Hoop State Hoopsgiving – Friday Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With Thanksgiving holidays happening right now across the state, it's gameday eve for many young hoopers. Tomorrow we have the Hoopsgiving event in Raleigh, put on by the Hoop State Network, and it's shaping up to be a loaded event with plenty of talent. Take a look below at some of the standout players that will be participating in the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Guards</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1220115' first='Trevor' last='Best'] - Real fill it up type combo guard. Shifty and moves well east to west in transition to create space for layups/jumpers. High energy guy and a leader on the court of his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2232851' first='Elijah' last='Cathcart'] - Great spot up shooter and plays with the ball in or out of his hands the same way. Is smart, with good instincts for movement and cutting and reading penetration.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1165161' first='Joshua' last='Alford'] - Steady, playmaking guard that has good size and physical attributes to lead his group. Defends well at multiple spots and keeps the ball in front of him with quick feet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1361269' first='LJ' last='Rush'] - On the smaller side, but yet another 2026 point guard who is dynamic and explosive. Quick downhill and really sees the floor well from his spots. Capable shooter when left with time and space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1596874' first='Tayshaun' last='Whitner'] - Two way guard who can create, score, and defend his butt off. Really scrappy and makes opposing ball handlers work. Can create his own shot when he needs, but prefers to make plays for others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wings</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2092926' first='Michael' last='Phillips'] - Long, scoring wing that has improved his game immensely in the last 6-8 months. Really impactful defensively with his hustle and effort. Two-way presence for a group that's contending for a state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1350160' first='Jaevian' last='Alston'] - Fast and physical wing that makes things happen around the rim. Good touch/finishing ability around and through people at the bucket. Able to keep his head up and make the right plays in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1929721' first='Ethan' last='Reid'] - Physical at 6'3 and has a strong frame, but makes his mark as a shooter. Showed it last year in HS and AAU ball, and will look for him to both create for himself and get open off the ball and punish opposing teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1281015' first='Cole' last='Cloer'] - First thing with him that you notice is his length. Then, his explosiveness around the rim and in transition. Then, you realize he's got a very well-rounded offensive game that allows him to score whenever.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1931127' first='Jaiquan' last='Clay'] - Athletic wing/forward hybrid that can really guard 94 feet and guard 1-5. Impressive length and quickness allows him to do so.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1281016' first='Kingston' last='Beale'] - Strong, athletic 2 guard/wing type that is looking to get downhill and attack the rim. Still developing his perimeter game but is physically mature enough to be a force as a 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Forwards</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2209419' first='Jayden' last='Quaintance'] - Imposing, dominant big man that is headed to the NBA after his stint at Kentucky. Can create for himself, impressive strength and athleticism, and protects the rim like no one's business.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1410266' first='Gevonte' last='Ware'] - Hoping he'll be ready to make his debut this weekend, but he's a monstrously physical big with ball skills to boot. Can face up and take guys off the bounce, as well as just go up and dunk the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1704163' first='Gift' last='Moses'] - Undersized big, but makes up for it in intensity and leaping ability. An elite rim protector, especially inch for inch compared to others who are taller. Offensively not as talented, but makes the right play and finishes well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1343866' first='Clash' last='Peters'] - </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->