North Carolina District Select Camp: Middle School Standouts
- aauselecttour
- Aug 8
- 7 min read
August 3rd, 2025 | Proehlific Park – Greensboro, NC
Following the release of our High School Standouts from the North Carolina District Select Camp, we’re back with a closer look at the middle school division—and this group deserves just as much attention.
The AAU Select Tour stop in Greensboro, North Carolina brought over 90 athletes from across the state to Proehlific Park, and the middle schoolers set the tone early. The energy, competitiveness, and hunger to grow were on full display, making this one of our most exciting middle school camps yet.
Throughout the day, players were evaluated across a wide range of settings—skill stations, drills, competitive matchups, and live gameplay. Just like with our older athletes, our staff focused on traits that translate at every level: motor, coachability, basketball IQ, effort, and the ability to apply instruction quickly.
After careful evaluation, we’ve selected a group of middle school standouts who consistently caught the attention of our coaching staff throughout the day. These selections are based solely on performance at this particular camp and reflect players who maximized their opportunity and separated themselves in multiple areas.
That said—not being named a standout does not mean a player wasn’t impressive or full of potential. Many campers showed flashes of skill and promise that, with continued work, will serve them well in the future. We value every athlete who showed up, competed, and got better.
North Carolina District Select: Middle School Standouts of the Stop!
John (Cooper) Laton
2031 | Holly Ridge Middle | 6'4"
At 6'4", John "Cooper" Laton turned heads the moment he walked into the gym. His frame and coordination at this age are already impressive, but it's his soft hands and smooth touch around the rim that separate him from most young bigs. He tracks down rebounds with aggression on both ends and showed great feel adjusting passes and cleaning up second chances. Cooper has fluid and promising shooting mechanics for a player of his size. Cooper’s long-term upside is massive and his name is one you’ll likely hear more and more in North Carolina basketball circles.
Daniel Cannady
2032 | Quality Education | 4'9"
Daniel Cannady played the point guard position with poise far beyond his years. His calm, confident demeanor gave him command of the game and allowed him to keep his team organized and engaged throughout the camp. He consistently cracked the paint, made smart decisions under pressure, and showed a natural touch finishing over taller defenders. Daniel is also a very capable on-ball defender who applied pressure without gambling, keeping his team in rhythm on both ends. His court awareness and feel for the game already resemble that of a seasoned guard. As he continues to grow both physically and skill-wise, his ceiling will be very high. You can expect him to lead teams with maturity for years to come.
Vincent Ankerson
2030 | St. Leo’s Catholic School | 5'6"
Vincent Ankerson is a scoring machine and one of the most dynamic offensive players in the camp. He displayed the rare ability to score at all three levels with ease, including a confident outside shot and strong takes to the rim. What makes Vincent special isn’t just the points, it's the skill and control with which he gets them. He plays with fire, but he’s also smart and tactical in his approach. His passion for the game was evident, and it’s clear he takes pride in being a complete player. As he continues to refine his game, there’s no doubt he’ll be a major problem for opposing defenses at every level he plays. His scoring ability is already elite for his class.
Jamir Cox
2030 | Overhills Middle School | 5'9"
Jamir Cox immediately stood out with his blend of size, versatility, and motor. One of the most physically gifted players in the middle school division, he used his frame effectively on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he excelled in transition, showing smooth footwork and the ability to finish with either hand. Defensively, he was a real disruptor, using his length and instincts to clog passing lanes and contest shots without fouling. Jamir’s skill set is advanced for his age and he displayed a solid understanding of how to impact the game without dominating the ball. The future is bright for this young talent, and his continued development could make him a solid prospect in his class.
Kingston Nguyen
2032 | New Manna Christian | 4'3"
Kingston Nguyen may have been one of the smallest players in camp, but he had one of the biggest games. His tight and controlled ball handling allowed him to carve through defenders and create space with ease. Offensively, he found seams in the defense and showed the ability to knocked down shots off the dribble or from catch-and-shoot opportunities. His quickness made him a tough assignment, and his ability to read the defense gave him an edge many guards his age don’t yet possess. Watching him compete was a reminder that heart and skill outweigh size when it comes to hooping. He is a guard to keep tabs on as he continues to grow.
Titus Bachellor
2032 | Berean Baptist Academy | 5'0"
Titus Bachellor played every possession like it meant something. Strong for his age and built to handle contact, he consistently created space off the bounce and finished through physicality. He played with a fearless mindset and showed no hesitation when attacking defenders much bigger than him. What stood out most was the energy and intensity he brought to his team. He inspired those around him to match his level. Titus played with purpose and passion, embracing every opportunity to compete. His motor never turned off and he left a lasting impression on both coaches and fellow campers. With continued growth, he has the potential to be a name to know in the years ahead.
Jackson Joyce
2030 | Hickory Christian Academy | 5'6"
Jackson was a coach’s dream from the moment camp started. He stayed locked in, asked questions, and absorbed feedback like a sponge. His smooth shooting stroke was one of the most consistent in camp, and he brought a high level of energy every time he stepped on the court. Defensively, he took pride in making life tough for his matchup and never shied away from contact. In transition, he was aggressive and decisive, often putting pressure on the defense with his pace. Jackson is a good all-around guard with a motor and mindset that will carry him far.
Zyon Allison
2031 | Northern Guilford Middle | 5'3"
Zyon stood out with his poise and ability to make the right play over and over again. He plays with purpose, doesn’t over-dribble, and knows how to keep the ball moving within a team concept. Whether it was pushing the ball in transition or sliding into help on defense, he always seemed to be in the right spot. His use of angles and timing to create opportunities for others was beyond his years. Zyon brought a contagious energy to the camp and played both ends with equal intensity. Coaches noticed and appreciated everything he brought to the floor.
Ayden DeHart
2030 | Caldwell Academy | 5'5"
Ayden played the game the right way all weekend long and made winning plays on both sides of the ball. His basketball IQ shined through in the way he moved without the ball, filled the right lanes in transition, and made timely reads. He knew when to push pace and when to slow things down, which helped keep his teams organized. On defense, he stayed engaged and communicated well, showing leadership beyond his years. Ayden brought energy, effort, and execution in every drill and game. His presence on the court always made an impact.
Jayden Green
2030 | McDougle Middle School | 5'6"
Jayden was one of the most efficient players in either division throughout the camp. He showed the ability to impact the game in every way while never seeming to slow down. Offensively, he stayed in control and used his strength and deceptive quickness to break down defenders. Defensively, he never took a play off and often set the tone for his team. His even-keeled demeanor combined with his versatility made him a true two-way problem for opponents. Jayden plays winning basketball—and he does it all the time.
Price Nipper
2030 | Northern Guilford Middle | 5'1"
Price was electric with the ball in his hands and constantly kept defenders on their heels. His burst of speed was unmatched, and once he hit top gear in the open court, there was no catching him. Whether finishing with a floater or getting all the way to the rim, he showed he could convert consistently in traffic. He didn’t just use that quickness on offense either. He was a pest defensively, throwing off rhythm and pressuring ball handlers. Price’s speed, control, and aggression made him one of the most exciting players to watch all weekend.
Marquise Mason
2030 | Southwest Middle | 6'1"
Standing at 6’1 with a solid frame and soft touch, Marquise was a mismatch all weekend long. He showed the ability to use his size to seal defenders, rebound through contact, and finish plays in the paint. His timing on defense and lateral movement made it hard for opponents to score around the rim. Despite his size, Marquise moved with great mobility and showed flashes of versatility on both ends. He’s already a force down low and will only become more dominant as he continues to develop. Coaches couldn’t help but take notice every time he was on the floor.
Fenix Wiggins
2032 | Cornerstone Charter Academy | 5'3"
Fenix displayed a complete skill set and a calm approach that made him stand out from the jump. He had one of the smoothest jumpers in camp and understood how to find openings in transition. His feel for the game allowed him to make crafty plays and score in a variety of ways. Fenix consistently played under control, made smart decisions, and rarely forced anything. His ability to impact the game as a young prospect shows just how bright his future is. As he grows and adds to his game, he’s going to be a tough assignment for any defender.
Josiah Karikari
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