Charlotte Hoops Challenge – Players to Watch
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While some other events are going on around the state, there’s nothing like the Charlotte Hoops Challenge, which returns once again today and tomorrow. With the most games and teams involved out of all Thanksgiving events in the Hoop State,…
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Continue ReadingWhile some other events are going on around the state, there’s nothing like the Charlotte Hoops Challenge, which returns once again today and tomorrow. With the most games and teams involved out of all Thanksgiving events in the Hoop State, there are plenty of notable names that are worth getting an eye on. Check some out below.
Guards
Alex Dauska Alex Dauska 6'2" | SG Charlotte Latin | 2027 NC – 2027 who is really coming on strong as a shooter and overall combo guard. Has the physical tools to compete at this level already and shows them off on the defensive end of the floor. Hard to keep track of as a sniper and scorer on offense.
Amare Bethel Amare Bethel 6'3" | PG Charlotte Country Day School | 2024 State NC – Two way guard who is really quick and has good burst/change of pace when he’s moving. Up in your jersey on defense and then blasting past you the other way on offense. Should be effective in leading his CCDS team this year.
Chris Rivens Chris Rivens 6'3" | SG Convenant Day School | 2025 State NC – Athletic initiator on offense that just makes things happens when he needs to. Can get to his points either through driving the ball or pulling up and hitting jumpers.
Liam Gates Liam Gates 6'0" | SG Charlotte Catholic | 2024 State NC – Knockdown outside shooter that knows his role. Plays more point in school ball and shows a solid ability to facilitate and create. Good at reading penetration and spacing the perimeter.
JD Bowden JD Bowden 6'1" | PG United Faith Christian Academy | 2025 State NC – Really shifty playmaking point guard that is one of the best pure passers of his class. Excels in traffic and having to make reads, as he seemingly always makes the defense pay. Capable of taking the open shot too.
Wings
Jonah Lawrence Jonah Lawrence 6'3" | CG Providence Day | 2025 State NC – Big time scorer that is adjusting to a new role with PDS. Strong finisher around the hoop and can get going in transition if opposing teams lose him. College level size on the wing.
Arael Jones Arael Jones 6'1" | CG Northside Christian Academy | 2025 State NC – Scrappy, do it all kind of guard that plays both the off ball guard and on the wing. Good rebounder, defender, and rim scorer. Knows his role and plays it well for the reigning state champions.
Markus Kerr Markus Kerr 6'5" | SF JL Chambers | 2026 State NC – West Charlotte transfer that’s already making a huge impact. Super bouncy and takes off in transition or on downhill drives. Can handle the ball well and take guys off the dribble too.
Forwards
Tosh Alberga Tosh Alberga 6'6" | C Indepedence | 2024 State NC – Super vertically athletic and physical forward. Immense rim protector and shows off length to alter shots and passes on defense. Hoovers up rebounds on both ends of the court.
Osvaldo Haynes II Osvaldo Haynes II 6'8" | PF Providence Day | 2025 State NC – High motor, athletic forward who really can man the paint well. Dunks in traffic and runs the floor hard looking for easy buckets. Rebounds at a high rate.
Cannon DeBerry Cannon DeBerry 6'8" | C Olympic | 2027 State NC – Thinner forward but already 6’9 as a freshman. Plays really hard on both ends of the floor, and can’t say that about many. Still developing touch and skill but the physical tools are showing up.
Chris Eagan Chris Eagan 6'8" | PF Charlotte Catholic | 2025 State NC – Skilled, high post big man that should be on the way to D1 basketball. Has acumen to get the ball played through him and he can spray passes out. Able to finish around the rim from back to the basket or face up situations.