Hoop State Hoopsgiving – Friday Players to Watch
With Thanksgiving holidays happening right now across the state, it’s gameday eve for many young hoopers. Tomorrow we have the Hoopsgiving event in Raleigh, put on by the Hoop State Network, and it’s shaping up to be a loaded event…
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Continue ReadingWith Thanksgiving holidays happening right now across the state, it’s gameday eve for many young hoopers. Tomorrow we have the Hoopsgiving event in Raleigh, put on by the Hoop State Network, and it’s shaping up to be a loaded event with plenty of talent. Take a look below at some of the standout players that will be participating in the event.
Guards
Trevor Best Trevor Best 6'2" | CG Word Of God | 2025 State NC – Real fill it up type combo guard. Shifty and moves well east to west in transition to create space for layups/jumpers. High energy guy and a leader on the court of his team.
Elijah Cathcart Elijah Cathcart 6'4" | SG High Point Christian Academy | 2024 State NC – Great spot up shooter and plays with the ball in or out of his hands the same way. Is smart, with good instincts for movement and cutting and reading penetration.
Joshua Alford Joshua Alford 6'1" | CG Southeast Raleigh | 2024 State NC – Steady, playmaking guard that has good size and physical attributes to lead his group. Defends well at multiple spots and keeps the ball in front of him with quick feet.
LJ Rush LJ Rush 5'10" | PG 1 of 1 Academy | 2026 State NC – On the smaller side, but yet another 2026 point guard who is dynamic and explosive. Quick downhill and really sees the floor well from his spots. Capable shooter when left with time and space.
Tayshaun Whitner Tayshaun Whitner 6'0" | PG Garner Magnet | 2024 State NC – Two way guard who can create, score, and defend his butt off. Really scrappy and makes opposing ball handlers work. Can create his own shot when he needs, but prefers to make plays for others.
Wings
Michael Phillips Michael Phillips 6'4" | SG Grace Christian | 2026 State NC – Long, scoring wing that has improved his game immensely in the last 6-8 months. Really impactful defensively with his hustle and effort. Two-way presence for a group that’s contending for a state title.
Jaevian Alston Jaevian Alston 6'6" | SF Word of God Varsity | 2025 State NC – Fast and physical wing that makes things happen around the rim. Good touch/finishing ability around and through people at the bucket. Able to keep his head up and make the right plays in transition.
Ethan Reid Ethan Reid 6'3" | CG Southeast Raleigh | 2025 State NC – Physical at 6’3 and has a strong frame, but makes his mark as a shooter. Showed it last year in HS and AAU ball, and will look for him to both create for himself and get open off the ball and punish opposing teams.
Cole Cloer Cole Cloer 6'6" | SF Orange | 2026 State NC – First thing with him that you notice is his length. Then, his explosiveness around the rim and in transition. Then, you realize he’s got a very well-rounded offensive game that allows him to score whenever.
Jaiquan Clay Jaiquan Clay 6'5" | SF High Point Christian | 2026 State NC – Athletic wing/forward hybrid that can really guard 94 feet and guard 1-5. Impressive length and quickness allows him to do so.
Kingston Beale Kingston Beale 6'4" | SF Garner Magnet | 2026 State NC – Strong, athletic 2 guard/wing type that is looking to get downhill and attack the rim. Still developing his perimeter game but is physically mature enough to be a force as a 2026.
Forwards
Jayden Quaintance Jayden Quaintance 6'9" | C Word of God | 2024 State #11 Nation NC – Imposing, dominant big man that is headed to the NBA after his stint at Kentucky. Can create for himself, impressive strength and athleticism, and protects the rim like no one’s business.
Gevonte Ware Gevonte Ware 6'9" | C 1 of 1 Academy | 2025 State #150 Nation NC – Hoping he’ll be ready to make his debut this weekend, but he’s a monstrously physical big with ball skills to boot. Can face up and take guys off the bounce, as well as just go up and dunk the ball.
Gift Moses Gift Moses 6'6" | SF Enloe | 2024 State NC – Undersized big, but makes up for it in intensity and leaping ability. An elite rim protector, especially inch for inch compared to others who are taller. Offensively not as talented, but makes the right play and finishes well.
Clash Peters Clash Peters 6'8" | PF Word of God | 2024 State NC –