The Battle Miami: North Carolina Standouts

Vertical Academy’s national tour continues with another trip to Miami. They played an Amari Bailey-less Sierra Canyon team, and a fast paced Life Christian team. They came away with a .500 record and big performances. Here are the takeaways from Vertical’s most productive prospects.

Mikey Williams CG 2023 | Shot Maker

Williams played great over the two games. He scored on all three levels, made plays in the halfcourt, and made highlights on the break. His shot-making, whether off the movement or on the catch, has been impressive. He’s shooting well from deep, including 5 of 11 from three over two games. The 2023 5 star is on a tear of high-scoring games with 50 ball a few weeks ago, 25 a game in Miami, and 46 points against Southern California Academy.

Treymane Parker Treymane Parker 6'3" | CG OT Elite | 2023 #169 Nation GA PG 2023 | Athletic Playmaker

Parker showed he can be just as impactful without the ball. His 31 points against Life Christian came with great efficiency. He knocked down four threes in that game, mostly on catch and shoot opportunities. A good portion of the other 19 points came from the high flyer in transition. He continues to show good decision making as a passer once he penetrates defenses. In game 1, he showed the athletic, tough shot making game while forcing opponents into turnovers with their half court trap.

Abdul Beyah Abdul Beyah 5'9" | PG Vertical Academy | 2022 State NC Jr. PG 2022 | Change Of Pace Guard

Beyah Jr. continues to shoot the ball well, giving spacing to the slashers on this team. He made 4 of his eight attempts from the three point line in two games. He’s speedy in the open court and it makes him a pesky defender. On a team with two guards that share lead playmaking duties, you can see the senior’s decision-making best on the break.

Nick Hamrick Nick Hamrick 6'8" | SF Westminster Catawba | 2024 State SC F 2024 | Athletic Forward

Hamrick has one of the high ceilings on Vertical Academy’s roster. The length and defensive energy he shows in limited minutes were more than useful. He’s only a sophomore and will only get better as he plays one of the toughest schedules in the nation.

Brandon Gardner Brandon Gardner 6'7" | PF Christ The King | 2023 #112 Nation NY F 2023 | Athletic Big

In this pre-season exhibition, the 4 star 2023 F brought energy and finishing to the court. He’s an athletic above the rim finisher that leads to several big putbacks. He crashed the boards, cut from the corner, and the dunker spot for finishes around the rim. An explosive athlete that knows how to contribute to winning. Gardner even made two catch and shoot threes, one from the wing and another from the corner. On the defensive end, he alters shots with his length and leaves games with highlight reel blocks.

Khouri Carvey Khouri Carvey 6'9" | C Vertical Academy | 2022 State NC C 2022 | Versatile Big

Carvey looked to be in better shape than his previous Miami visit. The senior’s mid-range jumper is firing on all cylinders, he’s running the floor, and playing good positional defense against one of the country’s best bigs. His footwork is looking good around the block and he continues to be a bear double-digit rebounder every night. He’s playing his role and producing in it.