Dante Kirksey Dante Kirksey 6'3" | SG Greenville | 2030 SC rounds out my list of defensive difference makers from the Sizzlin’ Summer Shootout. Kirksey is much younger than many of the players on this list, but defense has always been something that stands out with him. He has excellent instincts for a rising freshman, which allows him to show up in passing lanes, on jump-shot contests, and around the rim. Between the two Greenville games I watched this weekend, Dante put up 6 stocks and will have a defined role from day one this season.

Dante has been on my radar for over a year now, but it’s still great to see his progression down in the 14U ranks. Kirksey has been balling out with Middleton Hoops Elite , including one of the dunks of the summer at a recent Jr. EYBL event. If he continues on this trajectory, this upstate guard will certainly be one of the top players in South Carolina’s 2030 Class.

Rounding out my list of Saturday’s South Carolina Standouts from the GBCA Live Southeast Regional is Dante Kirksey Dante Kirksey 6'3" | SG Greenville | 2030 SC . Despite being just a rising 8th Grader, Kirksey has been a plug-and-play weapon for the Red Raiders this June. His mentality and length are two things that stand out, and he displayed them against Holy Innocents’ (GA) this weekend. Dante didn’t get any minutes in the first half, but stepped up immediately when called upon in the second half. He contributed with active hands and long arms on the defensive end, a right-wing three, and a pair of confident drives, finishing with 7 points and 1 steal in the loss.