Carolina Cup: 16U Gamechangers

This content series is sponsored by GameChanger - The Official Scorekeeping, Stats, Team Management & Technology Partner of Prep Hoops.

The Carolina Cup produced a number of GameChangers from the state of North Carolina and surrounding areas. Take a look at the 16U Gamechangers from this past weekend’s event on the PrepHoops Circuit stage. 

Stephen Quinn Stephen Quinn 6'2" | SG Westminster Catawba | 2024 State SC - 6’1 Guard - Team Charlotte 2024

Quinn set quite the tone from beginning to end of the Carolina Cup as a gamechanger in the Team Charlotte 2024 rotation. He showed off his ability to play either guard role as a defensive-stopper and sharpshooter across two days of basketball this past weekend, knocking down a total of six 3-pointers in his final outing for his squad. He’ll be a growing name to know in the state soon enough with his abilities.

Chasz Holmes Chasz Holmes 5'11" | PG Parkview | 2024 State GA - 5’10 Guard - No Excuses Elite 2024

It didn’t take Holmes long to make his presence felt as a gamechanger in the No Excuses Elite 2024 rotation with his ability to make things happen on the perimeter and beyond. He finished the weekend as a top shooter and scorer when it was all said and done with his ability to make things happen on all three levels. He had multiple games where he led the scoring attack and knocked down multiple 3-pointers across his four-game stint. 

Brendan Abell Brendan Abell 6'2" | SF Severna Park | 2024 State MD - 6’1 Guard - DMV Stags 2024

Abell was a name to know as a gamechanger for the DMV Stags 2024 backcourt as he led their offense all weekend long at the Carolina Cup. He came up with a big performance on Day 1 with 27 points, including a four-point play as time winded down in regulation to force overtime, while knocking down five 3-pointers in that one. He was a top shooter on the weekend and did well to show his upside as an all-around scorer and leader on the offensive end of the floor.

Miles Beard Miles Beard 6'3" | CG Moravian Prep | 2025 NC - 6’2 Guard - Team Charlotte 2024

Beard is quite the game-changing 3-and-D prospect given his ability to defend multiple roles on the floor and knock down 3-pointers with his ability to get open without the ball in his hands. He was impressive in their opening game as he played sharpshooter with five made 3-pointers in their early victory and by the end of the weekend, he was using his ability to force turnovers on defense to set others up for scores as his squad went 4-0 at the Carolina Cup. He continues to show his growth in NC’s 2024 class.

Jordan Jones Jordan Jones 6'4" | SF Kinston | 2024 State NC - 6’4 Wing/Forward - East Carolina Elite 2024

Jones was one of two names that ran things as a gamechanger in the East Carolina Elite 2024 rotation. He showed off a ton of versatility with his ability to attack the rim with authority and knock down shots on the perimeter with consistency. He didn’t hesitate to create off the bounce either and get to the free-throw line. He looks like he’s next in line out of Kinston High.

Amari Latham Amari Latham 6'5" | PF Goldsboro | 2024 State NC - 6’5 Forward - East Carolina Elite 2024

Latham was the other standout gamechanger in the East Carolina Elite 2024 rotation given what he can do at 6-foot-5. He’s developing at either forward spot as he continues to show he can score around the rim and paint area. He flies around for blocks and rebounds defensively as well, making him quite the energy guy on the floor. As he continues to develop his game, he’ll be one to keep an eye on out of Wayne Prep.

Calvin Charles - 6’4 Forward - Florida Elite SW 2024

Charles continues to be a name to know in the Florida Elite SW 2024 rotation with his motor and style of play. He’s another versatile prospect in the 2024 class that’s shown he can handle the ball, finish around the rim and create on the perimeter with his length and frame at 6-foot-4. He set quite the tone for his squad as they almost played spoiler in an early 8AM matchup with Team Charlotte. 

Elijah Thomas - 6’3 Forward/Center - Man II Man Soldiers 2024

Thomas has a style of play that’s comparable to that of a quiet storm brewing as he showed this past weekend with Man II Man Soldiers 2024. He was a burden to handle in the paint area when it was all said and done with his ability to battle on the boards, finish around the rim and make things difficult for opposing defenders. His ability to create contact get to the free-throw line was on display as well.

Jaden Brock - 6’5 Power Forward/Center - Tribe ATL 2024 (LEE)

Brock was an impressive gamechanger for Tribe ATL 2024 as good things typically happened when the ball came his way at the Carolina Cup. He had a number of big finishes in traffic and around the rim to show off his ability to operate at the 4/5 spot in the frontcourt. As he continues to show his growth on the PH Circuit, he’ll be one to keep eyes on out of North Gwinnett High in Georgia.

Adonai Mussie Adonai Mussie 6'9" | C Meadowcreek | 2024 State GA - 6’9 Forward/Center - No Excuses Elite 2024

Mussie is another 2024 prospect out of Georgia that showed his growth on the defensive side of the ball for No Excuses Elite 2024 this past weekend at the Carolina Cup. He showed his prowess as a rim-protector with the game on the line in strong meeting with Pistons Elite and Shayah Goba in their final game, which ended in a victory. As he shows off his length, look for his stock to continue to grow in the 2024 class.

Malachi Mercy - 6’0 Guard - Man II Man Soldiers 2024

Mercy was the other standout gamechanger in the Man II Man Soldiers rotation, though most of his damage was done from the backcourt. He’s a wiry guard prospect that liked to get downhill and put constant pressure on defenders to stop him or it would be a long game, as was the case in their final game of the event, as he posted 32 points along with six made 3-pointers to show off his three-level ability. He’s a name out of Fairfax High to keep eyes on.