Switching over to the North Carolina side of things, it is easy to see why Malik McCotter Malik McCotter 5'10" | PG Phoenix Montessori | 2027 State NC is a top 10 Point Guard in NC’s 2027 Class. He is clearly the guy who Team Charlotte trusts to run the offense on a possession-to-possession basis because of how tight his handle is through pressure and his excellent passing feel. McCotter can make plays off paint touches or find shooters from the perimeter, plus he is an active defender who forces turnovers on the ball or in help, which can spring an athletic group into transition.

McCotter is a classic pest type perimeter defender that brings a ton of energy and activity to that end of the floor along with his offensive capabilities. After a strong season with Phoenix Montessori, McCotter is going to be running with Team Charlotte P32 17u this spring/summer for Coach Jeff McInnis. McCotter possesses the ability to initiate offense, touch the paint with consistency, and bring a ton of intensity to the point of attack on the defensive end of the floor. That is a must have type of trait when putting on a Team Charlotte jersey, they have a culture of toughness and pressure that McCotter will do a great job of living up to. He’s got the ability to heat up and make shots from the outside along with having a ton of experience in big games to ensure he’s ready to help Team Charlotte on the New Balance Circuit this season. As he continues to develop, I fully expect McCotter to get next level opportunities coming his way this year.

McCotter is fresh off a productive season in the JL Chambers backcourt as he continues to rise in the 2026 rankings. He’ll be a name to know in the Team Ish backcourt on the grassroots scene this spring/summer given his ability to make things happen for himself and others. He put up 11.2 points, 5.1 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game this past year as the Cougars made the NCHSAA 4A State Semifinals. He’ll have a lot more to prove on the grassroots side this spring/summer.

McCotter has shown off his true point guard skills for 13-seed JL Chambers as they’re still alive in the NCHSAA 4A West region. He dished out 10 assists in their 68-59 victory over Independence on Tuesday night. He’s averaging 7.3 assists per game through the first three rounds with the Cougars peaking at the right time with some star power in Kerr and Bouie. He’s found a way to lead them to sucess at the point guard position.

McCotter is a floor general of a point guard that makes his teammates better. He controls the tempo of the game, and has no problem sharing a back court with two talented guards in Markus Kerr Markus Kerr 6'5" | SF Brewster | 2027 State #69 Nation New E , and Tarris Bouie Tarris Bouie 6'6" | SG/SF Spire Institute | 2026 State #43 Nation OH . McCotter is a very efficient 3 point shooter, shooting over 38% from deep. Additionally, he is a good perimeter defender that hounds ball handlers, as he averages over 2 steals per game.

McCotter is having himself a productive junior year in the JL Chambers backcourt alongside two top prospects in Markus Kerr Markus Kerr 6'5" | SF Brewster | 2027 State #69 Nation New E and Tarris Bouie Tarris Bouie 6'6" | SG/SF Spire Institute | 2026 State #43 Nation OH . He’s producing 12.4 points, 4.2 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 steals per contest as one of the top playmakers in their rotation. He’s had no problem sharing the sugar with his counterparts as one of three players averaging double-figures in scoring. He’s also knocked down 38 percent (26-for-68) of his shots from 3-point land to contribute there as well. He’s emerging as a point guard prospect for DII/DIII/JUCO programs in the region to get on their radar.

McCotter has risen from bench piece at Chambers to a legitimate prospect with Team Ish this spring, as a quick, shifty lead guard who can score and sit down on defense as needed. Very good with his change of pace and direction, allowing him to create space for himself to get off perimeter jumpshots, or create gravity in order to find his teammates for shots. Also a gritty, tough defender who uses that quickness and burst to make things difficult for his opponents. A small guard that really uses it to his advantage.