Like Wylie, Moore’s increase in ball-handling responsibility over the last four months is something that continues to boost his stock. He was running the pick-and-roll often, too, using his size to see over defenses and make easy reads. With the addition of a new big man, CJ will be even more freed up to play as a true wing, which is a scary proposition for everyone else in the state.

The new #1 in South Carolina’s 2028 Class is CJ Moore CJ Moore 6'7" | SF Ridge View | 2028 State #50 Nation SC . Moore shifted from #3 to #2 12 months ago, and then remained steady behind Antoine Caughman before his departure to Oak Hill (VA). CJ is more than deserving of the top slot, possessing the size and athleticism to be an impactful defender as the offensive skill has begun to catch up. It was great to see him shine in his more natural wing position with Upward Stars SE this summer, and the acquisition of more size should allow him to remain there for Ridge View in their hunt for another state title this winter.

Speaking of that movement, CJ Moore CJ Moore 6'7" | SF Ridge View | 2028 State #50 Nation SC is the new #1 player in the Prep Hoops SC Rankings because of the departure of Antoine Caughman. This is my first time seeing CJ since that announcement, and he showed some of the flashes that make him a highly-touted prospect. His two-way playmaking was most impressive, using his gifted combination of size and athleticism to force turnovers, block shots, and get out in transition. With Moore, it’s all about continuing to improve his jumper and make those flashes more consistent, but he’s been one of Upward’s best 2028s all season long and is continuing to play good basketball in Rock Hill.

Switching over to the 2028 class, CJ remains one of the hottest names in the state. He was one of five in-state prospects to be offered by Coach Lamont Paris and South Carolina in June, while also racking up offers from Wagner, Arkansas State, and Coastal Carolina. The latter two do a strong job of recruiting the Palmetto State, and the Wagner offer came after Moore helped lead the Blazers to a 4-0 weekend at the GBCA Southeast Live.

The other stellar sophomore forward who made an All-State team this year for the Blazers is CJ. Moore is slightly more raw as a player, but there are very few teams that can match up with Ridge View’s talent across the board. He put up 13 points per game, 7 rebounds per game, 2 steals per game, and 3 blocks per game during the regular season, while boasting one of the highest ceilings in the state.

Rounding out this list of third-round impact players is Moore. He was one of the more quietly productive players in this game, but there is no doubting how talented and important a player he is for this team. Although he has as high a ceiling as anyone in the state, CJ also finds a way to impact the game night in, night out. Against Dorman, it was an 11-point, 8-rebound, and 4-block night. One of the key second-half adjustments for Ridge View was taking away points in the paint for Dorman, particularly from their guards who had a much easier time finishing at the rim in the first 16 minutes compared to the last. CJ was a huge reason why that was flipped, and that will again be crucial in the Upper State matchup with Byrnes.

CJ Moore CJ Moore 6'7" | SF Ridge View | 2028 State #50 Nation SC is the first of two Upward Stars 15U standouts from their Wednesday loss to Team Loaded VA. Both were dominant on the offensive glass, which at times was their team’s best form of offense. However, CJ also excelled at finishing in the paint, working in transition, and knocking down jump shots. Moore has a strong frame, which allows him to battle against true bigs, but the consistent shot-making and flashes of playmaking add much-needed versatility to his offensive game. CJ finished with 17 points and 9 rebounds.