N.C. Grassroots Recap: Final Triad Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>There's no better time to sign up for PrepHoopsNC! Get 30% OFF payment on your first billing cycle with offer code: JESSEGORDON30. Sign up&nbsp;TODAY!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As summer ball comes to an end, let's take a look at some of the standout prospects from North Carolina's Triad. The 2023 North Carolina Grassroots season was the most competitive yet. From young studs looking to put their name on the map to seasoned recruits yearning for that D-1 offer, prospects representing the Triad showed up and showed out. Here is my final list of standout prospects from the grassroots scene. If this summer is any indication of what's to come, man am I excited for high school ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1889843"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1889843' first='Zacch' last='Wiggins'], perhaps the most impressive prospect this summer, has elevated his game to unbelievable heights the past three months. Wiggins had himself a summer, putting up big-time stats in front of even bigger coaches and programs. Wiggins is a young prospect who still has a lot to prove, but man is he off to a good start.rnrnAt 6'5″, u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1889843' first='Zacch' last='Wiggins']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e is one of the most dynamic wings in the class of 2025. His game is all over the place in the best way possible. Wiggins is an elite scorer, premier defender, and obsessive competitor. Rarely do you find a prospect that is as committed to the process of perfecting their craft as u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1889843' first='Zacch' last='Wiggins']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e . This is a guy who loves to work. And it shows up in every facet of his game. Wiggins poses a lethal threat to score with and without the ball. That's what makes him dangerous. He's crafty in the lane and can make tough finishes, shoots a knock-down mid-range jump shot off balance, and has a sniper for a three-ball that goes in more often than not. Off the ball, Wiggins has the patience to wait for plays to develop and find his spots. His raw athleticism provides a quick first step, a sharp cut to the basket, and the ability to absorb contact and finish big-time plays. Wiggins is a force on the defensive end of the floor. He's got the build, reach, and grittiness that makes him a big-time defender. His size and length allow him to match up with and lock down 1-5, winning most of them. He's got an active hand in the passing lane that accounts for swipes and steals that set him up for fast-break success. Wiggins has just the right amount of competitive fire and a little swagger that make him a fierce prospect to match up against. With a Grimsley team looking to take home the title in 2023-2024, expect u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='1889843' first='Zacch' last='Wiggins']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e to be front and center","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"Tripp McMillen","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"Surry Central","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='2078512' first='NC' last='Spartans']: Henderson","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Another notable prospect from the class of 2025 is 6'6u0022 wing Trip McMillen. While McMillen still does not have a number to the right of his name, that does not take away from the fact that he had a successful summer. McMillen's time is coming, and he's been patient to see it through. Expect Tripp McMillen to crack into our official rankings in the months to come.rnrnTrip Mcmillen is a prospect ready to take the class of 2025 by storm. Standing a true 6'6″, Mcmillen is a wing who plays with a ton of size and skill. Mcmillen is extremely versatile as a scoring threat and can make big-time plays. He is a polished prospect with a ton of skill on the offensive end of the floor. Mcmillen's athleticism enhances every facet of his game from hitting contested shots to grabbing rebounds on the glass. He is a high-intensity player who plays with a fire that is hard to put out once he finds his rhythm. Mcmillen is a knock-down shooting threat who has developed a consistent three-ball. He's got an exceptional handle for a prospect his size and can make things happen in the open court. His size and length allow him to hit off-balance, contested shots at all levels. Mcmillen is a warrior on defense who steps up in big moments. Trip McMillen is a prospect I expect to find his way into the class of 2025 rankings and continue to see his stock rise.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["2053614"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='2053614' first='Tayshawn' last='Mann'] is a prospect who will be playing ball at the collegiate level. The question is where. Mann's got the skill, build, and mindset of a college guard. Year 3 will be a big one for [player_tooltip player_id='2053614' first='Tayshawn' last='Mann'], with the potential to start reeling in some big-time offers I know he's had his eyes on.rnrnAt 6'2″, u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='2053614' first='Tayshawn' last='Mann']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e is a strong, physical combo guard who has the tendency to take over games. That's just who he is. Mann is a freak athlete and channels that into an aggressive style of play. He is an adept scorer with a wide range of offensive firepower. Mann is the kind of guard who sets the tone from the jump and goes hard until the clock hits zero. He's vocal in the offense, unselfish with the ball, and has proven he can and will do whatever it takes to win. Mann gets most of his work done in and around the perimeter. He's a gifted downhill driver who can get to the basket, a consistent pull-up shooter, and moves well without the ball. Mann has a high basketball I.Q. and is an elite decision-maker. He plays with purpose and poise. While scoring is a headline of his game, Mann can shift into a facilitator role when need be. He's got excellent court vision, an everyone-eats mentality, and does the most damage when his teammates are involved. I'm impressed with what I've seen from Mann on defense. He's a strong, stocky guard who isn't afraid to put his body on the line. He moves his feet exceptionally well and can relocate in a flash on skips and switches. Manns lateral quickness is some of the best I've seen in the class of 2025. He makes big-time plays in the clutch and doesn't shy away from tough defensive assignments. With a Ben L. Smith squad looking to prove their 2022-2023 playoff run wasn't a fluke, expect u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='2053614' first='Tayshawn' last='Mann']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e to settle the bet.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1892440"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"When you think of Williams basketball, you think of [player_tooltip player_id='1892440' first='Cam'ron' last='Jones']. As just a sophomore, Jones established himself as the number one scoring option and leader of this ball club. If last season was any indication of what to expect, Jones might just have the kind of breakout year we see once every couple of seasons.rnrn[player_tooltip player_id='1892440' first='Cam'ron' last='Jones'] is a guy I've already seen rise in the stocks this year, and I know he's nowhere near done yet. The class of 2025 combo guard was the heart and soul of a rebuilding Williams team last season. In 2022-2023, Jones proved he was able to show up and show out for a Bulldog squad that desperately needed it. Simply put, he was that dude all season. That showed real maturity for only sophomore. Jones is one of the toughest, scrappiest guards I've seen in the state all season. At 6'3″, he uses his frame to his advantage on offense. He attacks the rim with a crazy look in his eye that guys on defense can only dream to defend. Has a consistent yet still improving three-point shot that makes him a threat from behind the arc. On defense, Jones plays his man up close and personal. His long wingspan and attention to detail account for a lot of well-timed blocks down low and steals in the lane. Great team player on defense. Does a nice job of moving his feet and staying straight on closeouts. Plays aggressively without fouling. As the leader of a rebuilding Williams team during his sophomore season, Jones was forced to grow up fast. Now that he is settled into his role as this team's primary scorer and go-to guy, expect Jones' game to take a huge leap this summer. This guy's stock has and will continue to rise","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"Josiah Love","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"Williams","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_4_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_4_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Josiah Love is a name not many are familiar with. That'll change. A strong 2022-2023 paired with an even stronger summer season has laid the grown work for Love to have a standout senior season.rnrnJosiah Love is one of the fastest-rising bigs in the class of 2024. Despite flying under the radar for the majority of his high school career, that is all about to change. Josiah Love is due for a breakout 2023-2024 and the attention he deserves. At 6'4″, Love is a strong, athletic stretch four who is extremely effective in his role down low. Love is an elite offensive rebounder, gets a ton of easy putback buckets, and is the kind of prospect who impacts the game in more ways than the stats sheet can keep track of. What is most apparent from Love's game is his competitive spirit. This is a kid who channels his aggression in the best ways possible when his feet touch the hardwood. Love is tough, scrappy, and an all-out competitor in every play. He sets the tone and provides a spark of energy that gives this team momentum. Love is a skilled defender who comes up big in the clutch. He gets stops when it matters most and pushes the ball out in transition. Love moves his feet exceptionally well for a prospect with his build and is disciplined underneath the basket in not giving fouls. With some key departures in the frontcourt, expect Josiah Love to have a bigger presence on this new-look Williams team. They need him, and I know he'll step up.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64c95fd943f8a"} /-->