Over the weekend some of the most talented AAU programs in the state and a few from other states pulled up to the Tre-4 to hoop in Big Shot’s Winston tournament.

Forsyth Country Day School hosted the showcase teams competed on three different courts for two days in front of scouts and crazed hoops fans. This is the time of year where ballers are advertising their brands to recruiters and agencies, climbing the rankings and landing offers is the ultimate goal.

The 17U division was stacked with talent some already established on the national radar and others attempting to wake the sleepers up. There were a handful of players that balled out and really stood out among their peers early.

Quest Aldridge- Of Team Felton was one of the best passers on the court every time he stepped on it. Currently ranked 28th in NC’s Prep 2019 rankings Aldridge has the body for either guard positions but his pass-first mentality is better suited for a lead guard. He did well running the fastbreak and setting up teammates with a few jaw-dropping dimes.

Only a sophomore he has an advanced approach to the game never forces the action and rarely commits turnovers. Aldridge is smooth with the basketball and plays at his pace, he can also score the basketball well when his team needs and plays solid defense. This is a chance for Aldridge to really put his name on the map he didn’t see much time in high school ball this year sitting behind a few seniors. Over the summer he will be exposed to some top talent Team Felton competes on the ultra-competitive Under Armour circuit.

Marque Maultsby - of NC Runnin Rebels was one of the most explosive athletes present this kid has serious bunnies. On Saturday his squad was matched up with a stacked Team Winston program they came up short, but his scoring arsenal was on full display for suitors. The 2018 guard has a nice first step and can fill it up in bunches, his quickness with the basketball is also impressive.

From an athleticism standpoint, he was in a class of his own on the court. Maultsby can hang in the air to evade defenders and finish strong at the rim, this high flyer is a poster waiting to happen. On defense he’s a dog really utilizes those hops to block shots and impose his will on the boards. After a strong season with Garner Road he’s generated some low-level college interest, but Maultsby can really improve his stock if he can continue the strong play in live period action.

Brandon Lamberth- Team Felton is nationally known for the talent they produce Lamberth stood out among some higher profile teammates. The 2017 forward is very skilled and can play both three and four spots. Lamberth is 6”5 but plays much bigger he’s got long arms and soft hands.

Playing for Southwest Guilford he averaged 13 ppg for a state champion team, he’s effective shooting the rock from midrange but also displays a plethora of moves in the post. Throughout the showcase Lamberth was a mismatch problem he was able to shoot over smaller defenders or beat bigger slower defenders off the dribble. A true winner this guy is a team player and would be a great add on and off the court for many programs. The unsigned senior is deciding between a few Division II schools (UNC Pembroke, Francis Marion, Winston Salem State), but he’d like to use this travel season to “Get my name out there more attract some bigger programs.” Lamberth said. 

Nate Hinton (pictured above)- 2018 combo guard of Team Loaded is a true stat sheet stuffer he can impact the game in multiple ways.This kid uses his height well finishing over defenders his pull up game is also very polished. With Gaston Day this past season Hinton got buckets and committed himself to defense.

Scoring is just the tip of the iceberg Hinton is also a good passer and rebounds the basketball really well. Effort is never a question he lays it all out every contest on both ends, defensively Hinton wreaks havoc with long arms and quick hands steals are a given.  As of now Creighton, Charlotte, and Winthrop, are among his six offers expect that list to double as he gears up for a strong National travel season in the Adidas Gauntlet.

David Russell- Made a huge splash not many had seen the combo forward in person since he recently transferred to Parkland high school (NC) via Frisco Liberty (TX). Russell has linked up with Team Winston for the travel season and so far the Junior has been impressive. He’s in the mold of a point forward with handles to bring the ball up the court and a strong frame to banging the post.

Russell a lefty is money from mid range and is the perfect stretch big man for a pick and roll situation. His range extends to the three point line but he can also put his back to the basket and score the ball. On the boards he battles hard for loose balls to keep his squad in it. In big games Russell delivered Team Winston lost a tough game to Team United, but the Texas product was one of the best players on the floor when he’s on it's a heat check waiting to explode. The more people see him play Russell’s buzz will continue to grow around the state.

Keep these guys on your radar as they continue to dominate and rise up the rankings this travel season it should be a good one!