Big Shots Atlantic Coast Tipoff – Top Performers
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Big Shots made their way back to the Hoop State the past weekend, with a mix of newer, smaller organizations and some teams full of quality and name recognition. This article will focus on some of the people that stood out in my eyes this weekend that play in North Carolina. Read below for more details.
Cassada is a name I picked up on this year at Calvary Day and he rewarded my attention this weekend with a smooth, all around game that makes him suited to be a big time floor general for his high school and (hopefully) college career. He’s a very intelligent floor general that makes plays for his teammates primarily, but can get a bucket himself when needed. He’s good out of pick and rolls and in traffic, worming through defenders and hitting guys on the rolls or kick outs. On his own, he can shoot the ball at a high clip, especially off the catch from behind the arc. Rebounding the ball as a guard is a strength of his as well, more on the defensive end than anything. He’s a solid defender, if not remarkable, but that’s not what his game is built off of. His talents as a floor general should make him a coveted player among his 2026 class.
Barrett has someone I’ve watched for a while now, back when he was at Grassroots NC tearing the travel scene up, and he continues to do a lot of the same things he’s always done well. He’s become more of a lead guard than a scorer for this Team Loaded group, but still does both things with poise. He’s got great vision in the open floor and in the halfcourt, hitting teammates on the move, off ball screens for example. He also gets to his spots he prefers on the floor well to knock down pull ups or off the catch jumpers. Barrett is a plus shooter from deep as well. Defensively, he does not shine, but is able to hold his own and guard who is asked of him. This kid is an offensive Swiss Army knife that can play both guard spots and should be on radars as a late pickup in this upcoming live period.
Kenny Miller
Kenny Miller
Miller was all over the court this weekend while leading his Basketpoint squad to the championship in his division. He’s got a great frame and body type for his age, and hopefully is not done growing as he could blossom into a full-framed wing. He’s still got work to do in the weight room, but his body control and strength for now are solid. Miller is really good at attacking the paint, and that’s what he did over and over this weekend. He’s smooth and knows how to attack defenders differently in the paint, always keeping them on their toes. His perimeter game is still coming along as a prospect, but he’s primarily focusing on slashing to the rim. He’s a name to monitor in the Triad area and on his Basketpoint squad for the summer.
Emmanuel Black
Emmanuel Black
Emmanuel Black is a long, lanky athlete that popped onto my radar with his natural physical gifts this weekend playing for his Big Shots Elite squad. He’s got long arms and legs that give him natural rim-running ability, and his high motor only adds to that. He is pretty one dimensional offensively, but you can tell he is a late bloomer that is continuing to expand his game. He gets to the rim and has good size and strength to bully smaller guys, and finishes well with his right hand. Also has some rim protector potential as his length will allow him to contest the shots of opposing wings. He would be a good late pickup for a coach who is willing to take a dice roll on his untapped potential and work with him on developing his offensive game to match his impressive physical traits.
I hadn’t seen a whole lot of AJ Gillespie AJ Gillespie 6’4″ | SF Norcross | 2026 GA before, but his game really has put me on notice as a guy I should follow for the next couple years. He’s already got a good frame that sets him up well to succeed on both ends, and should be expected to continue to grow and get stronger over the coming months and years. On offense, he seems to have a pretty well rounded game, finishing at the cup and hitting outside jumpers as well. He’s more fluid than lots of kids his age as well, which sets him up for future success. Defensively he didn’t stand out, but his potential makes me a believer. He’s going to be a kid to monitor due to his high potential and college-level frame. That, combined with more development in his scoring skills, makes him a high level prospect.