Charlotte Hoops Challenge: 2022 Standouts (Day 2), Part I

<h5>The Charlotte Hoops Challenge had a ton of talent on display this past weekend at Myers Park High School. Take a look at Part I of the 2022 standouts from the 2021 edition of the Charlotte Hoops Challenge.</h5> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="848067" first="Patrick" last="Wessler"] | Combine Academy</h5> <p>The Virginia Tech commit was impressive and filled up the stat sheet on the boards and as a rim protector in Combine’s 62-60 victory. He put up 14 points, 17 rebounds, five blocks and a steal to show off his length at 7-foot. Wessler continues to impress as a top name in the 2022 class. As his squad continues to win, look for him to grow as a national name.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="787667" first="Jayden" last="Epps"] | Combine Academy</h5> <p>Epps had another solid weekend at the guard spot as Combine Academy stayed unbeaten as 6-0 on the season. He finished with 15 points, five assists, two rebounds and a steal in their victory over JL Chambers. As his shot wasn’t falling, he resorted to finding his bigs in the pick-and-roll and ended up finishing with five assists as a result. He’s a combo guard that continues to impress with his ability to adjust during games.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="574405" first="AJ" last="Smith"] | Combine Academy</h5> <p>Smith did well to show what he could do as the third option in the Goats rotation in their 62-60 victory. He finished with 10 points, two assists and two steals while showing off his ability to use his frame to clog the paint, get to the rim and defend on the perimeter. He’s another top unsigned senior to keep an eye on as the season progresses for Combine Academy.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="787676" first="Daniel" last="Sanford"] | JL Chambers </h5> <p>Sanford didn’t try to overdo things as a presence in the JL Chambers frontcourt and fared well as an anchor in the paint despite the result. He finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals and showed off his growth in the rotation going 1-for-1 from behind the arc. The South Carolina commit is set to go out with a bang in his senior season.</p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1008902" first="MJ" last="Collins"] | Westminster Catawba Christian</h5> <p>Collins was impressive once again on Day 2 of the Charlotte Hoops Challenge as he led the way in a comeback 53-50 victory against Charlotte Christian. He led the way with 19 points, two assists and two rebounds while knocking down two 3-pointers in the win to take home the Buckets Brand Championship. Virginia Tech fans will like Collins a lot when he joins the rotation next fall. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="725186" first="Evan" last="Smith"] | Ardrey Kell </h5> <p>Smith was unstoppable at the lead guard spot for Ardrey Kell as they got a convincing 78-55 victory over Cannon School in the Charlotte Hoops Challenge. He finished with a game-high 19 points along with five rebounds, four assists and a steal to keep the energy going in a positive direction as the Knights look to get back to the 4A State title game. They certainly have the pieces and are in good shape with him leading the way. He’s a strong guard with crafty finishing ability in the paint. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1336324" first="Toni" last="Akinyelu"] | Ardrey Kell</h5> <p>Akinyelu is an Emory University commit that turned heads this past weekend with his length and energy around the rim for Ardrey Kell High. He showed off his 6-foot-7 length in a variety of ways with 14 points, five rebounds, two blocks and two assists while shooting 6-of-7 from the field. He’s an intriguing late-bloomer that’s emerged in the state. </p> <h5>[player_tooltip player_id="1336317" first="Brandon" last="Lavitt"] | Charlotte Latin</h5> <p>Lavitt is a Susquenna U commit that plays with a ton of energy when he’s on the floor for Charlotte Latin. He finished with 11 points and five rebounds (4 offensive) to show off his ability to make an impact on the floor. It’s easy to see what’s to love about him given his 6-foot-5 frame and athleticism with the ball in his hands. He also does well to get to the free-throw line. He went 3-of-4 in the victory.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>