This year marked the 4th installment of the annual WJG Sports Classic hosted by WJG Sports. The classic was started to bring together some of the top guys from the east from upcoming freshmen to rising seniors all together in a camp format to showcase in front of coaches. Here’s a deep dive look at the standouts from the 2026 and 27 classes that were in attendance.
6’3 Denelly “Mez” Coppedge, Green Central 26’
For the first time in Classic history, a rising sophomore walked away with the MVP and he absolutely stole the show. Hoovering around 6’3 with long arms, a solid handle, and a nice motor Mez contributed to both games in every way imaginable. Dunks, rebounds, blocks, and dropping nice well timed dimes were all a part of his performances, expect a big year from Coppedge. Averaged 19 points and 2 blocks.
6’3 Jalen Sheppard, Southern Wake Academy 26’
Since making the move from Raleigh Christian Academy to Southern Wake Academy Sheppard has looked a lot more confident. Ranking among the best overall athletes in attendance he had some very nice above the rim finishes and really got after it on the defensive end. Averaged 12 points per game.
6’1 Jeremiah Thompson, CB Aycock 26’
In a camp setting it’s always good to see a guy looking to make the right play and when other guys are looking to score. Thompson who has a nice handle and frame for a young combo guard played that role well, rather being off ball and playing connector or being the primary ball handler and running the offense he did the job well.
6’6 Micah Smith, Wayne Christian 26’
When watching Smith, who is on track to be a forward/post prospect, he checks a lot of boxes you like to see. He stands about 6’6 with long arms and an improving frame, athleticism, and touch that’s nice for a young big. In the event, he did a nice job of holding his own on the boards and even threw down a few dunks. A prospect to check down the line.
6’4 Brennan Chambers, Spring Creek 26’
One of the few prospects I had never seen before the Classic, Brennan Chambers, first caught my attention during the training session of the day. Extremely long with sneaky athleticism he has a nice ability to play the passing lanes and cause havoc on defense while also being a nice shooter and finisher on the offensive end. Expect a nice increase to the 8 points per game, he averaged as a freshman this past season.
OTHER NOTABLE STANDOUTS
– Jaiden Williams (27’) of CB Aycock will be a nice guard for a couple of years to come. Defensively he’s a menace that harasses ball handlers while offensively he’s one of the fastest guys with the ball on the floor.
– Josiah Banks (27’) of Wayne Country Day played solid in his two contests, either making the nice no look pass or knocking down the open jumper he showed he can contribute for a young Way Day squad.
– Kairell Evans (27’) of Southern Wayne has nice size and IQ to be a guy who hasn’t played a high school game. Standing around 6’1 there isn’t any one thing he doesn’t do at a solid rate on the basketball court.
