Team Camp: First Class Freshmen (2021)
High school basketball team camps are a great start to see what you have as a team. For incoming freshman participating with their high school varsity team, playing in a team camp is a great way to gauge your ability to handle the increased physicality, the speed and the higher level overall of competition when making the jump from middle school to high school basketball. Early on, there have been four incoming freshmen that have stood out from the pack to me deep in the eastern part of North Carolina. Read more about them below.
| Louisburg High School
6’0” 170 PG (HS Footage)
We first got a glimpse of Elijah at the Middle School Elite 50 held in Wilson, NC a few months back. In his first experience competing against high school varsity competition, it appears that he is physically ready, mentally ready and highly skilled enough to contribute in a good way as a freshman for Louisburg HS. Very fierce competitor. He showed an uncommon ability for a 14 year old point guard to use his body and bully even established upperclassmen on his way to the basket. Displayed solid court vision as well. His jumper has really good mechanics that show he could become a really good shooter sooner than later. Defensively, on the ball, does a good job moving his feet and communicating. Could be a force during his entire high school career on both ends of the floor with good development.
| J.H. Rose High School
6’0” 150 PG (MS Footage)
Another promising prospect out of Greenville, NC. Watching this kid play, you can tell he’s been around the game since he was a much younger kid. Has a very high basketball IQ and flat out scores the ball in bunches. Handles the ball well with either hand, has great change of pace and a strong pull up jump-shot. Has noticeably grown several inches since we last saw him in March. Suffered a minor injury during the ECU team camp to his shoulder, but tried to play through it anyway, showing a ton of toughness. His skill level combined with his recent growth spurt and basketball IQ spells trouble for his peers in the years to come. Promising point guard prospect with a natural ability to fill it up.
| Kinston High School
6’6” 180 SG (HS Footage)
Most high school basketball fans from the eastern part of North Carolina are familiar with the Kinston basketball program. Styles is yet another young talent to come through that has loads of potential. He’s been rapidly growing but has maintained the fluidity that made him successful throughout his middle school career. With Kinston, he fit right in seamlessly and had no problem moving out to the wing or banging inside. Has a soft touch from the outside and looks comfortable pulling up in the mid-range vicinity as well. He was very active on defense, protecting the rim and moving his feet well against guards out on the perimeter. Has some sneaky athleticism that allows him to dunk the ball with ease on fast-break opportunities and in half-court traffic over defenders. Has all the makings of an elite wing prospect should he continue developing and putting in the work.
| Ayden-Grifton High School
6’5” 170 F (MS Footage)
One of the first things that stand out about this kid is his enormous wingspan. Early on, he’s shown the ability to play some small forward and even spot minutes at the center position in high school. His length and ability to contest shots of players that are much bigger and taller than he is could take him far. Must also note that he’s a lefty. Offensively, he just needs more experience against high school varsity athletes before he’ll become a consistent scorer while learning to pick his spots. Crafty around the basket and could eventually develop into a wing down the road. A lot to like about this kid and interested to see how he continues to grow as a ballplayer.