Takeaways from BigShots Carolina Invitational
1) Garner Road 17U is one of the best teams in the country Led by an ACC-bound trio of Day’ron Sharpe (UNC), Carson McCorkle (UVA) and Djimon Bailey (Wake Forest), Garner Road’s 17U squad put out their case for one…
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Continue Reading1) Garner Road 17U is one of the best teams in the country
Led by an ACC-bound trio of Day’ron Sharpe (UNC), Carson McCorkle (UVA) and Djimon Bailey (Wake Forest), Garner Road’s 17U squad put out their case for one of the best teams in the country. They’re already considered to be the top team in North Carolina and they pretty much solidified that statement with a dominating performance.
Sharpe was his usual self, dominating in the paint and around the rim. McCorkle was equally impressive with his ability to shoot the ball and create his own shot off the dribble. Bailey showed off his playmaking ability and length as well on numerous occasions.
They’ve also got 2020 guard Justin Thomas, who’s another prospect with high-major potential. Thomas can play above the rim and has nice touch on his shot from behind the arc. He’s due for a big July.
2) Garner Road West co-MVPs showed out
Garner Road 16U squad had a number of high-major prospects on display led by guard Daylen Berry and Red Dunton. Both players took home co-MVP honors after winning the Gold Championship in the 16U division.
Berry showed off an added burst to his game every time he touched the ball, making seven total 3-pointers and averaging 12.3 points per game. Dunton is big forward that can get up and down the floor, crash the glass, and stretch the floor with his outside shot. He averaged 16.7 points per contest on the weekend and showed off his all-around game all weekend.
3) The bigs were on full display
A few standout bigs that caught my eye were Nic McMullen (Team Felton), I.J. Ezuma (Team Felton), Will Felton (Garner Road) and Jonas Aidoo (NC Red Storm). McMullen has a well-chiseled frame and uses it well to battle down low for position and boards. He’s got a number of high mid-major programs calling for his services.
Ezuma and Felton are two prospects that are currently under the radar but it’s only a matter of time before a number of programs come calling. Ezuma didn’t hesitate to bang down low and had a number of and-one finishes throughout the weekend, using his size well. Felton had a hurt hand but he didn’t let it stop him from being a force on the offensive glass and manning the boards.
Aidoo was the ultimate rim-protector for his NC Redstorm squad, coming up with a number of big blocks in their upset bid of Team Felton in the 17U division. He’s currently receiving interest from Wake Forest, Coastal Carolina, George Mason, NC A&T and ECU.
4) Keep an eye out for Amari Pearson
Team Wall Elite 15U squad was on “Showtime Mode” led by their 2022 explosive wing Amari Pearson. He was fearless all weekend long as he attacked the rim with reckless abandon and kept the gym on their feet with a number of big dunks.
As his game develops, he’ll be one player to keep an eye on. He didn’t hesitate to get out on the break and finish above the rim. In his biggest performance, he finished with eight dunks and 27 points as his squad took home the Gold Title and he won MVP honors before it was all said and done.