Big names and unknowns: A look at the talent around the state

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we check out some really good talent from around North Carolina. Some of these players have already made a name for themselves and looking to boost their stock, while others are looking to gain exposure and have breakout seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2896673"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691f96722eca0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2896673' first='Jayon' last='Connor'] has been one of the biggest early-season risers in the 2027 class. The physical, versatile wing has dominated with his rebounding prowess, downhill attack, and three-level scoring ability. He's routinely posting double-doubles and has earned MVP honors at multiple events, including a 40-point outburst against Caldwell Academy and leading FCDS to wins over strong competition. He excels using his relentless motor, transition play, and mismatch-creating size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Recruiting-wise, Connor recently picked up offers from Presbyterian and Coastal Carolina, with more expected as his stock surges. As a junior, he's already viewed as a high-major prospect in waiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1990406"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691f96722ed5b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1990406' first='Dacen' last='Petty'] has exploded onto the scene as one of North Carolina's premier shooters and scorers. The 6'5” guard torched defenses at the Phenom Tip-Off, dropping 31 points (including 6 threes) in a win over Davidson Day and earning MVP honors. His high-release jumper, shot-creation off the dribble, rebounding for his position, and multi-positional defense should have college coaches raving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Petty's versatility as a big guard who can handle, shoot deep, and finish has him firmly on college radars, with increased attention following his recent dominant stretch. He's a key reason Christ School remains a statewide powerhouse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1543489"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691f96722ede5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1543489' first='Kingston' last='Whitty'] brings nonstop energy and two-way impact every night. The athletic, physical point guard excels in transition, playmaking (seeing plays ahead), and tough defense. In Christ School's win over Davidson Day, he contributed 18 points alongside Petty's 31, while consistently adding rebounds, steals, and hustle plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2382809"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691f96722ee6a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2382809' first='Trevor' last='Manhertz'], a lengthy left-handed shooter, continues to showcase why he's one of the top 2027 wings nationally and in NC. His quick, high release makes him nearly unguardable from deep, and he's adding more creation and defensive disruption with his size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Recruitment is heating up: Manhertz has offers from schools like Charlotte, Northeastern, Old Dominion, and most recently Indiana, signaling big-time high-major interest. Expect his list to grow rapidly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1280981"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691f96722eef9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zy'Vaughn Puckett remains a dynamic three-level scorer at the public school level. His shifty handle, explosion to the rim, and physicality on both ends make him a consistent bucket-getter and defender. Puckett's decision-making in transition and ability to create separation keep him as one of the top 2026 guards in the state, watch for more noise as Panther Creek's schedule ramps up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Riak Chol","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Winston-Salem Christian","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691f96722f01f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Riak Chol has brought his athleticism and scoring versatility to a loaded Winston-Salem Christian squad in the Elite Prep League. The lengthy wing excels as a three-level threat, with strong recent performances including 25 points vs. AOA and 16 vs. Highland at the EPL Tip-Off (averaging 20.5 PPG early). He uses his length for rebounds, disruption on defense, and highlight finishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chol holds D1 offers and is positioned for a breakout national season on a talented Prep team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ned Brammal","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77245","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Winston-Salem Christian","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691f96722f129"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ned Brammall brings elite size and versatility to an already talented frontcourt. Long, wiry 6'9” frame with outstanding lateral quickness, moves his feet like a guard, stays in front of smaller players, and has shown legitimate switchability 1-through-5. Blocks shots at a high rate with timing and length, while providing rim protection without fouling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Offensively, Brammall is a high-level shooter with deep range and a quick trigger. Thrives in pick-and-pop situations, spacing the floor to 25+ feet and punishing bigs who can't close out. High motor, who flies around the court and brings infectious energy. Projects as a modern stretch-4 who can guard multiple positions at the college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2743619"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691f96722f1b8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most physically imposing sophomores in the country. A 6'9” post with a big frame, long arms, and real strength. Hall already dominates the paint on both ends: seals deep for easy buckets, finishes through contact with either hand, and overwhelms smaller bigs in the post. Excellent rebounder in traffic who starts transition with outlets. Defensively, he anchors Davidson Day's frontcourt and makes their 2-3 zone suffocating while also altering everything at the rim and cleaning the glass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Opened the season with 18 points in a blowout win and has the look of the most dominant true big in North Carolina regardless of class. The frame, power, and motor scream high-major center long-term. Early stock is skyrocketing, and 2028 kids this big and this physical don't grow on trees.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->