NCISAA Playoff Time: 3A Prospects to Monitor (Part One)

The private school playoffs start off tonight and there's a ton of talent to monitor as we look at one of the more traditionally strong classifications over the years. If you're not subscribed to PrepHoopsNC, use code Miles30 to get a discount on your first billing cycle! Without further delay, let's take a look at some of the prospects to watch in the NCISAA 3A classification.    Giant has been such a steady two way presence in the Greensboro Day backcourt with his feel for the game, positional size, and vastly improved consistency from beyond the arc being the qualities that stand out the most. Greensboro Day has positioned themselves quite well at 33-2 and the top overall seed in the NCISAA 3A division. Giant does an incredible job sharing the backcourt with talented Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2194791' first='Micah' last='Gunter']. He finds himself available for catch and shoot 3s, those shots he's starting to knock down with more and more efficiency. He's a presence on the glass, often grabbing the ball and pushing the break, and really embraces having a monster matchup defensively where he takes great pride in his work at that end of the floor. Greensboro Day is a massive favorite to come home with another 3A title, adding to the crowded trophy case that Freddy Johnson has accumulated. Giant's game translates to the next level and will undoubtedly get more and more attention if GDS can fulfill their mission.     Minlend is one of the best prospects in North Carolina that doesn't get talked about enough and he's helped Concord Academy to a 27-2 record, the #2 overall seed in NCISAA 3A, and the group that find themselves as the biggest threat to knock off Greensboro Day. Minlend is averaging 13.7 Points, 4.0 Rebounds, 2.2 Assists, 1.7 Steals, and 0.6 Blocks per game on the season. He's doing all of that on 55/29/65 splits from the floor. Minlend's percentage from beyond the arc is something that I believe will increase with time due to how smooth his mid-range game is. He's got a great bag of tricks in the mid-post that allow him to separate from defenders for tough buckets. He's got a great foundational skillset, physical tools, and is clearly bought in on this teams success and his role within the group. Minlend is a guy that will be a sneaky Gatorade Player of the Year candidate as a senior if he can continue progressing at this rate. For Concord Academy to on a run, Minlend showing early signs of taking a leap will be of great benefit.     Makoi is a high upside big man in NC's 2028 class that has been a steady complimentary producer and defensive anchor this season at Gaston Christian. With a 26-6 record on the season, Gaston Christian is the #3 overall seed in the NCISAA 3A bracket. Makoi is averaging 4.5 Points, 4.4 Rebounds, and 0.8 Blocks per game while playing less than 13 minutes per game. He's also found a way to shoot 59% from the floor, making sure he's staying within himself and finishing strong at the rim. Makoi has vertical pop, the ability to run the floor and finish inside above the rim. He can help alter and block shots at the rim as he's rapidly progressing in his anticipation defensively. Makoi's hands and touch will continue to be developed but he's a sleeper big man to watch in NC's 2028 class that will be a big factor for Gaston Christian if they're able to go on a big run.     Calvert is a guy that brings it every single night and sets the tone with his production and approach for Calvary Day each time he laces em up. Calvert has helped lead Calvary Day to a 19-8 record and the #4 overall seed in the NCISAA 3A bracket. Calvert is averaging 23.8 Points, 4.8 Rebounds, 3.9 Assists, and 2.4 Steals per game in his senior season. Over the years we've seen Calvert show the ability to play on or off the ball but there's no doubt that he's running the show at Calvary Day as the full time PG. Calvert is a great shooter from the outside but is more than comfortable getting in attack mode and going to the rim at a high rate of frequency. Calvert knows where his spots are and how to get there, an incredibly important skills for guards looking to play at the next level. Calvert announced his commitment to Newberry College and is looking to add some hardware by leading Calvary Day on a deep playoff run. This kid delivers consistently and will empty the tank to finish his career off at Calvary Day.     Hall is a physical specimen and his skillset has done a whole lot of catching up with his natural gifts. Davidson Day has one of North Carolina's most talented rosters and Hall consistently stands out. This group has played a really tough schedule and come into the playoffs as the #5 seed in the NCISAA 3A bracket with a 20-11 record on the season. Hall is a classic throwback big man that has bruising ability in the post combined with real footwork and touch around the rim. He tries to finish with power when given the chance, he sets great screens at different angles and in different spots on the floor. Hall is a bully on the boards and has vastly improved his mobility/conditioning, allowing him to switch out on occasion and play bigger minutes as he's so valuable to this group. Hall is starting to establish himself as a national level prospect, leading Davidson Day to a 3A State Title would only further cement that.     Bailey is Asheville through and through. He's been a star at Asheville Christian over his high school career, he stayed home to play with Team Vision for travel ball, and is going to play his college basketball at UNC Asheville under Coach Mike Morrell. Bringing a State Championship home would be an incredible achievement for one of NC's top seniors. Asheville Christian has secured the #6 seed in the 3A bracket with a 15-9 record on the season. Bailey is a triple double threat every time he steps on the floor due to his combination of instincts, ball skills, and well rounded athleticism. A dynamic athlete at the PG position, Bailey is consistently above the rim in transition and using his speed/quickness to create shots for he and his teammates in the half court. He can make outside shots and is starting to find a groove after drastically changing his mechanics last summer. Bailey has the kind of game that can shock teams early and potentially help Asheville Christian pull off a few upsets en route to what would be a magical state championship run.

The private school playoffs start off tonight and there's a ton of talent to monitor as we look at one of the more traditionally strong classifications over the years. If you're not subscribed to PrepHoopsNC, use code Miles30 to get a discount on your first billing cycle! Without further delay, let's take a look at some of the prospects to watch in the NCISAA 3A classification.