John Wall Invitational Day 1 Standouts
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The John Wall Invitational reigns as NC’s top high school basketball event, drawing the nation’s best to Raleigh annually. Day one showcased outstanding talent, emphasizing the event’s reputation for high-level competition. Chance Mallory VA #2 PG #1 HEIGHT 5'10" POS…
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Continue ReadingThe John Wall Invitational reigns as NC’s top high school basketball event, drawing the nation’s best to Raleigh annually. Day one showcased outstanding talent, emphasizing the event’s reputation for high-level competition.
Chance Mallory Chance Mallory 5’10” | PG St. Anne’s Belfield | 2025 State #73 Nation VA , the top point guard in Virginia at 5’9, made a strong impact at The John Wall Invitational during day 1. Mallory’s lightning speed with the ball allowed him to navigate the floor effectively, and his strong frame enabled him to absorb contact and create opportunities. He displayed confidence in shooting from outside, opening up gaps for him to attack and create off the dribble. Mallory had an outstanding performance on day 1, finishing with a triple-double 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. With such a remarkable season, his national ranking is likely to continue rising.
The top shooting guard in North Carolina’s class of 2025 delivered an impressive performance in his Day 1 matchup against The Burlington School. Despite the loss, he showcased the qualities that make high-major programs keen on his potential. Shooting an efficient 10-14 from the floor, he displayed a strategic approach by not settling for threes but rather getting to his preferred spots on the court. Additionally, he capitalized on transition opportunities and demonstrated proficiency from the free-throw line. The player’s well-rounded effort was further highlighted by contributing 11 rebounds, showcasing his commitment and versatility on both ends of the court.
Zymicah Wilkins, who had a strong summer with Team United , continues to impress in high school with Christ School. Known for his efficiency, Wilkins utilizes his size and strength effectively to secure quality scoring opportunities. His mobility, willingness to space the floor, and occasional ability to create off the bounce highlight his versatility. Wilkins demonstrates a keen understanding of where to position himself for scoring, showcasing a reliable touch on the floor. Notably, he utilizes his size on both ends of the glass, contributing to an impressive performance of 21 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 60% from the floor against a formidable Word of God team on day one.
Jayden Quaintance Jayden Quaintance 6’9″ | C Word of God | 2024 State #11 Nation NC stands out as arguably the athlete with the most long-term potential in the entire event, boasting 5-star status. His exceptional feel for the game, athleticism, impressive measurements, and advanced skill set set him apart. Quaintance displays a mature approach to the game, avoiding forced shots, showcasing patience in decision-making, and excelling on both ends of the floor. Even when his offense isn’t at its peak, he has the ability to impact games significantly through his defensive prowess. In a strong showing despite the loss, Quaintance finished with 21 points (7-14 FG) and 8 rebounds, further emphasizing his well-rounded impact on the court.
Jordan Page Jordan Page 6’4″ | SF Broughton | 2027 State NC , a 6’4 guard in the class of 2027, left a lasting impression at the John Wall tournament with a tremendous performance. Fearlessly playing, he displayed confidence in knocking down mid-range shots and showcased great activity on the boards. Page’s strong driving ability to the rim, coupled with athleticism and good length, highlights his versatility on the court. Finishing with 20 points and 7 rebounds, his promising performance indicates that he is a player worth closely monitoring for future developments.
Julian Rivera Julian Rivera 6’1″ | PG Highland | 2025 State VA exhibited remarkable energy and effort on the floor, making significant contributions to his team’s performance. Notably, his strong rebounding for his position, tallying 11 rebounds, showcased his tenacity and ability to secure possessions. Rivera’s effectiveness in going after loose balls and providing solid defense further bolstered the team’s efforts. Additionally, his scoring ability proved crucial, as he efficiently scored 17 points on 8-15 shooting from the floor. Rivera’s well-rounded contributions highlighted his impact on both ends of the court, making him a key asset for the team. More mid-major and low-major division 1 schools should be taking a look.
Highlights
In the first half against Highland School, 6’4 Alex Olander Alex Olander 6’4″ | SF Millbrook | 2024 State NC from the class of 2024 delivered an impressive and efficient performance, shooting an impressive 7-11 from the floor. Olander effectively utilized his strength and versatility to maintain pressure on the opposing defense. His hard work, strategic positioning, and well-rounded skills were evident, enabling him to contribute effectively across all three levels of the game. Olander’s ability to impact the game both inside and outside showcased his overall basketball proficiency. He finished with 25 points and 8 rebounds.
Sadiq White, a 6’9 prospect, showcased his talent with an impressive performance, posting 21 points and 9 rebounds on an efficient 9-11 shooting from the floor. As a high-major prospect, White is recognized for having his best days ahead of him. Demonstrating continuous improvement each year, he has emerged as a top 30 prospect nationally. White combines excellent athleticism with a strong basketball IQ and decision-making skills. His purposeful movement without the ball and outstanding defensive capabilities, both inside and out, contribute significantly to his impact on the game. White’s potential for growth in his game positions him as a player to watch closely at the next level. His contributions played a key role in Myers Park securing a 66-38 victory over Garner.
Highlights
Austin showcased as one of the more exciting scorers in the state had an outstanding performance, finishing with 20 points on an impressive 9-12 shooting from the floor, including 2-3 from behind the arc. His efficiency, ability to capitalize on defensive opportunities, and knack for creating steals that translated into easy offensive chances were notable highlights. While widely recognized for his scoring prowess, this player’s defensive capabilities often go overlooked. He demonstrated his two-way versatility by finishing the day with 6 steals, primarily generated through his active presence in passing lanes and press defense. The well-rounded display during Day 1 of The John Wall showcased both scoring excellence and defensive impact.
Highlights
Nate Ament Nate Ament 6’8″ | SF Highland | 2025 State #12 Nation VA , standing at 6’9 and holding a 4-star status, emerged as a long-term prospect to watch closely. His impressive performance on Day 1, coupled with a multitude of Division I offers, underscored the reasons for the attention he’s receiving. Ament demonstrated consistency throughout all four quarters, exhibiting the ability to play effectively in physical situations. His versatile skill set, including confident ball handling and outside shooting, was on full display. Ament showcased his comfort in both facing up and seeking opportunities with his back to the basket. Despite the loss to Millbrook, he poured in an impressive 20 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 50% from the floor. Ament’s confidence in various aspects of his game makes him a promising prospect with the potential to excel at all levels.