It wasn’t a great weekend in the W/L column for TLBA but Watkins had his fair share of individual success including a 32 point performance vs Progeny on Friday Night. Watkins possesses deep range off the catch or bounce along with a super slick handle and solid positional size that make him a truly well rounded scoring threat. Watkins can play on or off the ball but his ability to make outside shots really creates the space for him to operate off the bounce. Watkins should see a recruiting uptick from his recent work as he can make shots on the move from either direction or when set at his size with legitimate on-ball ability. Watkins will look to help TLBA right the ship in July.

Watkins had a really strong performance on Sunday in TLBA’s winning effort as he put his full offensive arsenal on display. Watkins has a slick off the bounce game that can lead to him getting separation from beyond the arc or shaking you and getting to the cup with ease. Watkins is a very confident three point shooter off the catch and he get’s a lot of those looks with this group. Watkins has had some injury stuff over the years but looks to be really getting all of that behind him as he starts to string together more and more notable performances. He’s got an effective and translatable game with his ability to make shots and operate efficiently with his dribble. Look for Watkins to assert himself as a D1 guy this spring/summer with TLBA.

One of a few names to get to know out of Hickory Ridge High; a dynamic guard presence alongside Travien Williams Travien Williams 6'2" | SG Hickory Ridge | 2027 State NC on the HS and grassroots stage with Team Ish ; shot the ball well after starting the HS season with an early injury; efficient perimeter threat

Watkins is slowly emerging as the featured name to know with Team Ish on the NxtPro Hoops scene. He’s a scrappy guard who defends at a high level then really throws a wrench in gameplans with his ability to knock down shots at volume. He’s a sizeable guard at 6-foot-3 for DI and DII programs to get to know heading into the grassroots season.

Watkins moves into the 21st spot in the latest rankings update in the 2027 class in North Carolina. He returns for Hickory Ridge as their leading scorer from a season ago after posting 11.2 points per game along with 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per contest as a freshman on varsity. He knocked down 35 3-pointers in 2023-24 as well. He’s due to produce a whole lot more with more young weapons around him.

Watkins is a new face to emerge out of Hickory Ridge High to keep an eye on. He’s turned heads already on the grassroots scene with Team Ish on the Pro16 stage as he continues to remain on the PH radar. He put up 11.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game this past season with the Ragin Bulls as he checks in at No. 31 in the latest rankings update.