The Asheville Classic: Top Performers
This year's version of The Asheville Classic was a little bit different. Western North Carolina was devastated by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and when we were setting this field up, many in the area did not have power or water. We ended up with a two game slate but it was still an excellent event with a big crowd on a Saturday in South Asheville at Christ School's campus.
Top Performers
Madden Collins, Christ School - The American University signee has improved each year I have seen him. He has good size at 6-foot-5 and can hurt you in so many ways. He is going to make shots from the outside, he is big enough to get baskets around the rim and he can defend. American University Head Coach Duane Simpkins is getting a guy that I feel like can come in and play at the next level as a freshman. He scored 22 points in Christ School's (10-0) win over Davidson Day.
Mikey Wilkins, Christ School - The NC State-bound big man does so many things on the floor. He is going to get the rebounds and the put-backs, he is going to block shots, he can stretch the floor some and he takes up a lot of space for his guards. Wilkins scored 10 points but was big in just about every other category in this game that was never close.
Dacen Petty, Christ School - The 6-foot-4 junior from Forest City, North Carolina made five three-pointers on the night and scored 17 points in the win. He is a high basketball IQ guard that is a straight bucket from beyond the three-point line. He is going to attack the paint when his shot isn't there and make something happen. Christ School Head Coach Josh Coley tells me that some ACC schools have started to take notice and are doing their homework.
Ian Bailey, Asheville Christian Academy - The 6-foot-2 point guard just keeps continuing to impress us. He has explosion when he relentlessly attacks the rim. He is a capable shooter from the mid-range out to the three point line and he is an above average passer. He makes good decisions with the ball in his hands and does not turn it over. He scored 21 points in the win over Hendersonville.
Heath Skjolager, Asheville Christian Academy - 2025 wing Heath Skjoldager for Asheville Christian had an impressive showing today. Prospect with size and shooting ability. Finished with 17 points and knocked down three from behind the arc.
Lincoln Vinson, Davidson Day - The 6-foot-1 sophomore is a rim attacker and a shooter that will make you pay. He plays hard on each possession and thrives at attacking the paint. I think he is going to be a guy that can get recruited at the mid-major level in a couple of years. Finished with 25 points on the night.
Will Stevens, Davidson Day - When UNC signee Isaiah Denis went out mid-way through the second quarter, Stevens stepped up. He scored 16 points. He is a big man that can stretch the floor, he can rebound and block shots and he has a developing post game that is getting better each time I see him. Stevens on a few occasions got out in front and threw down some big dunks. Looks like a high-major big man to me.
Andrew Washington, Davidson Day - The 6-foot-4 junior guard scored 16 points including four from the three-point line for Davidson Day. He has a good frame and size at the guard spot. The Brooklyn, NY native is a strong and physical prospect that does a lot when he is on the floor. He can make shots from the outside and the mid-range, good at attacking the paint and finishing.
Notes
Newberry College is getting a guy, Joseph Ahart that I feel like is a steal. He is long, athletic, runs the floor really well and can be a guy that can contribute early at that level.
