2028 Rankings: Primary Producers

Rankings, especially underclassmen can always be super fickle with the balancing of potential and production. Typically rankings skew their value towards potential early with live game production mattering more and more as the kids get older. In NC's stacked 2028 class there are a bevy of guys amongst the ranked that produce at an elite level and that's who we're going to focus on right here!    Montgomery is a guy that is efficient in essentially every setting, a proven winner, and a guy with the ability to make shots at a really high level. He is a legit threat to lead the UAA 16u division in scoring with Top Shot who is off to a 6-2 start to their season on UAA. Montgomery is a little smaller so he's likely to steadily rise through the rankings over the next two seasons but there's no doubt that he's on the short list of guys I'd pick to win a game right now. Montgomery has deep range on his jumper and a slick handle to create space when shaking defenders off the bounce. He also can really run a team, generate offense for his teammates, and make good decisions with the ball in transition. He's gotten stronger to play through more contact and will continue to be a guy worth tracking closely in this stacked 2028 class.     Shatley is a guy in NC's 2028 class that might not grab all of the headlines but has been consistently productive and well rounded in every setting we've seen him in. He was near the top of the NCHSAA 2A classification in 3s made and as a 6'4" wing is more than just a spot up shooter out there. Shatley has a nose for the ball, the ability to attack a closeout and make a play off the bounce, along with being a vocal leader for his team. When with the Court Kings 16u group, Shatley is constantly hitting outside shots, connecting the dots at both ends of the floor, and winning 50/50 battles. He's a bonafide next level prospect and should be monitored as such.     Howze is a versatile wing that can do so many different things to help a team over the course of a game. Howze is capable of initiating offense at his size which allows him to see over defenders to make the proper read. He can make outside shots but is at his best when getting downhill where he excels at finishing through traffic. Howze plays super hard all of the time and that really shows on the defensive end where he acts as this teams perimeter stopper. He uses his lateral quickness and long arms to disrupt opposing guards and wings throughout the game. Howze is a classic well rounded wing guard that is molding himself into potentially a division one player. His well rounded production is a huge part of what he does.     Torrence is a super productive and well rounded player that is improving every single time we see him. Whether he's suiting up for Metrolina Christian or Warriors Elite, Torrence's inside/out skill, nose for the ball, and ability to exploit mismatches is on full display. Torrence can really heat up off the catch where he is a sniper from beyond the arc. He also possesses the necessary skill and footwork to attack a closeout or take a smaller guard down to the post. Torrence is consistently scoring from every level, contributing on the glass, and making plays for his teammates within the flow of the offense. He plays the game the right way and gives real effort at all times, combining that with his skill/physical gifts is why he's amongst the top 50 in a stacked class like this.     Dulin is a very productive part of whatever team he's suiting up for whether it's Team Pittman 16u or Davie County HS. Dulin is a super athletic and versatile wing that is constantly around the basketball and looking to make plays. Dulin is consistently above the rim in transition where he's constantly looking to put pressure on the opposition. Dulin is also a very capable self creator and has established spots on the floor where he's a really efficient shooter. Defensively, Dulin brings a nastiness and energy to the game that you love to see, and it makes sense that he's a football player when you watch him defend. It'll be interesting to track Dulin's development but he's clearly making a name for himself in this absolutely stacked 2028 class here in North Carolina.     We've seen Baker play in big games as an underclassmen at TBS and then he made the move to Burlington Christian and he showed the ability to be a primary scoring option as a shot maker. He's also proving to be a very valuable piece with Top Shot UAA 16u as a reliable shooter and someone that can mix it up on the glass with his size. Baker has a smooth game with a picturesque release on his jumper from deep. He's capable as a secondary creator and someone that is more than comfortable pulling up in the mid-range off the bounce. He helps this team execute their offense with his movement and passing along with being such a reliable shooter like we mentioned. Baker continues to develop his game and should be looked at as a potential riser in these 2028 rankings moving forward.

Rankings, especially underclassmen can always be super fickle with the balancing of potential and production. Typically rankings skew their value towards potential early with live game production mattering more and more as the kids get older. In NC's stacked 2028 class there are a bevy of guys amongst the ranked that produce at an elite level and that's who we're going to focus on right here!