Elite 50 Middle School Showcase: Standouts, Part I
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It’s never too early to start building the 2026 class in the state of North Carolina and this past Saturday, Rod Bridgers and his HoopStateNetwork crew hosted the Elite 50 Middle School Showcase at Word of God Academy in Raleigh,…
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Continue ReadingIt’s never too early to start building the 2026 class in the state of North Carolina and this past Saturday, Rod Bridgers and his HoopStateNetwork crew hosted the Elite 50 Middle School Showcase at Word of God Academy in Raleigh, showcasing quite the talented group of prospects. Here’s a look at Part I of some early 2026 standouts in North Carolina.
Latrelll Allmond Latrelll Allmond 6'7" | PF Johnn Marshall | 2026 VA | 6’7 Forward/Wing | 2026
Almond was a standout prospect that did well to showcase his skills on both ends of the floor. He’s a prospect that plays with a ton of energy and presence on both ends, using every inch of his 6-foot-7 frame to make an impact. He showed off his ability to handle the ball, finish in the paint and fly around for blocks and rebounds on the defensive end. He’s an early candidate to keep an eye on as the 2026 list begins to build.
Antonio McKoy Antonio McKoy 6'4" | SF Harrells Christian | 2026 State NC | 6’3 Wing/Forward | 2026
McKoy was a leader on his squad during the games portion on Saturday as a hybrid wing/forward. He’s a nice all-around prospect that should continue to develop. He showed off an ability to play inside and out, handle the ball at the guard spot and make plays for others at the Elite 50 Middle School Showcase.
Jossiah Johnson Jossiah Johnson 6'5" | PF Fayetteville Academy | 2026 State NC | 6’6 Forward/Center | 2026
Johnson is an emerging big man to know in the 2026 class, attending Freedom Christian Academy. He’s got strong hands in the post that he uses well to create buckets and rebound the ball on both ends of the floor. He had a number of strong finishes around the rim with multiple defenders around, showing off his developing strength in the paint.
Xavier Stroud Xavier Stroud 5'10" | CG Southeast Raleigh | 2026 State NC | 5’7 Guard | 2026
Stroud was an impressive guard on both ends of the floor at the Elite 50 Middle School Showcase. He showed off his ability to run the show and distribute the ball and when needed, showed off his knack for getting by defenders and finishing around the paint. He’s got nice strength and quickness for his size already and used it well on Saturday.
LJ Smith IV LJ Smith IV 6'4" | SG Lincolnton | 2027 State NC | 5’9 Guard | 2026
Smith was another impressive guard with an advanced skillset in the open floor and halfcourt. He showed off his range on the perimeter with a nice shooting stroke and showed off a few jab steps and the ability to handle defensive pressure while getting to his spots on all three levels. He’s a Lincolnton-area kid to keep an eye on.
Donte Whitner | 6’2 Guard | 2026
Whitner was one of the best defenders at the Elite 50 Middle School Showcase, never letting up as a full-court presence on the defensive end of the floor. He’s got a good feel of where to be and how to create turnovers using his length and frame already in the 2026 class. He’ll be fun to watch over the next few seasons.