2023 Rankings: A Look at the New Faces, Part I

The talent is rich and continues to show itself in North Carolina’s 2023 class. Here’s a look at the new faces in the latest rankings update. 

No. 56 Ashton Troutman Ashton Troutman 6'7" | SF Uwharrie | 2023 State NC - Uwharrie Charter Academy

Troutman led the scoring and rebounding attack for Uwharrie Charter in 2020-21. He posted 16.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 1.0 spg while showing off his ability as a force in the paint. He shot 68 percent from the field while using his size at 6-foot-7 to show off what he could do around the rim.

No. 59 Anthony Breland Anthony Breland 6'3" | CG Moravian Prep | 2023 NC - Charlotte Elite Academy

Breland is a guard prospect that’s relentless at getting to his spots and scoring the ball on all three levels. He put up 27.0 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.8 spg and 1.6 apg in the Charlotte Elite backcourt. He shot 46 percent from the field while showing off his 3-point prowess as well, though his efficiency has room for improvement. He’s a long guard at 6-foot-3 that competes on both ends. 

No. 71 Sterling Vaughn Sterling Vaughn 6'0" | CG Glenn | 2023 NC - Glenn

Glenn High School had a strong 2020-21 campaign thanks to the contributions of Sterling Vaughn Sterling Vaughn 6'0" | CG Glenn | 2023 NC . He led the scoring attack for them this season posting 15.6 ppg while shooting 36 percent from the field. He’s a volume shooter that’s slowly finding his way in the backcourt for the Bobcats. 

No. 74 Jamir Wright Jamir Wright 6'1" | CG South Central | 2023 State NC - South Central

Wright saw his role grow a ton in the South Central rotation where he posted 7.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg and 2.3 apg in the backcourt. As he finds ways to become more efficient with the ball in his hands, look for his stock to continue to grow. He’s already an athletic slasher that finishes well in traffic. 

No. 76 Aaron Hall Aaron Hall 6'8" | PF Combine Academy | 2023 SC - Northside Christian Academy

Hall is an underrated post prospect who’s just scratching the surface at Northside Christian Academy. He’s got good length and athleticism for his size already at 6-foot-8 that he uses well to be a presence around the rim on both ends. As he establishes himself as a paint presence, look for his stock to grow even more this spring/summer.

No. 78 Josiah Watkins Josiah Watkins 6'3" | PG Piedmont Classical | 2023 State NC - Burlington Christian Academy

Watkins played as a strong backcourt piece to Brock Williams Brock Williams 6'0" | CG Bethel Christian Academy | 2021 State NC this season at Burlington Christian Academy. He’s an active slasher and playmaker that put up 15.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.4 spg and 3.0 apg in his sophomore season while shooting 53 percent from the field and 34 percent from 3-point range. He’s a wiry guard at 6-foot-2 that gets after it on both ends.