August Rankings Update: New 2028s Inside the Top 100

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>USE CODE “baxley30” FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the summer evaluation period in the books, several 2028 prospects have made strong impressions and strengthened their cases for a spot among South Carolina's best. After gaining valuable exposure and competing against high-level talent this summer with their High School and AAU teams, these players have earned their first appearance inside the Top 100. Here's a look at the new names joining the rankings in the August Update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3667293"],"_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-6a7c8700689e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The highest-ranked new addition to the Prep Hoops South Carolina Class of 2028 Rankings Update this month is [player_tooltip player_id='3667293' first='Mason' last='Nelums']. Nelums is an intriguing big man out of Fairfield Central High School, and he showed some good things between time with [program_tooltip program_id='2078753' first='Upward' last='Stars Columbia'] and [program_tooltip program_id='2134373' first='Team' last='USC Unleashed'] this summer. Mason has a good foundation as a finisher, rebounder, and screener, but there is some potential for him to become more skilled as a shooter and handler, hence the high placement in his debut. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2892803"],"_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-6a7c870068aa0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another debutant inside the Top 25 is Smith. Smith is one of the more physically developed 2028s in the state, standing at 6'5" with a strong frame and good athleticism. Noah showed flashes of three-level scoring this summer with Upward Columbia, proving to be an efficient finisher at the rim with his size and a confident jump shooter off the dribble or off the catch. Although a lot of his buckets come on spot-up opportunities, he is capable of creating for himself off the dribble with a good handle for his size. Look for Smith to have an immediate impact at his new school in 2026-27. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3663090"],"_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-6a7c870068b73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keeping it in the Columbia area, Kaleb checks in as one of the highest-ranked wings in the junior class. He is a guy I am high on and have been watching for a while, but this summer was the best look I've gotten at him yet. He was a key producer for C.A. Johnson in June, looking poised to step into a starting role for the defending 1A State Champs, and his combination of length and shooting is something that will be valuable for them and could have college coaches calling this time next year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3696060"],"_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-6a7c870068c05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jayden is a guy who went from completely off the radar to Top 5 Center in a very short period of time. He had a real breakout summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2842739' first='843' last='Tough'] and Ashley Ridge, improving week-by-week without having an extensive basketball background. Williamson has excellent instincts on both ends of the floor, particularly as a shot-blocker and a cutter, so as he continues to learn the game and become stronger, the sky is the limit for this young big man. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2849170"],"_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-6a7c870068cba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caden is one of the the class's true do-it-all guards. Listed at 6'0" with a strong frame, he is capable of defending multiple positions, chipping in on the glass, wearing down smaller matchups, and getting to the rim frequently. St. Charles is a weapon in transition and always brings a good balance of passing and scoring in the half-court, so he could push for an All-State spot in 3A if the Panthers have a big season as a team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2881253"],"_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-6a7c870068d3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Making a case for the biggest breakout junior this summer was this Loris wing. Camaury was stuck behind a talented senior class for the Lions a season ago, but he was a frequent standout for D4G on the Big Shots Circuit and showed some good things during the scholastic period. Jarrett brings an excellent combination of slashing and shooting, so if he can fill out his length with strength, he very well could end up as one of the most desirable wings in his class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3672111"],"_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-6a7c870068dba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3672111' first='Dalton' last='Hodges'] caps off the list of New 2028s to the Top 100 of the Prep Hoops South Carolina Rankings. Hodges has as high of a motor as you will find in the Palmetto State, which translates to tons of easy buckets around the rim and some huge rebounding numbers. He first caught my eye at the SCBCA Live Camp this June, but he followed that up with 16 PPG and 11 RPG in a 5-0 Live Period Weekend for [program_tooltip program_id='2078521' first='Palmetto' last='City Hurricanes'] in July, earning him a spot in the Top 100 of his class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Want to boost your ranking? The&nbsp;<strong>Prep Hoops Carolina Expo</strong>&nbsp;gives players an opportunity to compete against top talent, showcase their skills, and gain valuable exposure in front of&nbsp;<strong>Prep Hoops Scouts and College Coaches</strong>. 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