Checking in right behind his region-mate, Lowery, is Cureton. From both a team standpoint and an individual standpoint, AJ had as productive a season as you can hope for from a freshman. His 12.7 points per game, 3.2 assists per game, and 1.9 steals per game helped Nation Ford win Region 3-5A and advance to the Elite 8 of 5A Division 2. Cureton is as creative as they come on the offensive end, both as a creator and a finisher, which help him account for a lack of size.

Rounding out the eye-catchers from Northwestern vs Nation Ford on Friday night is AJ Cureton AJ Cureton 5'8" | PG Nation Ford | 2029 State SC . Like Lowery, Cureton is one of the most exciting underclassmen in the state and already has an established role in the backcourt as a freshman. AJ showed some really good things with the ball in his hands despite the loss, frequently creating good looks for himself and others off the dribble. He had 9 points on a pull-up three, a tough mid-range jumper, and two runners off the glass, but he also had 7 assists, which is more intriguing for his long-term future. Cureton already shows lots of good signs as a young Point Guard, so he will be one to watch during the AAU season when he goes back to playing with others his age.