows a quick release on his jumper coupled with some crafty moves from the triple-threat position. In the post, when guarded by taller and longer players, he uses a variety of pump fakes, spin moves and some solid footwork to create space for himself to get a good shot. Being that he is the 2nd leading returning scorer, he’s primed to have a jump in his production and could really make some noise this season with Kestrel Heights in a bigger role.

Damian Dunn. Kinston, 6’5” 185 SG/PG

Damian Dunn (along with Imajae Dodd) really made a name for himself this summer on the AAU circuit playing with Stackhouse Elite as well as with his Kinston HS team as a frosh. He already showed flashes of a versatile player capable of playing multiple positions and scoring at each spot during his freshman season. His game is rounding out, displaying an array of hesitation moves, good shooting form and patience. He doesn’t force the issue. Should he continue growing, getting stronger and scoring at every level, he could become a high level recruit in absolutely no time at all. Holds several Division 1 offers with growing interest.

Donte Johnson, Greene Central, 6’5” 190, SF

Donte is loaded with potential. A lefty, Donte showed many flashes as a freshman that he could in time become a long, athletic and savvy do it all wing. Naturally, Donte crashes the glass strong and runs the floor hard to get easy transition scores. In the half-court setting, he gets good post position, digging into his defender and showing a target. Once he has the ball in the post or on the perimeter, he’s adept at making quick moves to the basket once he receives the ball. Also has a very quick second leap on rebounding attempts. Should have a much larger role this season as a sophomore due to the graduation of six seniors.

Marcus Harrison, Southern Vance, 5’10” 150, SG

Marcus is an athletic natural-born scorer. Despite being undersized for the position, he’s extremely hard to stop due to his natural ability to find the right spots on and off the ball coupled with his ability to make all types of shots from all over the court. This kid flat out knows how to play and how to score. He’s one of the leading returning scorers for sophomores in the state after averaging 16.5 points and 6.5 rebounds as a freshman for his Southern Vance Raiders. Don’t be surprised to see his name among scoring leaders in NC this season and in years to follow.

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Over the course of the past few months, I had the opportunity to keep tabs on a few rising juniors on the eastern side of NC. Several of these players showed much improvement over the course of this year and have undoubtedly worked their way into bigger roles for the up and coming season. I also received tips on a few of these players and they have proven to be diamonds in the rough. Each player listed below has the skill, worth ethic and potential to become a productive student-athlete at the college level. Special thanks to Rod Bridgers and Tre Cordon for making sure I was aware of several of these outstanding kids.

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(Name, High School, Height, Weight, Position)

(2015-2016 Season Statistics)

Note: This list is not compiled in any specific order.

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Jadakis Bonds, Riverside (Martin) HS, 6’4” 175 SG/SF

(11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block)

Not many players improved over the summer as much as Bonds. He has shown a much improved jump-shot, handle, passing ability, defensive mechanics and physique. Colleges will without a doubt be keeping tabs on him this season. Could break out as the leader of what has the makings of a very strong team this season. Standing at 6’4”, he possesses good height, athleticism, length, a high basketball IQ and tons of confidence at the shooting guard position. Still relatively unknown, he should undoubtedly attract some serious college attention this up and coming season and lead his Riverside HS deep into the playoffs.

Rakilen Butler, Southern Wayne HS, 6’3” 160 PG/SG

(14 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2.4 steals)

Rakilen is a quick, shifty point guard capable that can shoot the ball extremely well. He had multiple games in his sophomore season knocking down at least 5 triples. Butler also has sneaky leaping ability enabling him to get past long defenders and grab long rebounds out of position. In the up-coming season, expect to see an increase in his productivity all around the board. If he continues to shoot the ball extremely well, distribute the ball and get stronger, Butler should become a well-known name to many colleges at every level on the east coast.

Kris Wooten, Parrott Academy, 6’2” 170 SG

(16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 40% 3pt shooting)

Wooten is arguably one of the best pure shooters in all of NC. Has an effortless jump-shot from mid-range and from the three point line. Is comfortable shooting off the dribble and off the catch. Shows a surprisingly slick handle that enables him to consistently get into the paint where his innate ability to finish around the rim wreaks havoc on defenses. Will not be shocked to see a 20+ per game season with solid all around statistics to follow. Has also shown a revamped body while providing glimpses of rapidly improving athleticism. Will be fun to track as the season goes on.

Tyzhaun Claude, Cox Mill HS, 6’7” 190 PF/C

(10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks)

Tyzhaun is a young and solid wide-bodied post. He doesn’t venture too far away from the basket, for good reason. He has a soft touch in the mid-range capacity and creates ample space in the paint using minimal dribbles, drop-steps and finishing strong around rim. Very fundamental post player that doesn’t try overdo anything. Sets good screens, hustles and doesn’t back down from anyone. Makes the smart and simple plays on both ends. (Competed for Goldsboro HS in 2015-2016 Season)

Freddie Taylor, New Hanover HS, 5’8” 150 PG

(11 points, 8 assists, 4 steals,  4:1 ast/to ratio}

One of the best floor generals in the NC 2018 class. Freddie has one of the best pure handles in the state. Very shifty and crafty ball-handler that commands a team offense and makes defenders think twice about trying to get physical with him. Underrated jump-shooter. Knocks shots down from the perimeter off the dribble and coming off screens. Defensively, gets a ton of steals with his pressure defense. Can really frustrate ball-handlers and make them second guess themselves. Colleges that are more concerned about skill and production rather than size will love Freddie.

Jareem Lovette, James Kenan HS, 6’6” 185 SF/PF

(6.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks)

Jareem has loads of potential. As a sophomore he had his ups and downs, but showed many flashes of potential to become a solid wing/post player. He gets out in transition and finishes well above the rim. When he operates on the wing he is capable of beating his man with two or three dribbles using either hand and can finish with either hand as well. Entering into his junior season, if Jareem shows more of a willingness to attack the basket and utilizes his size more, he could present a unique matchup problem for his opposition night in and night out.

Nico Barnes, Tarboro HS, 6’7” 180 PF/SF

(17 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks)

Barnes is a post player that coaches would be wise to keep tabs on. Standing close to 6’8” he hustles, does the dirty work, runs the floor well and can knock down three-pointers at a solid clip. Defensively he’s much of the same, staying active and using his length to disrupt shots. He has all of the tools to be a dynamic all-around player. He’s still young as well, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him grow a few more inches. It may be just a matter of time before colleges start sneaking their way to his games this season to see what he’s all about.

Janari Hill, Jones Senior HS, 5’9” 150 PG

(16 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 2.4 steals)

Hill is a great example of a confident and savvy player. Despite his size, he was able to lead his Jones Senior team to a 19-9 record as a sophomore and looks to continue building on that success in the up and coming season. Janari is an extremely quick and crafty lead guard that loves to attack and finish in the paint. He has a streaky outside shot, but keeps defenses honest. Uses fakes well to get defenders in the air and dishes the ball to open shooters.

Trevon Spencer, Columbia HS, 6’3” 165 SG

(13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 38% 3 point shooting)

Expect to hear a ton about this kid this season. Spencer is an ELITE athlete that will undoubtedly provide several highlight reel dunks this season. Using his quick first step, long arms and shifty handle, he gets to the rim very often and finishes strong. Defensively, he’s quick on his feet and plays passing lanes really well. He’s also an underrated shooter, very capable of getting hot and going on big scoring runs. With the graduation of 8 seniors (including their top 3 leading scorers), Spencer will be counted on to carry the bulk of the load for his Columbia HS team. (Averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists during his stint on the junior varsity)

Andreas Wilson, Louisburg HS, 6’0” 170 SG/PG

(20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2.3 steals)

Expect to see this name amongst the top scoring leaders this upcoming season in NC. With the graduation of three key seniors, he will definitely be counted on to take on a bigger scoring load and become more of a ball-handler. This kid flat out knows how to score the ball, rebounds exceptionally well for a guard and makes shots from all over. Has a very creative ability to finish as well as very solid leaping ability. East coast colleges should take personal notes and begin their evaluations on him as soon as possible before others take notice.

Clifford Shaw, Northeastern HS, 6’0” 150 PG

(6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 37% 3 point shooting)

Shaw is an interesting point guard prospect. As a sophomore, he played his role very well as a secondary ball handler and as a scorer. He had several strong double digit scoring games for what was a very deep Northeastern High School team that was a game away from a state title birth. Fast forwarding to now, Shaw was able to put up some impressive scoring and shooting numbers in a few summer games while knocking down a high percentage of shots from downtown. Already a proven ball-handler and distributor, should he continue to knock down shots at such a high rate the sky is the limit for this kid and Northeastern HS.

Romeo Jordan, St. Pauls HS, 6’5” 170 SG/SF

(5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 37% 3 point shooting)

Romeo is a long and crafty wing with loads of potential. While he didn’t put up staggering numbers in the 2015-2016 season, his skill level still was able to shine through, despite splitting minutes with several key upperclassmen that have now graduated. He shows a nice feel for the game and a soft touch from three-point range. His mid-range fade-away jumper looks very comfortable and he’s shown a nice mix of crossover moves. It will be interesting to see if he will put all the pieces of his game together and produce a strong junior season.

Taji Moore, Kinston HS, 6’0” 165 PG

(5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 36% 3 point shooting)

Taji has shown to be a leader. As a sophomore, he struggled to find consistency while splitting minutes for a Kinston HS team that featured 10 seniors. However, he still had multiple games where he caught fire and went on scoring tears knocking down multiple 3’s and getting out in transition. Over the course of this summer, he showed improvement while providing great leadership. Showed good patience while running his team. He communicates very well offensively and defensively, scores the ball and knocks down shots at a high rate. Could be a breakout season coming up.

Ta’Quan White, Plymouth HS, 5’11” 155 PG

(11.5 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals)

White is a crafty and natural born scorer. He uses floaters, step-back dribbles, fade-away jumpers, hesitations and a nice mix of spin moves to create space for his own shot and others. Must note, he has a deadly right to left crossover dribble and also moves very well off the ball. Defensively he has quick hands and good anticipation. Unquestionably should lead his high school team in several categories this up and coming season. Very deep shooting range and must be guarded well past the high school 3 point line. Will drain multiple deep jumpers in a row and takes deep shots without hesitation.

Younes Robidoux, South Central HS, 6’6” 180 PF

(2.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1 block)

Robidoux is a young and long prospect with great upside. Has a good motor, plenty of athleticism and a good skill level for his size. He still will need more time before he begins putting together good games consistently, but he is in a basketball program at South Central HS that typically brings out the best in their young players. Robidoux appears to be very attentive and coachable as well. Keep track of this kid as time goes along.

Liam Caswell, Ocracoke HS, 6’3” 160 PG

(13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.4 steals)

Liam is the younger brother of DIII power Susquehanna University signee, Evin Caswell. Liam is a long and intriguing point guard prospect from Ocracoke Island. Despite coming from a school that had a total of just over 50+ students, he was able to help lead his high school team to their most wins in a season the past 5 years. Liam is a heady ball-handler that does a solid job protecting the ball, getting in the paint and controlling tempo. As a sophomore, he averaged 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in a secondary role. Since March, he’s hit a growth spurt rising to around 6’3” and retaining the skills he had as a 5’10” sophomore. Liam could possibly reach triple double territory a few times this year. Place him in your players to watch list.

Dontrell Watford, Gates County HS, 6’1” 215 F/G

(15 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block)

Watford is an undersized but efficient post/wing that has quietly been racking up double-doubles two years in a row now at Gates County HS. He’s very strong and uses his body well in the paint to carve out space. Rarely surrenders his position on the block. Dunks the ball with relative ease despite his girth. Bulls his way to the basket in transition while being under control. Should his handle and jump-shot continue to improve, he could become a huge matchup problem, proving to be too quick for bigger defenders and too strong for the typical guard to contain.

Octavius Lacey, Greenfield HS, 6’5” 165 SG/SF

(10 points, 8 rebounds, 1.5 steals)

Long, wiry and bouncy. Lacey is an intriguing wing prospect that could develop into a very strong two way player. He uses his length to disrupt passing lanes and gets out on the fast-break, filling the lanes and throwing down some vicious dunks. Most of his success early on has come from being extremely active on both ends. As a sophomore at Beddingfield he showed several glimpses of a wing capable of affecting the game in a ton of ways even without scoring or having plays ran for him. Has all the intangibles you want from a wing player. Could be primed to breakout at any time next season.

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HoopState Sleeper Report Volume 1: Class of 2017

Every year in North Carolina, there are exceptional high school basketball players that slip through the cracks of college recruiting. For example recently in 2012, Chris Flemmings of Cary HS went virtually un-recruited, yet became a star early in his career at Division 2 power Barton College. He would then transfer to UNCW as a walk-on and lead them in scoring in route to an NCAA tournament berth in the 2015-2016 season. Also in 2015, 5’9” freshman point guard Chris Clemons of Millbrook (Raleigh) took Division 1 Big South Conference by storm, leading Campbell University in scoring as a freshman while earning “Freshman of the Year” honors.

Hassan Whiteside from Gastonia, NC burst on the scene at Marshall leading the NCAA in blocked shots as a freshman before re-inventing himself as a double-double machine with the Miami Heat in the NBA. Stephen Curry who went virtually un-recruited out of Charlotte Christian in 2006 dazzled basketball fans around the world during his stint at Davidson, later becoming a lottery pick and the current 2 time NBA Most Valuable Player for the Golden State Warriors. Kent Bazemore, a 2007 sleeper prospect from Bertie HS in NC starred for four years at Old Dominion, and has since developed into a highly productive do-it-all wing for the Atlanta Hawks.

As mentioned before, every year at every level collegiately, there are a few players that slip through the cracks from the state of North Carolina and many of them go on to become highly productive college players. Some of them go even further. If you are a college coach and you love a sleeper prospect, listed below are a few players you may not be too familiar with, but these student-athletes all have the potential and skill to be a diamond in the rough for your program. Be on the lookout for them all this up and coming season.
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Name, High School, Height, Weight, Position(s) (Projected Level of Play)

Stats are from 2015-2015 season.

Note: Projected level of play is subjective.

Jaquan Miles, Northampton County HS, 6’6” 190 SG/SF (MM-HM)

31.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 3.1 steals, 1.3 blocks

Jaquan “J.J.’ Miles has generated quite a buzz since January. He “quietly” averaged over 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists last season, garnering 2015-2016 Player of the Year honors in the Two-Rivers 1A Conference. Miles is a 6’6” rangy athlete that can get hot from downtown and has a solid mid-range game as well. He is surprisingly unselfish for such a bigtime scorer, showing a solid passing ability as well. Defensively, when active he’s shown to be a solid defender and an underrated rebounder. He picked up several Division 1 offers this summer and it’s a matter of time before bigger schools start inquiring about him. Expect staggering overall numbers across the board yet again this season and don’t hesitate to take a trip to small Conway, NC and see this kid for yourself.

John Bowen, West Bladen HS, 6’6” 180 SF (LM-D2) *4.3 GPA

12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 steals

Bowen is a long and deceptive athlete that does many things well. After enjoying a solid junior campaign and a solid summer with Flight 22 (AAU), don’t be surprised if he has a breakout senior season, landing a few offers. Bowen can put the ball on the floor, shoot over smaller defenders and drive by taller and bigger defenders. Defensively he can contest many shots on the wing and in the post. He has an opportunity as a senior to become the leader and be a matchup nightmare night in and night out for his West Bladen HS due to his versatile skillset and size. Potential is everything with this kid and if he plays up to it this season, colleges will be all over him.

Don Pigford, Greene Central, 6’4″ 175 SG/SF (D2-NAIA)

10.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.3 blocks

Pigford is a freakishly long and athletic wing. Possesses extraordinary leaping ability and uses his length well to crash the glass for put-backs and defensive boards. Doesn’t need to have many plays ran for him in order to be an effective player. Never really stops moving and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time on both sides of the ball. We could see him stepping into more of a leadership role in his senior season and solidifying himself as a do it all wing, capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. With an improved jump-shot and more evidence of his slashing ability to the basket, Pigford could really grab the attention of several colleges this upcoming season.

Tyree Wiggins, Ayden-Grifton, 6’3” 170 SG/SF (D3-NAIA)

13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals

Wiggins is a solid knock down shooter, hailing from Ayden-Grifton HS. He is rangy, lengthy and a solid slasher that could be poised to score a bunch of points for his HS team this season. During his junior season, at times he showed that he can really get hot from beyond the arc and pile on points in a hurry. Tyree possesses solid length and has enough quickness and athleticism to be a pesky defender when motivated on the defensive end. If he puts his mind to it, he could have much success in his senior season and attract several college looks before his final high school season concludes.

Devonte Pettaway, North Pitt HS, 6’0” 160 PG (LM-D2) *3.4 GPA

16.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.1 steals

This lead guard from North Pitt flew under the radar last season. Pettaway is a quick, fast, aggressive and confident point guard. He loves getting in the paint for mid-range pull-up jumpers and finishes well around the rim with both his strong hand and his off hand. He has an underrated court vision and a slick handle that keeps defenders off balance. He’s very good student in the classroom and college coaches should be making quite a few trips to check this kid out this season. With him at the lead guard position, North Pitt has the all pieces necessary to make a deep run in the state playoffs this year. He brings the toughness, grit and IQ to his team that all coaches love from their point guard.

Markell Freeman, Riverside (Martin) HS, 6’6” 185 SF/PF (D2-LM)

13.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.2 steals, 1.6 blocks

Do not be surprised if Riverside makes a deep run in the state playoffs this up and coming season. Markell Freeman will be a huge reason if they go far. Listed at 6’6”, he brings versatility on both ends, above average athleticism and a strong basketball IQ to his Riverside (Martin) HS team. Defensively, he plays passing lanes well, blocks weak-side shots, moves his feet well along the perimeter and draws a bevy of charges. Offensively, he’s sneaky in the post. He has a quick first step and finishes well at or around the rim. With his size, athleticism and versatility, Markell has a chance to become an excellent player at the next level.

Zion Jackson, KIPP Pride, 6’3” 170 SG/PG (D2-LM)

11.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.3 steals

Don’t let the numbers fool you. Zion is a very capable and productive wing who played through a shortened junior season at KIPP Pride on the 2015-2016 season. As a sophomore, Jackson was a solid 18 point game scorer that contributed evenly across the board. Expect him to return to his previous form in his senior season and play his way into serious college considerations. KIPP isn’t known much for their athletics programs, but if you are a college coach that loves finding diamonds in the rough, here is the perfect opportunity to do so. Zion is a solid athlete with good length and a ton of potential to become a jack of all trades player at the next level offensively and defensively.

Tyler Maye, Farmville Central HS, 6’1” 170 PG (MM-LM)

24.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 3.1 steals

If anyone didn’t know who Tyler Maye was coming into last season, they should definitely know who he is by now. Maye took NC by storm, leading his Farmville Central HS to an undefeated season, securing the 2A State Championship and State Title MVP honors as. Maye possesses one of the best jump-shots in NC.  He was deadly beyond the arc, from mid-range and finishing at the rim all least season in tune to 24 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists per game last season. Defensively he hounded opposing teams point guards and created a ton of easy scoring opportunities off of steals as well. Expect more of the same and more from the savvy lead guard entering into his senior season. Don’t be surprised to see his recruitment soar.

Tyjarek Simmons, Roanoke-Rapids, 5’8” 150 PG/SG (D3-NAIA) *3.2 GPA

15.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.7 steals

Despite being small in stature, make no mistake about the game this kid possesses. He plays much bigger than his size and makes life miserable for his opponents on a nightly basis. Tyjarek possesses extreme quickness, a smooth stroke and a slick handle. In transition, his ability to create typically leaves defenders in retreat mode allowing him to pull up and knock down mid-range jumpers and use hesitations that lead to uncontested layups. He is very much capable of huge scoring outbursts and willing his team to victories. Defensively, he’s very active and hounds opposing ball handlers in tune to snatching away nearly 3 steals per game. He will be under the radar in his senior season due to his size and playing in a small 1A conference, but this kid has game.

Zach Robeson, Camden, 5’11” 155 PG/SG (D2-D3) *4.1 GPA

18.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.1 steals

When it’s all said and done, Zach Robeson will probably be in the NC top 10 scoring leaders by the end of this up and coming season. Robeson has improved his scoring average every season since arriving at Camden in Eastern, NC. Expect another leap in his scoring production. He is a lights out shooter with an improving ability to create his shot off the dribble. Moves extremely well off the ball too. With every shot attempt, you feel he is going to make it. During summer competition, he showed off his improved handle and an improved lateral quickness defensively. His size may hinder him from garnering bigger looks from some schools, but his shooting ability and high basketball IQ should solidify him a few college offers regardless. Elite shooter.

L’Shawn Davis, North Lenoir, 5’11” 155 PG (LM-D2)

17.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 4.1 steals

Davis is arguably the fastest guard in Eastern, NC with the ball. Labeling him as a blur would be an understatement. All he needs is the slightest creep of space and he will blow by even elite defenders with ease. Very shifty and electric point guard that gets to the rim at will and finishes well with either hand. Defensively, he’s very aggressive (although at times too aggressive) and gets tons of deflections and steals leading to uncontested layups on the offensive end. Has shown an improved jump-shot and an improved ability to find teammates in a half-court setting as well. Davis has already attracted the attention of several college program and looks to continue building on the success of his junior season and the experience he gained playing with Stackhouse Elite on the summer circuit.

James Moore, South Creek HS, 6’7” 190 PF/C (LM-D2)

15.1 points, 15.7 rebounds, 10.6 blocks, 2.1 steals

Only a handful of high school ballplayers can say that they averaged a triple double. James Moore, an explosive and long armed agile post player is one of them. He was able to consistently put up these monster numbers in his junior season while leading his South Creek HS team to the Eastern NC 1A Regionals before falling to the eventual state champion Voyager Academy. Moore has excellent timing and spacing when it comes to blocking shots and he makes life miserable for offensive players that aim to attack the rim. Offensively, he’s very raw but has good enough spring to dunk the ball off of drop steps in traffic and to gather several put-back slams every game around the rim.

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Basketball Clipboard

Kinston High School

Taji Moore, 6’0” G Class of 2018
Just a sophomore. Solid athletic guard that displays a ton of confidence in himself. Solid court vision and a nice drive and kick ability. Can get really hot from 3 point range. Very good at attacking the basket and has shown the potential to become a consistent scoring threat and rebounder for his position. Has decent size for the point guard position. At this point, he is playing on a team with a whopping 10 seniors for a storied Kinston program, so we’ll have to wait to see more. With a good summer of working on his jump-shot off the dribble, decision making and strength, he could become a very solid scoring point guard. Only a sophomore.

Tracy Whitfield 5’8” PG Class of 2018
Another sophomore for the senior laden Kinston Vikings. Very fast little guard that applies full court pressure and rarely turns the ball over in spot minutes. Very tight handle and uses spins very well to get to his spots and run the offense. Worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses and in the future. Jumpshot is unorthodox, as he seemingly fades sideways on the release but has shown a nice floater and poise. Will be tracking to see how he progresses.

Damian Dunn 6’3” SG/SF Class of 2019
Another intriguing freshman from the storied Kinston High School basketball program! Plays mainly in the post and doesn’t get a ton of plays ran for him on this stacked Kinston team but when his name is called, he’s shown a seemingly effortless ability to get to the rim and create his own shot off the dribble. Has a very nice touch, finishes well, bangs down low, handles the ball well under pressure and is very young. Love his game and toughness. Sky is the limit for this kid.

Dominic Williams 5’8” PG Class of 2016
Starting senior point guard for storied Kinston High School program. Very small but makes up for his size defensively with relentless pressure defense. Very quick hands. Rarely is beat off the dribble. Tends to get stuck on screens and get burned occasionally on backdoor plays off the ball however. Offensively, he’s very creative and can get his shot in isolation situations. His shot is a tad inconsistent, mainly due to a low release point but will knock jumpers down in rhythm. Shooting is definitely an area to be improved. Has excellent court vision and quickness. Could become a productive point guard for a D2/D3 or NAIA school.

North Lenoir High School

L’Shawn Davis 5’10” PG Class of 2017
Explosive is an understatement. Kid is one of the fastest and most explosive players I’ve seen with the ball in his hands. Blows by everyone and has excellent body control and finishing ability. Jump-shot is decent but could use some work. Shot percentage decreases a bit when teams get physical with him. Has to improve his mid-range game. Outstanding finisher, but too often he gets into traffic and goes for acrobatic layups. Has quick hands on defense and gets a ton of breakaway layups from leaving defenders in the dust after an offensive rebound. Moves his feet extremely well and forces even some of the better scorers into contested jump-shots. Currently averaging 19 points and 5 assists for a young North Lenoir High school team. Projected as an undersized but extremely fast and athletic college level point guard. LM D1 type of player as of now, but must continue to improve to attract offers.

South Lenoir High School

Jonte Midgette 6’1” SG Class of 2016
Scoring machine. Has an array of dribble drive moves that end up strong finishes and mid range pull-up jump shots. Extremely slender but his athleticism and ability to finish makes up for it and even helps him to be a well above average rebounder. Has very solid drive and kick ability. Against pressure however, tends to throw very lazy passes that lead to breakaways for opposing teams every now and again. Has a nice fadeaway jumper off the dribble. Goes to it too often at times however. Very good free throw shooter. Time in the weight-room could speed up his college productivity. Projects as a D2/D3 prospect.

Shykiem Wooten 6’1” PG Class of 2018
Athletic, strong and young. Only a sophomore. Has a much-improved jumper and has cut down on many of the turnovers he would commit as a freshman. Very intriguing. Looks to be a solid 185 lbs and more poised. Has the potential to be a lockdown defender. Moves feet really well, gets low and gets physical. Hard to project at this moment, but should know more of who he is as the season goes forth.

Southern Vance

Marcus Harrison 5’10” G Class of 2019
Energizer! Eastern NC is stacked with productive freshmen. Had a 36 point outburst early this season. Very active, finishes well and knocks shots down with a great consistency. Rebounds extremely well for his size. Multiple double digit rebound games early on. If he grows a few more inches, watch out! Plays for an extremely young Southern Vance team that could make some noise in the up and coming years with the right development.

Greene Central High School

Tre Wade 6’1 PG Class of 2016
Underrated! A coaches kind of guard and student-athlete. Good size for the point guard position. A solid 6’1” 190 lb point guard. Never really gets rattled and controls the flow of the game. Has a nice looking set shot, great court vision, strong with the ball using both hands, sturdy and uses his body well to create space. Also an above average rebounder. Teammates appear to love playing with him and he seems extremely coachable. Does almost everything well. Shot can be very slow at times however and overuses his strength at times on drives to the basket. However, he’s an excellent student and has plenty of potential. Solid D2/D3 level point guard.

Imajae Dodd 6’6” PF Class of 2019
Bouncy freshman! Potential is everything with this kid. Blocks a ton of shots, never stops moving, loves getting physical and rebounds well. Freakishly athletic big man with a non-stop motor. Tries to dunk everything around the rim and has a soft touch on his jumper. Had about 4 impressive dunks in a recent 23 point and 14 rebound contest. Plays very consistent and solid minutes for a very good Greene Central High School team that already has 3 or 4 upperclassmen playing the same position. If he continues to improve, grow and improve his strength, he could be downright scary. One to definitely keep on your watch list.

Dante Johnson 6’4” SF Class of 2019
Another freshman! Doesn’t play a ton of minutes right now but the potential is easy to see. Solid athlete for a player his age and his size. Looks like he may have another 2-3 inches to grow from first glance at his frame. Good slasher, confident and rebounds well out of position. Left handed. Very intriguing freshman wing to add to your watch list.

Goldsboro High School

Isaiah Wilder 6’3” SF Class of 2019
Freshman! Very athletic for his age. Kid can put the ball in the basket. Plays alongside one of the better guards in the state and doesn’t shy away from the ball. Good finisher with loads of potential. Excellent frame. Should have a college ready body by his senior season. Started the season averaging over 20 points per game on the junior varsity team. Put him on your watch list.

Myron Carmon 5’10” PG Class of 2016
Excellent point guard prospect. Very slender, but extremely quick, explosive, crafty and slick. Lefty can shoot it off the catch and create his own shot off the dribble at any time and for others. Controls the tempo. Doesn’t back down from anyone and causes headaches for opposing defenses. Stays in the paint and is very unpredictable for opposing defenses to key in on. Can tend to have quiet spells when his shot isn’t falling from the perimeter. Must stay aggressive due to his slender build. However, Division 1 schools should definitely offer this kid. Has the potential to be a dynamic player at the next level, regardless of his size. Would end up a steal at a D2.

Eric Bufkin 6’0 G Class of 2016
Hard working stat stuffer. Could be a jack of all trades type of player at the next level. Absolutely relentless defensively, hustles and makes shots. Lots of potential. D2’s and D3’s should start keying in, depending on what they are looking for. Jack of all trades.

Northeastern High School

Shawn Walker Jr. 6’3” PG Class of 2019
Excellent point guard prospect. Young and long. Very poised, mature and under control for a freshman guard. Has a solid step-back jumper and loves using his height for pull-up jumpers. Solid defender and has well above average court vision for a player his class. You can tell this kid was taught the game at a young age. Has the potential to be a high level college recruit. Remember the name!

DaMar Sutton 6’4” SG Class of 2018
Great athlete. Catches and finishes lobs in transition, put-back dunks and grabs a ton of rebounds out of position. Has long arms, causes havoc at the top of zones and has the potential to become a solid knockdown shooter. Ball-handling could stand to improve but has all the tools and mechanics already to become a versatile wing player.

Trey Carver 6’5” SF/PF Class of 2016
This kid has the perfect body for football, and uses it very well on the basketball court. A very strong and solid 6’5” 230 lbs. Very athletic. Settles for jumpers at times when going left but typically gets all the way to the rim for a dunk or strong finish when he goes right. Form is correctable. Wouldn’t be surprised if that shot became a weapon at the next level. Could be a very solid contributor after gaining some college basketball experience. Has several D1 offers. (Verbally committed to Hampton on 2/25/16)

Raheem Nixon 5’8” G Class of 2016
Undersized guard with a decent handle. Has a knack for getting to the rim and finishing. Can flat out shoot! Size may hinder his impact at the next level. More of a shooter/scorer than a point guard. Has had multiple games this season with 4-5 made 3’s. Shooting ability could be an asset to plenty of schools at the next level as a spot up shooter. NAIA/D3 and JUCO schools, take note.

Weldon High School

Koraan Clemonts 6’1” PG Class of 2016
A highly underrated lead guard playing at a small 1A school in Weldon, NC. Quietly has been leading the state of North Carolina in assists per game for the 2nd season in a row. Gets in the paint, excellent passer, quick and plenty of toughness. Has all the tools to be a productive starting point guard in time at the next level. LM D1/D2 level guard prospect.

Louisburg High School

Andreas Wilson 6’0” G Class of 2018
Crafty, quick and confident sophomore guard at Louisburg High School. Has a chance to be a dominating scoring guard. Has excellent form on his jump-shot, good fundamentals and a scoring mindset to attack that coaches love. Would not be surprised to see him put up some staggering numbers his junior and senior season.

Arendell Parrott Academy

Harrison McLawhorn 6’7” PF Class of 2019
Freshman big man has a load of potential. Has an incredible work ethic and really loves the sport. More of an energy player that shows flashes and rebounds well at this point. Has a decent turnaround hook shot and plays tough. If this kid continues to grow and work, the sky is the limit.

Kris Wooten 6’2” SG Class of 2018
Lights out shooter from 3 point range and from mid-range, a solid defender and rebounder. Has long arms and a quick release on his jump-shot. Needs strength, but has a nice frame very well capable of putting on some muscle. Has the potential to grow a few more inches and get stronger in the offseason as well. Looks extremely young. Previously played at Kinston High School as a freshman. Was their designated shooter off the bench. Has more of a scoring role this season at Parrott Academy. Off of shooting ability alone, could become a shooting specialist at the next level with the potential to grow as an all-around player.

Wilson Hunt

Rashod Shipman 6’5” W Class of 2016
Very good athlete. Finishes with dunks, strong around the rim using both hands and a very reliable defender. Very good positional rebounder and uses length well to secure rebounds out of position as well. Jumper has good mechanics and can become more consistent with work. Can go through quiet stretches but when focused has few peers that could stop him around the basket. The talent is definitely there, but will he put it all together? Could possibly break out at any time this season and garner some LM D1 offers. Would be a great pickup for any D2 school and has all the tools to transform into an extremely productive ballplayer.

Shemar Hudson 5’10” PG Class of 2016
A winner! Has won a ton of games at Wilson Hunt HS in his career. Very solid point guard with very good natural instincts and a high basketball IQ. Has a decent-looking stroke from 3-point range but it could be better. Gets into his man on defense. Has the foot quickness to be a nightmare defensively. Rarely turns the ball over and shows good poise and control under intense ball pressure going both ways. Doesn’t really get sped up, goes wherever he wants to go with little to no extra exertion. Seems to be fresh all the time. Does not tire even after maximum effort. Could become a coaches dream guard at the next level due to his effort and intangibles. Projects as a strong D2/D3.

Fayetteville 71st

Tyler Thomas 5’9” PG Class of 2016
Confident and solid point guard. Possesses a very strong mid-range game and a solid pull up shot from 3-point range as well. All coaches love a kid that can run a team and can shoot the ball. He’s short and doesn’t blow you away with athleticism, but he’s very solid and does a lot of things very well. His shooting ability and toughness would allow him to fare very well at the D2/D3 level. Would be a solid backup with the potential to develop into a starter in due time.

Omari Wilson 6’4” W Class of 2017
Didn’t see much from him in the games I watched but saw enough to see the potential. Has an excellent frame and moves very well. Had a few nice slashes to the basketball that looked great. Form on his shot looks solid and he moves his feet well on defense. With the right work ethic, attention to detail and hours in the gym working on tightening his handle could develop into a late-blooming D1 college player.

Farmville Central

Tyler Maye 6’1” PG Class of 2017
Kid can flat out score! Has an array of dribble moves, pull-ups, spin moves and crossovers. Very laid back demeanor on the floor, but quietly competitive. Has a beautiful release on his jump-shot and has shown great ability to finish at the rim with either hand. Scores over 22 points a night in his sleep. Gets beat off the dribble occasionally by quicker guards, but does a good job moving his feet for the most part. When locked in has shown to be a very solid on ball defender as well as a good team help defender. Communicates well and has tons of room to continue growing as a player. Solid Mid Major Division 1 prospect with potential to go higher.

Shaft Parker 6’2” G Class of 2016
Shooter! Has had games where he’s canned at least 8 3’s. Once he gets it going, he’s lights out. Has a solid handle and a few nice crossover moves and keeps his teammates involved. Has great size for the guard position but will need to transform his body to handle the increased rigors and speed of the college game. Don’t be fooled however. This kid can flat out play and produce all around the board. Passes the ball very well. Very unselfish and scores in a variety of ways. Very solid D2 prospect.

Michael Taylor 6’5” W Class of 2016
Late blooming athletic wing with great length. This kid can go. Smooth lefty. Very, very lanky. Will need to put on some muscle at the next level. Good form on his jump-shot, dunks in transition and has solid leaping ability that helps him to get a lot of weak-side blocks. Length also creates havoc for opposing offenses in zone defenses and man to man. Gets a ton of deflections. Has some sneaky handles. Could be an intriguing guard/wing for LM and possibly MM D1 schools. Would be a steal if he’s signed by any D2 school. Loads of potential!

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By James Blackburn

I had the opportunity to attend one of Combine Academies recent practices in Charlotte and check out some of their talent on hand. Combine Academy is a prep school that currently has locations in Charlotte and Atlanta and field 5 different teams. If you are a college coach at any level, Combine Prep has a player for you.

Below are some of the standouts from their 2 hour practice. All of the kids are post grad players.

Artur Labinowicz (6’3″, SG)

Terrific athlete who can shoot the 3 ball with ease- has a pretty stroke and can get it off against anyone. Confident in his game. Really fast with the ball in his hand. LM/MM talent.

Tim Marshall (6’3″, SG)

Heady player who is very smart. Can do a lot of of things well. Good shooter from 3 point range. Plays hard and communicates. D2/NAIA schools should be all over him.

Jamal Deshields (6’4″, SF)

I have seen Jamal develop over the years into the player he is now. Good shooter with a high release. Plays hard and would be a steal for a D2 school who needs a tough slasher.

Tyler Cheese (6’4″, PG) 

High IQ player who is an underrated athlete with a quick 2nd jump. Terrific defender. Makes his team better and makes winning plays. Can score the ball at the rim. Lefty. USC Upstate has shown interest and is definitely a D1 player.

Leo Viitala (6’4″, G)

One of my favorite players in the program. The high IQ slasher from Australia is tough to stop going downhill and is smooth and versatile. Solid passer who has a quick release. Schools from all 3 divisions should watch.

Bart Schild (6’7″, SF)

Played on the Holland JR National Team. This kid is smooth and a sneaky good athlete with a good mid post game.

Bradley Pierce (6’3″, G/F)

Terrific slashing and athletic player who plays the passing lanes on defense and can finish with either hand. Leader and is confident in his game. Can score in bunches.

Phil Steffens (6’9″, F)

Stretch 4 from Germany with good length and a good motor. Active on the boards. Good right hook. Has potential. NAIA and D2/3 schools would all be good fits.

Kyle Bradshaw (6’5″, SG)

One of the best athletes I saw today and can light it up from the outside.

Derian Valdes (6’6″, F)

This do it all player from Canada was solid on both sides of the ball today. Good athlete who can attack the rim and can shoot the 3 with a smooth stroke. Can finish with either hand. LM prospect.

Treyvonte Diggs (6’5″, G/F)

All-Around scorer who can beat you on the drive and shot. Active.

Josiah Thomas (6’1″, PG)

True PG who can also score. Thomas is one of 3 players from Canada in the program. He is athletic, changes speeds well, is a good ball handler, and sets up teammates. Excellent on-ball defender and can hit open 3’s. LM+ talent.

Johneil Johnson (6’0″, G)

Stood out because of lock down on-ball defense and athleticism.

basketball news

1. Nobody wants to be known as a defensive specialist

Any serious basketball player wants to be good at defense. Some players make it a mission to be a lock down defender. But everybody wants to score. Even guys who can’t hit unguarded layups and know their role still wish they could dominate the scoring column. So when you see that guy on TV who always sets the right pick and passes to the star player like he’s supposed to, remember that he’s giving up a lot to make the team win – because everybody, deep down, wants to be a scorer.

2. Jammed fingers are a way of life

If you play basketball as a passion, your knuckles may constantly seem to be in a state of swelling and discomfort from jammed fingers. It’s so much a way of life that most of the time you don’t even think about it, but if the swelling from that missed dunk doesn’t go down within a few hours or a day, you should probably have it checked out. At the very least, use the RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation).

3. Basketball is a year-round sport

Most people think basketball starts sometime in January and ends sometime in March, except for the NBA playoffs, which last for-ev-ah. But for the players, it’s nonstop, whether you are playing high school, college, semi pro, rec league, AAU, summer league or even on a national team, the only month where very little organized basketball happens is August, but even then you can find a game somewhere. Unlike baseball or football, basketball can be played year round and technically only requires 2 people, a portable basketball hoop, and a basketball to have a game. Even soccer, which only requires a ball, can’t compete with a real 1-on-1 game anytime of the year, making this sport very appealing to many people such as those in High-5 Basketball.

4. The crowd has less effect than the fans think

Most players are only rattled by big crowds when they first play in front of them. The situational blindness of playing generally means you see what’s happening on the court, and not much else. Players can tune out almost everything else, and it’s not even something that you have to work at – but that’s also why coaches can be yelling from the sidelines and none of the players react. It’s like their in their own hoop bubble, and it stops at the edges of the courts.

5. Music matters. A lot.
Hoopers may listen to a lot of types of music, but the reality is that hip-hop (or just called ‘rap’ if you’ve been balling since the 70s or 80s) is the music of basketball. The hard driving rhymes and looped joints of great hip-hop melds perfectly into the mindset of how you have to move and play on the court. Basketball might have been born under peach baskets in Massachusetts, but it grew up on the blacktop of the urban centers of the United States, just like hip hop.

6. Kobe Bryant’s Not A Ball Hog

Kobe Bryant isn’t really a ball hog because he’s one of the purest jump shooters that’s ever played in the NBA. Neither was Michael Jordan, Julius Erving or even Allen Iverson. You know what a real ball hog is? It’s that guy that takes the inbounds pass, races up the floor, never even looks at his teammates and launches the ugliest air ball that has ever been seen on a basketball court – and you know the very next time he touches the ball, he’s going to do it again.

7. Just because a guy is tall, doesn’t mean he can play

Being tall certainly helps playing basketball, but just because a player is 6’7″ or 6’9″ doesn’t make him an automatic NBA player. There are thousands of people who are 6’6″ or taller who aren’t anywhere near the talent level to play in the NBA, but there are just as many who aren’t really talented enough to play sports in general. Sometimes they do want to play and improve, but many times taller people are guided into basketball just because of their height, when they are possibly better suited to be flower arrangers or market analysts.

8. Choosing the adequate Basketball Hoop is not an easy task. 

If you are a basketball player just like me, you’ll know that all basketball hoops are not the same. There are various factors to consider before you spend your money on purchasing the best in-ground basketball hoop. It seems like an easy task but basketball hoops also come with their features and to make sure that it lasts you a lifetime you need to evaluate the pros cons and all features before you end up buying it. Check Out In Ground Basketball hoop guide to learn more about!.

9. Refs get a lot of calls completely wrong

NBA players have taken to complaining about fouls that they obviously committed to an art form, but ignoring the pros, every player has been hit with bad calls. You do have to play through the bad calls, but every player has had calls go against them that they knew they didn’t commit – as in, ‘not even on that side of the court’ to commit the foul that was called.

10. A lot of basketball sneakers are just for show

Sneakerheads have new models to choose from all of the time, and many hoopers are sneakerheads. However, just because a pair of shoes looks good means they are meant to play in, since there are different shoes for different kind of feet, so Let’s discuss few top rated Basketball Shoes for Wide Feet and how you can find the perfect shoe for you in this case. Who remembers Dada shoes? Some say they were some of the ugliest sneakers ever made. However, they are still a collectors item. John Wooden, the legendary UCLA coach, constantly preached to players to take care of their feet – from the way they tied their laces to the types of shoes they wore.

basketball newsbasketball scouting reports

Once again, the Southeast Summer Showcase has come and gone, and thanks to all of the coaches, players, parents and media who attended and made it such a great event. We’ll have more evals & information posted soon.

For now, let’s start by congratulating the camp MVP, Devin Cooper (PG, 6’1″, 2015) of Ardrey Kell HS (NC). Devin impressed coaches and scouts all day with his court vision, handle and quickness. Devin pushes the ball and attacks, plus he has good body control. As of this writing Devin has most recently been contacted by Miami (OH), and has reported offers from Rider, Campbell, Radford and Abilene Christian. There’s little doubt he will continue to see more interest this July.

Follow Devin on Twitter @_DevGotTheJuice

Devin Cooper basketball elite