Good Guys Vs Cancer: Best of The Best

Continuing our coverage from Good Guys Vs Cancer, an incredible event every year in the Outer Banks put on by First Flight Head Coach and Athletic Director Chad Williams. The event raises major money for The American Cancer Society every year and hosts some of the top talent in the nation. Let's take a look at some of the top performances we saw from this weekend!    Simply put, [player_tooltip player_id='1280933' first='Kobe' last='Edwards'] is playing the best basketball of his life right now. The blend of progression both physically and in his touch from the outside have allowed him to look like his best self. Always an unselfish player, Edwards is operating so freely as a passer. He has deep off the bounce range, keeping defenses honest and giving him more lanes to make plays off the bounce for himself or others. Kobe's continued progression into this version of himself has been incredible to see, he has stayed diligent, he trusts his game and his teammates, allowing him to unlock their abilities as well. It is all coming together for Edwards and Greenfield as they embark on a state title journey, if he can keep this up, good luck stopping them. Elon looks smarter and smarter every weekend for going all in on the PG from Wilson.     Well, this is one of the most intriguing prospects I've had the chance to watch at the HS level in my nearly 15 years around the sport. He has grown from 6'4" to 6'8" as a true to age sophomore and his frame has adjusted remarkably well to the growth spurt. He has an absurdly refined mid-range game that allows him to really exploit the mismatches in front of him. He showed tremendous defensive versatility as he's still learning some of the front-court responsibilities on that end of the floor. He can soar above the rim in transition, knock down catch and shoot 3s, and does all of it within the flow of the offense. Smith epitomizes the basketball phrase "swiss army knife" he is capable of impacting the game in so many ways while still just scratching the surface. Hard to imagine a world where he doesn't finish in the top 15 nationally in this class.     Johnson is my vote from Most Improved Player in North Carolina for the 25-26 season up to this point and his performance at Good Guys vs Cancer showed everyone why. There isn't a week in the season for First Flight where the lights are brighter and Johnson delivered a signature performance on Saturday night while being a truly steady presence for his team all week long. Johnson finished with 25 Points, 13 Rebounds, and 10 Assists in the win for First Flight over Living Water Christian. Johnson's ability to get downhill, dominate the glass for a guard, and just instill toughness in his teammates make him incredibly valuable for Chad Williams and First Flight. The system allows Johnson to push the pace at all times and make plays getting to the basket where he's unstoppable without a lot of help. Expect Johnson and First Flight to go on a deep run in the 4A East and continue to pick up steam in recruiting.     I mean... who doesn't love a 6'6" hyper-athlete that can dribble, pass, and shoot a little bit? That is what we have with [player_tooltip player_id='2523139' first='Jarryn' last='Payne'] and I really think that the Bryant Football Commit has a chance to get some basketball attention before he graduates in about 6 months. Payne is a vital piece to this Washington team that looks like the 4A East favorite. He helps protect the room, provide vertical spacing on the offensive end, all while being a true 94 foot presence with his ability to float around and make plays. He possesses incredible basketball instincts, he knows where to be, anticipating plays before they happen at both ends of the floor. He's a true 99th% athlete that has instincts, a solid foundational level of skill, and a real motor. That is exactly what a lot of schools will be looking for in late additions, I have a feeling Mr.Payne will have some options with the kind of schedule and playoff run Washington looks to have lined up.     [player_tooltip player_id='1571119' first='King' last='Kendrick'] operates with elite pace and feel at all times. He's the kind of PG that has the opposing coach screaming his lungs out to "stop the freaking ball". The end to end speed that Kendrick possesses is a truly unique at this level and will absolutely translate to college. The beautiful thing is his ability to change speeds at the right times, he knows when to keep or get rid of the ball, and does an incredible job keeping all of his other teammates satisfied with their touches. He's a true blur in transition that completely changes the flow of the game when he's in control. The jumper didn't really fall the way he wanted to, but as that gets more consistent, the driving lanes will only be more and more available to King. He's looking to help lead Caldwell to a second straight NCISAA 2A title, and his game looks ready for the challenge.

Continuing our coverage from Good Guys Vs Cancer, an incredible event every year in the Outer Banks put on by First Flight Head Coach and Athletic Director Chad Williams. The event raises major money for The American Cancer Society every year and hosts some of the top talent in the nation. Let's take a look at some of the top performances we saw from this weekend!