The 2019 Best of the South was trending during the NCAA Live Period. With over 325 teams from 31 different states represented, the Georgia World Congress Center was the place to be for independent teams this summer. Who stood out? Our staff saw thousands of players, hundreds of games, and hundreds of teams. Here is a look at the top performers from North Carolina. 

Isaac Parsons, Team Trezz 17U 

The lead guard from basketball hotbed Kinston, North Carolina was consistent all week for Team Trezz. Parsons was comfortable in this setting at The Best of the South and was nearly unstoppable with the ball in his hands. Countless possessions, Parsons broke down his defender with a strong crossover and a quick first-step. He finished his drives and created for his wings. Parsons is a little overlooked on this squad that is deep on the wing position but he showed how important he is to this team and should be on college radars after his performance.- Justin Byerly 

Randy Johnson, PSB Elite McCarthy 17U 

Affecting the game in more than the scoring column is what Johnson’s game is all about. The vocal lead guard is a facilitator first and foremost. He is a really good distributor of the ball and thrives at getting his teammates in scoring situations. Don’t get it wrong though, Johnson can get his points when he wants. He showed an ability to score from beyond the three-point line and in. Another characteristic that puts him in the realm of a Division One guard is his quick first step and his explosiveness at attacking the rim. -Justin Byerly

Zyun Reeves, Team BOND 17U

The North Carolina based Team Bond squad surprised me with their energetic play all week. One of the better big man prospects I saw for the 17U Division was Reeves. The 2021 prospect has the tools to become a story we read about this time next year. He has the length, has the skill set and has some go to post moves to go along with an evolving motor.- Justin Byerly 

Luke Stankavage, Upward Stars Upstate 17U 

The scoring guard from Charlotte, NC brought a mixture of a high basketball IQ and shooting to David Bentley’s group over the weekend at the Best of the South. He is not going to overwhelm you athletically but Stankavage gets it done doing the little things. He consistently scored against the strong competition that Upward Stars Upstate faced. He had 17 points against Game Elite Blue and against Pentagon Schoolers.- Justin Byerly 

Linwood Grandy, Team Trezz

The 6-foot-5 shooting guard/wing for Team Trezz proved to be another college prospect on a team that has a legitimate chance to produce 4-5 college players. When Grandy got his feet set from beyond the three-point line he was making them this weekend at Best of the South. Grandy can affect the game in multiple ways with his size. He can defend multiple positions, he rebounds and he scores. 

Malachi Alston, Grindhouse Lakers 14U

The Charlotte, NC based program finished 4-2 overall and a big reason was the play of 2023 small forward Malachi Alston. He is the go-to scorer for Grindhouse scoring 27 points against Boynton Elite and 32 points against BCB helping The Lakers claim the bronze bracket title. He is a player to watch over the next two years in the Charlotte area.