Five Breakout Names at the Carolinas Freshman Showcase

<!-- 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>The Carolinas Freshman Showcase provided an early look at the next wave of talent in the Class of 2030. While some names entered the event with established recognition, others used the opportunity to introduce themselves to the Prep Hoops scouting community or show a new level to their game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These five players caught my attention as names to keep a close eye on moving forward. Here are <strong>Five Breakout Names from the Carolinas Freshman Showcase</strong>:</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":["3733643"],"_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-6a96e8d5c3366"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3733643' first='Jaylen' last='Harmon'] leads off this list of breakout players at the Carolinas Freshman Showcase. This was my first introduction to Harmon and his game, and he left a great first impression on me. He was excellent at speed all game long, getting out in transition and beating defenders off the dribble. Along with his pace with the ball, Jaylen has a balanced offensive game with an ability to set others up, finish creatively at the rim, or knock down jump shots. Harmon is definitely a name to know out of South Carolina's 2030 Class going forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2566639"],"_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-6a96e8d5c339b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another Columbia-area guard who showed out in Rock Hill is Davis. I was familiar with Charles coming into the camp, but this was the closest I was able to follow him - and he didn't disappoint. He is a quick and shifty guard who gets to the rim and finishes effectively. He is also a solid shot-maker, which allowed him to stay effective while playing off the ball. Defensively, Charles' quickness translates to containing the ball, along with active hands that make life difficult for opposing matchups. Keep an eye out for this Ridge View guard to be one of their next guys up in a few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2329433"],"_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-6a96e8d5c33be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2329433' first='Jayden' last='Bland'] was a name we had listed as a potential emerging player going into the Freshman Showcase, and he backed up the hype with a terrific showing on Sunday. He was one of the better guards across the entire event, excelling with a high motor on both ends of the floor. His defense seemed to ignite his offense, particularly in 5-on-5 games when he was one of his team's more reliable scorers. He did so at all three levels of the floor, including an impressive ability to finish at the rim around bigger bodies. Jayden could be an important piece for Hillcrest this year, so it was good to see him at his best this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3694677"],"_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-6a96e8d5c33dd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Don't let the size fool you with Gantt - he was one of the most fearless drivers and effective playmakers in the gym Sunday. Drew stood out in both 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 play, balancing scoring and playmaking at an efficient rate. In 3-on-3, he had a lot more of the ball in his hands, which allowed him to run the pick-and-roll, drive and kick to shooters, or dump off to guys around the rim, but in 5-on-5, he was a little more free to be a scorer. He looked good in both roles and is definitely a guy I want to watch more over the next few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3656401"],"_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-6a96e8d5c3401"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3656401' first='Michael' last='Perkins'] rounds out my list of breakout names from the Carolinas Freshman Showcase. Perkins' shooting was one of the most eye-catching parts of 5-on-5 play, as his ability to consistently knock down catch-and-shoot looks provided tons of space for some other elite guards to work. He did more than just stand in the corner and shoot, though - he moved without the ball, hustled for boards on both sides of the ball, and simply played the right way. May River is in a transition year right now, but they have some nice young pieces, including Michael, who are at the core of a bright future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->