NCISAA Live Period Standouts : Part I
The June live period for high school programs is always a good way to see guys at a different view with their high school team after seeing them for much of the spring with their travel team. It's a good evaluation pre-cursor to see how they play in a different setting with different teammates. Let's take a look at some of the action from the three-day event from this past weekend at Greensboro Day.
Greenfield School Has Some Dudes
Kobe Edwards really grabbed my attention over the weekend with his play during the Live Period event. The explosive guard looks like he has the making of a high-major recruited guard on down the road. The 2026 prospect was able to get to the rim and into the paint at will. He can make shots from the floor consistently and he has all of the tools that end up translating to the high-major level at his age.
They haven’t lied yet! @Kobe_3dwards 📈 https://t.co/ipGHUdkrw9
— Rod Bridgers (@rod_bridgers) June 16, 2023
We have had the chance to see Tyler Barnes at our Carolina Jam and I really like his ability to do so much on the floor. He is a guy that can stuff the stat sheet. The athletic guard can get to the rim, has length that causes problems on the defensive side and he can get out in transition with a strong ability to finish. He recently picked up an offer from Roanoke College.
GRACE Christian Trending Upward
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Steven McLeod put together a strong performance over the weekend for GRACE Christian at the June live period event. He can get downhill in a hurry and get to the basket. McLeod is able to withstand contact when he is getting into the paint and can finish plays. I thought he showed that he is a capable shooter from the outside. 2024 guard Quasim Oden was impressive in GRACE Christian's win over Carmel Christian at the live period event. Oden went down with a strong drive to the basket and the crowd was silent waiting for him to get back up and would only end up with a shoulder bruise. I like the intensity that Oden plays with and his toughness. 2026 guard Michael Phillips is going to be a guy to watch in that class. He showed that he should be in consideration as one of the top shooters in the state for the class of 2026.
Christ School Looks Strong Again
After losing two seniors (Emmanuel Richards to Longwood) and (Anthony Robinson to Virginia), Josh Coley and staff still have a lot of talent coming back and they have added some pieces, namely 2025 forward Zymicah Wilkins to their squad. Wilkins looked like he is the guy in the 2025 class for the state this past weekend. His recent offers include Iowa, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Illinois, LSU and High Point.
Bailey Brothers On Notice
Asheville Christian Academy's Bailey brother duo came away with a lot of buzz after their showing at the NCISAA live period camp. The brothers from the Weaverville, North Carolina area originally are tearing it up for Andy Ray's team in East Asheville. 2024 guard Brendan Bailey was as tough as you can find at the guard position with a knack for scoring and an understanding of the game. He is a winner and gives it his all on the floor. In their OT loss to Cannon School, the older Bailey scored 20 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 6 assists. Against The Burlington School, Bailey had 23 points.
Ian Bailey, a 6-foot-2 guard scored 23 points against Cannon School. With the gym packed with college coaches at all levels, Bailey showed that he can play college basketball at a high-level. He is skilled, has a good understanding of the game, makes good decisions and is a shot-maker.
United Faith Goes 5-0
Charlotte's United Faith program looks as good as always this past weekend. Leading the way this weekend was Evan Morton and Bryce Slay along with their counterparts. Morton was one of the best scoring guards we saw on the weekend. He is a crafty finisher and can get hot from the outside and can make an impact with the ball or playing without it. He scored 17 points in United Faith's win over Greensboro Day.
Bryce Slay had a strong start to the June live period with his performance as well for United Faith. The son of former NBA player and Marshall Hall of Fame member Tamar Slay, the younger Slay has the size at 6-foot-5 and the scoring ability to match. He can shoot it consistently from the outside and can make tough shots because of his size. He scored 19 points in a win over Cary Academy.
