NCHSAA Team Camp: Standout Prospects
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As the Dog Days of summer approach, team camp in the NCHSAA is well underway. Summer ball is a first look at the prospects and programs that aspire to be in contention for a state championship come March. And if what we’ve seen this month is any indication of what’s to come, buckle in because the NCHSAA 2023-2024 season will be one of the most competitive yet. This association is loaded with talent from top to bottom, from established prospects with signed letters of intent to underrated ones with one more season to make a name for themselves. Let’s look at the standout prospects in NCHSAA team camp play.
Fresh off an NCHSAA 4A state championship, Meyers Park high school in Charlotte, N.C. was back in action this past weekend. The Mustangs took the hardwood for the first time since March at week two of the NCBCA Live Period Team Camp Showcase at Rise Indoor Sports Complex in Bermuda Run, N.C. Despite a Meyers Park team that will be forced to navigate the loss of a few seniors that played an instrumental roll to their playoff success, all of Mecklenburg County can take a sigh of relief with the comforting fact that the nucleus of Sadiq White Jr Sadiq White Jr 6’8″ | SF Myers Park | 2025 State #56 Nation NC ., Sir Mohammed Sir Mohammed 6’6″ | SG Myers Park | 2024 State #83 Nation NC , and Bishop Boswell Bishop Boswell 6’4″ | PG Myers Park | 2024 State #68 Nation NC will be on campus in the fall ready to run it back. This core of three has established themselves as big-time prospects in their respective classes. But if you know anything about the NCHSAA, you know it takes more than three. That’s where class of 2024 shooting guard Santana Lynch Santana Lynch 6’4″ | SG Lake Norman | 2024 State NC comes in.
At 6’4″, Santana Lynch Santana Lynch 6’4″ | SG Lake Norman | 2024 State NC is a strong, physical guard who gets after it on both sides of the floor. Despite playing behind other highly-rated guards on this Meyers Park roster, he has established himself as an up-and-coming prospect who is starting to gain some serious traction. Lynch is an elite ball handler who can really make things happen in the backcourt. He has a high basketball I.Q. and makes the right decisions with the ball in his hands. With a knockdown three ball, Lynch is a versatile offensive weapon who knows how to get to his spots. He is a tough finisher who has proven he can cash in when the moment arises. What I like most about his game is his mentality. Santana Lynch Santana Lynch 6’4″ | SG Lake Norman | 2024 State NC is a tough, selfless team player who always fits in regardless of the lineup around him. He is a mature prospect who has not let adversity affect his play.
Lynch is a long, athletic defender who is a jack of all trades on that side of the court. His build allows him to match up and lock down opposing teams’ wings, compete on the boards, and contest shots at a premiere level. Lynch is a gritty defender who does the small stuff right. He moves his feet exceptionally well for a guard his size and is quick to relocate on defensive assignments.
With a Meyers Park team that has all the pieces to get back to Chapel Hill, expect Santana Lynch Santana Lynch 6’4″ | SG Lake Norman | 2024 State NC to play a big role in their championship aspirations.
While North Mecklenburg was not able to get it done in the NCHSAA 4A state playoffs, the Vikings sit in a prime position to be in contention for a state championship in 2023-2024. With their two key guys, Duke commit Isaiah Evans Isaiah Evans 6’6″ | SG North Mecklenburg | 2024 State #17 Nation NC and stock-rising guard Trey Maxwell Trey Maxwell 6’4″ | SG North Mecklenburg | 2024 State NC returning for year four, this North Mecklenburg roster will look quite familiar. The Vikings struggled with depth in 2022-2023 and learned the hard way its importance in a loss to Meyers Park in the NCHSAA-4A state playoffs. Class of 2025 shooting guard Zion Williams Zion Williams 6’3″ | SG North Mecklenburg | 2025 State NC has the chance to be that missing piece.
At 6’3″, Zion Williams Zion Williams 6’3″ | SG North Mecklenburg | 2025 State NC is a crafty, naturally gifted scorer who can get it done on all three levels. Williams is a strong downhill driver and can make tough finishes at the rim, has a lethal midrange game, and a consistent three-ball that makes him a versatile scoring threat. As a big guard, Williams thrives on creating space from the wing. He’s got a quick first step that propels him to the rim. Williams has a nice feel for the game and is an unselfish passer. He knows when to take it himself and when to give it up. Williams runs the floor well and makes big-time plays in transition offense. What I like most about Williams’ game is his intensity. This is a guy who makes winning plays.
Williams provides a strong defensive presence that is a force to be reckoned with on the baseline. He is an athletic defender who has excellent control of his body. Williams is a scrappy, disciplined defender who can lock down teams’ number one option.
North Mecklenburg looks to get back to the NCHSAA-4A state championship this March; and the toughness, experience, and depth that Zion Williams Zion Williams 6’3″ | SG North Mecklenburg | 2025 State NC brings could very well be that missing piece.
Millbrook high school in Raleigh, N.C., has cemented itself as one of the triangle’s most accomplished programs. The Wildcats have proven that their program is built on hard work, unselfish play, and consistency regardless of the guys on the roster. While 2022-2023 did not play out the way they thought, the program recorded another 20-win season and saw the development of a couple of young prospects. One of whom is class of 2024 combo guard Jayan Walker Jayan Walker 6’5″ | SG Combine Academy | 2024 State NC .
At 6’5″, Jayan Walker Jayan Walker 6’5″ | SG Combine Academy | 2024 State NC is an elite playmaker who has an abundance of scoring weapons in his arsenal. Walker is an athletic, crafty guard who is one of the premier scorers in his class. He is an explosive driver who can finish at the rim, a consistent mid-range shooter who can knock down contested looks, and a lethal spot-up shooter from behind the arc. Walker is the number 1 offensive weapon on any team. He has a high basketball IQ and excels in big-time moments. He can take over games and close them out when need be. Walker’s raw athletic ability enhance every facet of his game. His size, length, and speed allow him to create open looks for himself and his teammates. Walker is an elite scoring guard who is an even better offensive leader. He sets the tone from the jump and goes hard until the whistle.
In addition to Walker’s heroics on offense, he is naturally a gifted defender. He is vocal on defense and plays with poise underneath the basket. His frame allows him to take on and win tough defensive assignments. Walker plays good, fundamental defense with a hint of flash fueled by his unique play-making ability. He is a strong defender who plays with purpose on that side of the court.
With the CAP 6 conference shaping out to have one of its most competitive seasons to date, keep an eye out for Millbrook and combo guard Jayan Walker Jayan Walker 6’5″ | SG Combine Academy | 2024 State NC to make some serious noise.
Staying in the Triangle, another seasoned program is Panther Creek. What many consider to be a down year for the Catamounts was a 20-win season and a sweet 16 appearance in the NCHSAA 4A state playoffs. Panther Creek will be back in 2023-2024 with a chip on its shoulder. 6’8″ power forward Greg Ehlinger Greg Ehlinger 6’9″ | C Panther Creek | 2024 State NC will help them get back.
At 6’8″, Greg Ehlinger Greg Ehlinger 6’9″ | C Panther Creek | 2024 State NC is productive in the paint and has an active defensive presence. Ehlinger has elite hand-eye coordination, moves his feet well, and understands his role as a traditional post-dominating big. Ehlinger is consistent off the glass and has worked to develop a solid mid-range game, which adds a level of versatility to his game. He has a strong build and can take blows from smaller bigs competing for boards. Ehlinger is a tough rebounder and does a nice job of keeping the ball high. He has a high basketball IQ and can set up fast breaks with the right outlet pass.
Ehlinger plays good, fundamental defense. He is an elite rim protector, can contest shots without making contact, and has steady control of his body. Ehlinger is a smart defender who has proven he can execute defending the pick and roll at an elite level. Ehlinger is a tough, reliable defender who can get the job done.
As Panther Creek looks to settle back into Triangle basketball royalty, expect class of 2024 forward Greg Ehlinger Greg Ehlinger 6’9″ | C Panther Creek | 2024 State NC to excel in his role down low.