Carolinas Freshman Showcase: Team 5 Evaluations

Andrew Baxley September 10, 2025 @ 10:15 AM

USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   The 2025 Prep Hoops Carolinas Freshman Showcase and Top 250 Expo were held in Rock Hill, South Carolina on Saturday. This is one of the best days of the year because there were over 150 of the best prospects from North Carolina and South Carolina competing under one roof. Take a look at my Freshman Showcase Team 3 Evaluations:   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   #10 [player_tooltip player_id='2894967' first='Carlos' last='Parker Jr'] (South Florence) - First up on the list of Team 5 Evaluations is [player_tooltip player_id='2894967' first='Carlos' last='Parker Jr']. He was a nice piece in the backcourt for the squad because of his well-rounded skillset. Carlos plays through contact, makes good decisions with the ball, has good touch at the rim, and is a solid perimeter shooter.   #348 [player_tooltip player_id='2958566' first='Landen' last='Carpenter'] (Fox Creek) - Carpenter was one of the premier shooters at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase. He projects as a 3&D piece long-term because of his shooting ability and intriguing length, but he also showed comfort as a ball-handler and finisher when run off the perimeter.   #349 [player_tooltip player_id='2897678' first='Cayden' last='Kim'] (Durham Academy) - Cayden is another player who added lots of spacing to the Team 2 offense. He was very effective in the corners and from deep range beyond the wings. Kim chipped in with a few floaters and pull-up shots in the mid-range as well.   #412 [player_tooltip player_id='2957616' first='Jacob' last='Gibson'] (Clover) - Gibson had a few nice moments as a facilitator in Rock Hill. Although he's on the small size right now, Jacob is extremely quick and shifty, which bodes well for when he matures physically. He is definitely a Guard to know down the line out of the Palmetto State.   #414 [player_tooltip player_id='2919832' first='Rylan' last='Berry'] (Williamsburg Academy) - Rylan left a good first impression on me at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase. The Williamsburg Academy product was a nice piece for his squad on the offensive end, knocking down several threes, as well as having a few transition scores.   #490 [player_tooltip player_id='2954691' first='Ja'zir' last='Golden'] (Sumter) - Golden looks the part of a future star for a loaded Sumter High School Class of 2029. He is extremely aggressive with the ball in his hands, playing the game with good bounce and size as he attacks the rim. Ja'zir is also a capable playmaker and perimeter shooter.   #619 [player_tooltip player_id='2872623' first='RJ' last='Oakes'] (Covenant Day) - RJ made his presence felt around the rim on both ends of the floor in Rock Hill. He has great hands, which translate from his skills on the football field, and he keeps them active on defense and as the roll man on offense. Oakes will use his athleticism to protect the rim and clean the glass, too.   #672 [player_tooltip player_id='2419233' first='Kai' last='Lowery'] (Northwestern) - Lowery is an elite playmaker at a young age. He does a nice job of keeping teammates involved with a tight handle and good vision, while also creating shots for himself across the floor. Keep an eye out for my Freshman Favorites Article for a deeper breakdown on Lowery's game.   712 [player_tooltip player_id='2469365' first='Sullivan' last='Templeton'] (Wando) - Rounding out the Team 5 Evaluations is [player_tooltip player_id='2469365' first='Sullivan' last='Templeton']. Templeton will also make it into my Freshman Favorites Article, but he has very good size, post skill, body control, and rebounding instincts for a rising Freshman.

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