John Wall Holiday Invitational Preview: 5 Names To Know (Part 1)
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Christmas is right around the corner and so is the John Wall Holiday Invitational, one of North Carolina’s best Holiday Tournament. The tournament brings together some of the best teams in North Carolina along with some of the best around…
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Continue ReadingChristmas is right around the corner and so is the John Wall Holiday Invitational, one of North Carolina’s best Holiday Tournament. The tournament brings together some of the best teams in North Carolina along with some of the best around the country. Here are some of the underrated names to know in the Day’ron Sharpe bracket
Ashton King Ashton King 6’4″ | CG Myers Park | 2025 State NC is a 6’4 guard playing for Myers Park out of Charlotte, NC. With players such as Sadiq White, 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 on your team, it is easy to go under the radar, but the young man has big time game in his own right. Offensively, he can score at all 3 levels. If you sag off, he will knock down threes at a high clip. If you try to play him tight, he has the handle to get to his spot in the mid range and elevate over you. If you close out too aggressively, he will blow by you and finish at the rim. He is also a playmaker for his teammates. He brings energy and motor defensively where you may see him guard in the post or on the perimeter. He has quick hands which allows him to get his share of steals and deflections. He is definitely one to watch during the tournament and throughout the rest of his season.
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Thomas Johnson is a part of the Big 3 down a at reigning 4A state champ Christ School. He is a versatile offensive player. If you allow him to get down hill, more often that not it will end with him finishing with two points. He is also a versatile shooter with the ability to catch and shoot as well as be a movement shooter. Defensively, he is a pest. He uses good positional awareness and quick hands and feet to create steals and deflections. He also is a good rebounder for his position. He will be another player to keep an eye on during the tournament and for the rest of his season.
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Gorham is the 5’10 point guard for Highland Hawks out of VA. He is a dynamic player that stays in attack mode. That attack mentality affords him the opportunity to touch the paint and create for himself and for others. He has mastered the in between game, where he displays an array of shot making ability including floaters and mid-range jumpers. He also displays the ability to be catch and shoot with range.
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While Jaevian Alston Jaevian Alston 6’6″ | SF Word of God Varsity | 2025 State NC is not an underrated name, he is a player deserving of more attention. Standing 6’6, he has the ability score at all 3 levels. He has the ballhandling and athleticism to blow past his defender and finish at the rim. He has the ability to step out and shoot the 3. Defensively, uses his length and athleticism to pressure the ball and get out into passing lanes for steals and deflections. He is definitely one to watch.
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One of the toughest guards in Wake County. He is an electric guard that has the IQ to match. In the open court, he is a blur. In the half-court, he can pick you apart with his passing and court vision or with his ability to play at his pace and get to his spots.