37th Annual Pepsi Carolina Classic: Top Performers and Tidbits

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 37th Annual Pepsi Carolina Classic is in the books for this year. Who were some of the Top Performers when Prep Hoops was in attendance? Let's break it down a bit and take a look at some of the action right here on your source for basketball coverage in the Palmetto State all year long. Make sure to <strong><em>SUBSCRIBE</em></strong> today and always remember to <strong><em>#RecruitThePalmettoState</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2024 Top Performers:</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307862,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-28-29-8230AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-28-29-8230AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307862" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Da'Mori Lytch</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='975134' first='Jermaurhiyun' last='Anderson']</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1008884' first='JJ' last='Moore']</strong> - Quality Education Academy (NC) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lytch, Anderson and Moore sounds like a law firm. Well, that law firm went to work for the Quality Education Academy Fighting Pharaohs is week to win back-to-back Pepsi Carolina Classic Championships. This senior trio played great when Prep Hoops was in atendance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lytch was so effective around the cup and finishing around the basket all night. Da'Mori literally played 2-4 feet from the cup all night and finished everything in sight. Lytch originally a Dillon, SC resident played last season at Wilson HS (Florence) before making the move to the Hoop State this past summer. Da'Mori is still a RAW talent and only going to get better. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307860,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-28-44-2800AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-28-44-2800AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307860" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson is in his 3rd year at QEA originally hails from Greenville, SC. Jermaurhiyun a left-handed guard-wing was able to set up his mates several times with some crafty passing skills. Anderson would look to bully defenders on the way to the cup or simply stop and pop and knockdown the jumper. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307863,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-29-11-8000AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-29-11-8000AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307863" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore a speedy and crafty point guard almost recorded a triple-double while Prep Hoops was in attendance. JJ is quick end to end with the ball in his hands. He was able to finish with both hands at the bucket while fighting off defenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This trio of Pharaohs should see plenty of recruitment come their way come this spring. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307869,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-29-53-3210AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-29-53-3210AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307869" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2305948' first='Ziyon' last='Gamble']</strong> - South Florence HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gamble plays so much bigger than his size on the floor. Ziyon always seems to be in the right place to make play for the Bruins. He was constantly around the ball on both ends of the court. Ziyon was able to drop some floaters or knockdown a perimeter jumper here today. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307876,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-30-26-7820AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-30-26-7820AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307876" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2307828' first='Jamarius' last='Williams'] </strong>- Marion HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams a left-handed off guard for the Swamp Foxes plays with a bit of a fearless attitude. Jamarius connected on several three-pointers today to ignite his teams win over South Florence HS. Williams wanted the ball all day long out on the perimeter. He was clutch from behind the three-point line and he made free throws in the process. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307871,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-32-05-4270AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-32-05-4270AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307871" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1444147' first='DaMario' last='Saxon']</strong> - North Augusta HS </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saxon helped the Yellow Jackets make it the Championship Game before falling to Quality Education Academy. DaMario was in the right place all day long to make plays for the Yellow Jackets. He shot the ball from a good clip from behind the line all week long. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2025 Top Performers: </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307873,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-30-42-0960AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-30-42-0960AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307873" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1149789' first='Tristan' last='Thompson']</strong> - Wilson HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thompson continues to keep getting better for the Wilson HS Tigers. Tristan brings good versatility to the floor with his ability to handle the rock, slash to the cup, rebound on both ends of the floor and make shots. Tristan does all that for the Tigers to make them go. Thompson has no problems taking a charge on command for the Tigers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307861,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-28-57-9490AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-28-57-9490AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307861" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sabree Scott</strong> - Quality Education Academy (NC)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Scott was a great addition to the QEA roster this season after playing at Mount Zion Prep (MD) a season ago. The Chester, PA native can really take off in transition. He really looks to excel attacking the cup with his athleticism. Sabree has good range out to the three-point line and surely don't leave him open - you will pay for it in return. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307865,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-32-36-1670AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-32-36-1670AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307865" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1215473' first='Shannon' last='Davis']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1959683' first='Xavier' last='Johnson']</strong> - Crestwood HS (Dalzell) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Knights duo had things clicking all night long from the backcourt for Head Coach Aric Samuel. Davis and Johnson really know how to play off one another very well from the backcourt. The duo combined for 10 three-pointers here tonight. Both players shoot the ball with good confidence and really seem to have selective shooting qualities. Davis and Jackson understand when to push the tempo or pull back the reins at times. Can the Knights make a push and win a Class 3A State Championship this season? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1444326' first='Landon' last='Wilson'] </strong>- Trinity Collegiate (Darlington)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson is certainly not the biggest player on the floor. He's the go-to guy for the Titans a SCISA Class 4A program. Landon will look to attack the gaps and paint when needed or simply pull-up for jumpers. He will take some tough contested shots at times, but he needs to do that for this squad to be successful. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307874,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-29-38-6110AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-29-38-6110AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307874" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1356316' first='Karon' last='Brown']</strong> - West Florence HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown is a new addition to the Knights this season after playing at nearby Lake City HS prior. Karon is a magnet on the glass and really does a nice job of rebounding the ball on both ends of the court and outside of his area. Brown has a long and lanky frame and tends to play his best hoops around the cup while remaining active at all times. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>2026-2027 Top Performers: </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2289958' first='Jordan' last='Rouse']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1875715' first='Toian' last='Nabriat']</strong> - North Augusta HS </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This duo really ignited the Yellow Jackets over Crestwood HS. Rouse made the big steal at the end of the game and secured the layup for the win. Jordan finished on contact all night long on the way to the cup. He played active in the passing lanes collecting steals and deflections. Rouse picked up 7 steals in the win over Crestwood HS while scoring 18 points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307875,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-31-16-4190AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-31-16-4190AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307875" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nabriat was able to penetrate-kick to open teammates on the way to the cup. Toian a combo guard really uses screens well to turn the corner and get by defenders at times. Nabriat finished with 6 assists in the game vs Crestwood HS. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307859,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-30-59-7620AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-30-59-7620AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307859" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1486211' first='Josh' last='Leonard']</strong> - Wilson HS (Florence)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leonard is the #1 player in the 2027 Palmetto State Class even though the rankings aren't out until Mid-March 2024. Josh does it all for the Tigers. Leonard will handle the rock up the floor like a point guard, rebound on both ends of the court, make plays in the half-court and simply just out hustle defenders at all times. Leonard plays with a BIG-TIME MOTOR. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2307868,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-29-25-4130AM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/eZy-Watermark_28-12-2023_09-29-25-4130AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2307868" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1931197' first='Josh' last='Gamble']</strong> - West Florence HS </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gamble has a knack to score the ball for the Knights. Josh is the go-to guy for the Knights, and he really embraces that role already as a freshman. Gamble will step-up and look to score the ball whenever needed while on the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Who DNP at the Pepsi Carolina Classic: </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1157438' first='Daron' last='Dunbar']</strong> and <strong>Tanner Harrell </strong>- Not in attendance for North Augusta HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1242304' first='Grant' last='Beaton']</strong> - West Florence HS - Injured </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1425907' first='Elijah' last='Smith']</strong> and<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1333159' first='Khristian' last='Bruce']</strong> - Wilson HS - Smith - Ankle and Bruce - Coach's Decision </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->