STARTING 5
5’8 2025 Justin Grimes JH Rose
In the two games, we attended in the early part of the season Justin Grimes has made me a fan. In a matchup with two of the more well-known guard tandems in the east Grimes put on a scoring display that included getting a bucket in every way imaginable. Small in stature the 25’ guard is nifty and quick with his handle and willing to pull up from anywhere inside the volleyball line. One to track. 28pts VS Bertie and 23pts with 13pts in the 4th quarter against Washington.
6’7 2023 Ray Mitchell Swansboro
Transferring back into a program that he played JV for as a 9th and 10th grader may have been a gift much needed for Swansboro High School. Ray Mitchell stands around 6’7 and has the unique ability to play on the wing offensively while defending in the paint on defense. In the two contests, we attended Ray did the majority of his work inside while showing a solid ability to block shots and disrupt passing lanes with his long lanky frame. Averaging 17pts 12rebs 2stls 2blks through 3 games.
6’5 2025 Jermaine Cunningham Swansboro
Just like his teammate mentioned above, having a player like Cunningham is a gift for Swansboro High School. He stands around 6’5 with extremely long arms and is the team’s primary ball handler/point guard through 3 contests. He can affect the box score in every way possible and is almost always a threat to notch a triple-double. Averaging 15pts 8rebs 6asts 2blks 2stls through 3 games.
6’3 2024 Trevon Halleran Bertie
When describing what you look for in a solid wing/guard prospect Halleran would probably check just about every box. Listed at 6’3 with a nice frame, Trevon leaves a mark on the game in every category. In the opening season game against Rose, he had 19 points that included a turnaround fadeaway jumper, knocking down 3 three-pointers and a couple of tough paint finishes. Also finished with 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and a block.
6’3 2023 Taj Joyner Goldsboro
When speaking about Goldsboro HS most of the praise goes to the forward tandem of Takorrie Faison and Amari Latham. But I am a believer in good guard play wins big games and they have just that in senior Taj Joyner. In the one game, we attended this past week VS rival Southern Wayne it was Joyner who slowed the game down and controlled the tempo late down the stretch. He was also the guy called upon the seal the game and send the fans home happy with a two-handed jam late in the 4th quarter.
Other Notes
–Northwood and Farmville Central looked at their dominant selves respectfully in their games at the Hoopstate Wilson event.
–Zion Walker has looked like one of the top players in NC and did not disappoint in TBS vs Millbrook
-Senior-laden Kinston HS will be one of the top teams in 2A all season. Led by Tomir Moore and Jaylen Cobb they play with the discipline and poise you expect from an older team.
