NCCA East-West All-Stars Basketball Bios:A look/background check at/on the Women’s and Men’s Players and we have our Local Guy from Ben L. Smith HS(Markquan Gilbert)

2023 Basketball Bios
Men’ West Roster with Markquan Gilbert from Ben L. Smith High School….Let’s watch for this former Smith Golden Eagle and see how the kid does on Monday night, at the Greensboro Coliseum…Gilbert coached by Derrick Partee, Clarence Waddell, Josh Chavis, and at one time, Irv Turner, while Gilbert was at Smith…
Markquan Gilbert
Markquan…Ben L. Smith…6-3, 210…G…coached by Derrick Partee…as senior, named All-Conference…scholarship to N.C. Wesleyan where he will major in business…wants to pursue a career in business and to own his own business…his mom is his role model…favorite college athlete is R.J. Davis…favorite pro athlete is Ja Morant…says of playing in the all-star game: “I feel good. I want to have a good experience.”

Women’s Basketball
East Team
Sydney Barker
Sydney…C.E. Jordan…5-6…PG…coached by Janet Robinson…scored over 1,500 career points…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District…averaged 17.8 points…as junior, named All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District…as sophomore, named All-Conference…member of National Honor Society…named Athlete of the Week…plans to walk on at UNC Chapel Hill where she will major in biology…wants to pursue a career doing something that she loves that helps people…Coach Janet Robinson is her role model…favorite college athlete is Caitlin Clark…favorite pro athlete is Devin Booker…says “I’m really excited about playing in the all-star game. I love being around other great players and learning and competing with them. I’m hoping to meet new players and play against some really good competition.”

Kylie Chavis
Kylie…Purnell Swett…5-7…G…coached by Kalen Eddings…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference…averaged 21.2 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 6.2 apg, and 4.5 spg…scholarship to UNC Wilmington where she will major in biology…wants to pursue a career as a veterinarian…her grandmother is her role model…favorite college athlete is Caitlin Clark…favorite pro athlete is Kawhi Leonard…says “I feel amazing about playing in the all-star game. I am very honored and grateful. I am expecting to gain some more knowledge as well as have some fun.”

Natalie Evington
Natalie…Purnell Swett…5-7…W…coached by Kalen Eddings…holds the school record for most 3-pointers (250)…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, All-County, All-District…averaged 19.4 ppg, 2.1 apg, 4.3 rpg, 4.1 stg…as junior, named All-Conference, All-County…averaged 16.5 ppg, 2.1 apg, 4.3 rpg, 4.1 spg…as sophomore, named All-Conference, All-County…averaged 15.4 ppg, 3.1 apg, 2.5 rpg, 3.4 spg…was named All-Conference and All-County in tennis and All-County in softball…member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, AISA Club…Junior Marshal…Student of Excellence Award recipient and Superintendent Award recipient…scholarship to UNC Pembroke where she will major in exercise sports…wants to pursue a career as an occupational therapist…her mama is her role model…favorite college athlete is Caitlin Clark…favorite pro athlete is Jayson Tatum…says “I am hoping to gain a once-in-a-lifetime experience playing with many great players from across the state.”

Dorinda Jordan
Dorinda…Hillside…5-9…F…coached by Ovester Grays…as senior, named All-Conference…scholarship to NC Wesleyan where she will major in kinesiology…favorite college athlete is Caitlin Clark…favorite pro athlete is Kevin Durant…says “It is an honor to be invited to this game, and I am excited to play. I would like to gain a fun experience from playing in the all-star game.”

Keashiana Murphy
Keashiana…E.E. Smith…5-9…W,F…coached by Latanya Hardy…as senior, named All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, 910 Preps All-Star…Brenda Jernigan Holiday Classic MVP…averaged 13 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.7 spg, 0.2 bpg…as junior, named All-Conference…averaged 12.4 ppg…played on state co-championship team in 2019-2010…also competed in soccer and volleyball…member of NC Academy of Scholars, National Honor Society… SGA representative…school Math and Science Advisory Board member…undecided about college choice…plans to major in forensic science with a minor in criminology…wants to pursue a career as a forensic investigator…favorite college athlete is Zia Cooke…favorite pro athlete is Breanna Stewart…says “I’m excited to have an opportunity to showcase my talents in front of coaches, family, friends, and spectators. It’s an honor to be chosen as one of the top athletes in the eastern part of NC. I expect to be challenged mentally and physically during the game. I hope to compete with the highest levels of talent across the state and have fun! I want to establish meaningful friendships along with lasting memories with my peers and coaches. Thank you for allowing me to represent the eastern part of North Carolina!”

KaNyah O’Neal
KaNyah…Southside…5-9…W…coached by Milton Ruffin…scored 2,000 career points and had 1,000 career rebounds…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, Pepsi Player of the Week…averaged 29.3 ppg, 3.6 apg, 12.1 rpg, 5.1 spg, 1.8 bpg…as junior, named All-Conference…averaged 31.7 ppg, 3.4 apg, 12.9 rpg, 4.7 spg, 2.6 bpg…as sophomore, named All-Conference…averaged 25.7 ppg, 2 apg, 15.1 rpg, 4.3 spg, 2.2 bpg…also competed in track and field…member of Pep Club…scholarship to Fayetteville State University where she will major in business…wants to pursue a career owning her own business…her family are her role models…favorite college athlete is Alexis Morris…favorite pro athlete is Dwayne Wade…says “I feel like I’m one-of-a -kind, and I feel honored. I expect to gain new friendships and an intense atmosphere.”

Nyla Powell
Nyla…Rocky Mount…5-11…W,F…coached by Pamela Gainey…as senior, averaged 7.9 ppg, 0.8 apg, 7.7 rpg, 1 spg, 1.1 bpg…as junior, averaged 9.5 ppg, 0.5 apg, 7.6 rpg, 1.7 spg, 0.8 bpg…as sophomore, averaged 6.5 ppg, 0.8 apg, 8.7 rpb, 0.4 spg, 1.3 bpg…also competed in track and field and was named All-Conference in volleyball…scholarship to Barton College where she will major in sports management…wants to pursue a career as an educator, teaching health and physical education, sports medicine and to coach various sports…favorite college and pro athlete is Aaliyah Boston…says “I feel very honored to be selected to play and participate in the all-star game. I know that it will be fun and exciting to play with some of the best female basketball players from across the great state of North Carolina. I’m super excited to be able to represent my school and team as well. I’m sure I will meet lots of great people. I believe that all of my hard work has paid off, and I am able to see some of the fruits of my labor. This opportunity is a dream come true.”

Caroline Thiel
Caroline…Rocky Mount…6-0…W,F…coached by Pamela Gainey…scored over 1,500 career points…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District…averaged 19.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.8 bpg…as junior, named All-District…averaged 19.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg…as sophomore, named All-District, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year…averaged 18.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg…also competed in volleyball and track and field…member of National Honor Society, Honor Roll…scholarship to UNC Charlotte where she will major in engineering…wants to pursue a career as an engineer…Coach Pat Gainey is her role model…favorite college athlete is Caitlin Clark…favorite pro athlete is Kevin Durant…says “I’m excited for the opportunity to play in one last high school basketball game before going to play in college. I’m excited to hang out with my teammates during the weekend and have fun together during the game.”

Skylar White
Skylar…E.E. Smith…5-5…PG…coached by Latanya Hardy…as senior, named All-Conference, All-District…averaged 12.5 ppg…as junior, named All-Conference…averaged 14.6 ppg…as sophomore, named All-Conference, 910 Preps Girls’ Basketball All-Star…averaged 15.4 ppg…also competed in cross country where over her high school career she was 3-times named All-Conference and was twice named All-Region and once All-State…Student Government Representative, President of Ladies Academy…member of Academy of Scholars…scholarship to Virginia State University where she will major in Psychology…wants to purse a career as a sports psychologist…her mom is her role model…favorite college athlete is Indya Nivar…favorite pro athlete is Jason Williams…says of paying in the all-star game: “It is a great reward. It feels good to be recognized for all of my hard work throughout my high school career. I expect to gain comradery and to continue to make those around me better.”

Olivia Young
Olivia…Cardinal Gibbons…5-11…W,F…coached by Cheryl Reid…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, All-District, team MVP…averaged 12.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3 apg, 2.6 bpg, 3 spg…as junior, named All-Conference…averaged 10.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.8 spg, 2.6 apg…as sophomore, named All-Conference…averaged 13.2 ppg, 8.9 rpg…member of National Honor Society, A Honor Roll…plans to walk on at Brown University where she will major in public health…wants to pursue a career as a pro player or possibly continue her higher education…her dad is her role model…favorite college athlete is Caitlin Clark…favorite pro athlete is Steph Curry…says “I expect to gain valuable experience and a fun time to grow my game by playing with other great players in North Carolina.”

West Team
Tekeyah Bland
Tekeyah…Northwood…6-1…F,C…coached by Kerri Snipes…1,183 career points…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District…averaged 14.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.1 bpg…as junior, named All-Conference, 3A state championship game Most Outstanding Player…averaged 8.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2 bpg…as sophomore, named All-Conference…averaged 14.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1 bpg…member of HOSA, My Sisters Keeper…CNA certification…scholarship to Howard University where she will major in kinesiology…wants to pursue a career in physical therapy…favorite college athlete is Angel Reese…favorite pro athlete is Sue Bird…says “This is quite an honor to be selected to play in the NCCA East-West All-Star game. I am very excited for the opportunity to play against some of the best high school athletes in our state.”

Kyla Bryant
Kyla…Salisbury…5-8…PG…coached by Lakai Brice…scored 1,809 career points…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-County, Rowan County Player of the Year, All-District, All-Charlotte Observer…played on a state championship team…averaged 22 ppg…as junior, named All-State, All-Conference, All-County, Rowan County Player of the Year, All-District…2A Kay Yow MVP Award recipient…played on state championship team…as sophomore, named All-Conference, Conference Co-Player of the Year, All-County, Rowan County Player of the Year, All-District…also competed in cross country…member of National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society…Stem Scholar…CNA certified…scholarship to NC Central where she will major in nursing…her mother is her role model…favorite college athlete is Kelsey Plum…favorite pro athletes are Kyrie Irving and Kelsey Plum…says “It has always been a goal of mine to play in the East-West All-Star game. Growing up watching former players from Salisbury High School play in this event was an honor. I am expecting to gain knowledge from the coaching staff and build relationships with some of the top players in the state.”

Nevaeh Farmer
Nevaeh…North Mecklenburg…5-3…PG…coached by Jennifer Baker…scored 1,100 career points…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District, Leroy Holden All-Tournament and Tournament MVP, Durham Classic MVP…averaged 17.1 ppg, 5.8 apg, 5.5 rpg…scholarship to Francis Marion University where she will major in graphic design…wants to pursue a career with lots of amazing side hustles that bring her consistent money: window tinting, clothing business…Coach Jennifer Baker is her role model…favorite college athlete is Caitlin Clark…favorite pro athlete is Lebron James…says “I feel so honored to be here. It’s a wonderful experience to be playing with amazing players.”

Gracyn Hall
Gracyn…Randleman…5-11…F,C…coached by Brandon Varner…1,692 career points and 1,011 career rebounds…as senior, named All-State, All-District, All-Conference, Davidson-Randolph Christmas Classic All-Tournament…averaged 16.4 ppg, 12.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.6 spg, 1.8 bpg…as junior, named All-State, All-District, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, Davidson-Randolph Christmas Classic MVP…averaged 18.6 ppg, 11.6 ppg…as sophomore, named All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District…averaged 20.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg…also lettered in golf and was named All-Conference in tennis…member of Beta Club, Principal’s List, Student Ambassadors…scholarship to Emory and Henry College where she will major in nursing…wants to pursue a career in the medical field…her dad is her role model…favorite college athlete is Caitlin Clark…favorite pro athlete is Tim Tebow…says “To be nominated and selected with such a group of players is a great honor. I’m extremely excited to get to represent my family, Randleman High School, and the Randleman community in this event. The experience of competing against such a talented group of girls and playing in such a prestigious event will be memories that will last me a lifetime.”

Ally Hollifield
Ally…Shelby…5-6…PG, G…coached by Scooter Lawrence…scored over 1,500 career points…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District, District Player of the Year, Gaston/Cleveland County Player of the Year…North-South All-Star Game participant… averaged 25 ppg, 9 rpg, 6 apg, 5 spg…as junior, named All-Conference, All-District, team Defensive MVP, All-Gazette/Star…averaged 14 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg…as sophomore, named All-Conference, All-District, All-State, All-Gazette/Star, All-Charlotte Observer…state championship game Most Outstanding Player with 27 points…averaged 19 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg, 4 spg…also competed in volleyball, track and field, cross country – Conference Runner of the Year and state and regional qualifier…member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, United Lions, Interact Club, Student Academic Association Committee, A Honor Roll…scholarship to the University of Memphis where she will major in exercise science…wants to pursue a career as a physician assistant…her mom and dad are her role models…Kate and Jack Hollifield are her favorite college athletes…favorite pro athlete is Giannis Antetokounmpo…says “I am very excited to meet up with my team and get to know them. I am expecting to gain friendships and a new level of basketball skills.”

Kirsten Lewis-Williams
Kirsten…Lake Norman…5-10….PG, G…coached by McKenzie Graham…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-County, County Player of the Year…NC vs. SC All-Star Game participant…averaged 20.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 5.5 apg, 4.1 spg…as junior, named All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District, Iredell County Player of the Year, Junior Orange Bowl Tournament MVP…averaged 15.6 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 4 apg, 3.1 spg…as sophomore, named All-Conference…averaged 12.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 4.3 apg, 3.5 spg…scholarship to the University of Buffalo where she will major in engineering…uncertain of career plans – will explore her options in college…her dad, Jevon Lewis-Williams, is her role model…favorite college athlete is Paige Bueckers…favorite pro athlete is Jason Tatum…says “I am super excited to have been invited and able to play in the East-West all-star game. This game has been one I have been striving to play in since freshman year, and I can’t wait to have fun, gain some friends, compete against the best competition in the state, and just enjoy the overall experience.”

Evangelia Paulk
Evangelia…Asheville…6-0…F…coached by Sonita Warren-Dixon…as senior, named All-State, All-District, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year…averaged 18 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 4.6 spg, 2.6 bpg…as junior, named All-State, All-Conference…also named All-Conference and team MVP in volleyball and team defensive MVP in soccer…member of National Honor Society…scholarship to Wofford where she will major in biology…wants to pursue a career as a doctor…her mom is her role model…favorite college athlete is Caitlyn Clark…favorite pro athlete is Kevin Durant…says “I feel very excited and honored to be participating in this event. I’m expecting to play with some very talented athletes and meet some great individuals.”

Briahna Scott
Briahna…Walter M. Williams…5-8…F…coached by Jason Cheek…1,104 career points…as senior, named All-Conference…selected to participate in the Triad All-Star Classic and the Clash of the Area Codes…averaged 15.5 ppg, 3.4 apg, 8.8 rpg, 2.9 spg, 1 bpg…had 11 double-doubles…as junior, averaged 11.8 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.7 spg, 0.7 bpg…as sophomore, averaged 10.1 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.5 spg, 1.6 bpg…also named All-Conference and All-Region in volleyball…member of International Baccalaureate Program…previous Beta Club member…scholarship to Guilford College where she will major in sports medicine…wants to pursue a career in the sports field (sports medicine, athletic training, etc.)…her favorite college athlete is Paige Buekers…favorite pro athlete is Kyrie Irving…says “I am excited to participate in this year’s all-star game. I look forward to playing against many of the exceptional players in the state. It will provide me with insight to what much of the competition will look like while playing collegiate basketball for the next 4 or so years.”

Brecken Snotherly
Brecken…Eastern Randolph…5-10…G,C,F…coached by Jeff Davis…scored 2,253 career points… as senior, named All-State, District POY, Conference POY…set school record for single season points (830) and single game points (51)…led the state in scoring with 30.7 ppg…averaged 9.7 rpg, 3 apg, 3.6 spg…as junior at Eastern Randolph (15 games), named All-Conference…averaged 20.5 ppg, 8 rpg …as sophomore at Winston-Salem Christian, averaged 16.7 ppg…also named All-Conference, finishing third in the state in the 1600 in track, and named All-State, All-Regional (champion), and All-Conference (Runner of the Year) in cross country…member of Beta Club, FFA, FCA (president)…2022-2023 Randolph Co. Sports Council Sportsmanship Award recipient…scholarship to East Tennessee State where she will major in Psychology…wants to pursue a career as a sports psychologist…parents are her role models…favorite college athlete is Grayson Allen…favorite pro athlete is Kobe Bryant…says “Playing in the all-star game was a huge goal of mine. I watched girls that I played with/against on the AAU circuit achieve this accomplishment and knew that was one of my long-term goals. It is such an honor to represent my school, community, family, and most importantly God. I hope to gain a level of respect and learn from the best players across NC along with acquiring a new community of women’s basketball players to support in all their future endeavors.”

Men’s Basketball
East Team
Zy’Lee Bazemore
Zy’Lee…Bertie…5-9, 172…G…coached by Johnnie Roscoe, Jr….as senior, named All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year…averaged 14.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.5 spg…as junior, named All-Conference, team MVP…averaged 13.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.6 spg…also ran track as a junior and was the recipient of the Best Offensive Player in football…scholarship to Pitt Community College where he will major in marine biology…his father, Robert Bazemore, is his role model…favorite college athlete is Jahvon Quinerly…favorite pro athlete is Sharif Cooper…says “I’m honored and happy to be selected to play in this all-star game. I expect to gain new friends, skills, and tips that could help better my game.”

Jamerl Brockington
Jamerl…Lumberton…6-0, 170…G…coached by Bryant Edwards…scored over 1,000 career points and had over 600 career assists…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, All-District, All-County, Robeson County Player of the Year…led the state in assists…averaged 18 ppg, 9.7 apg, 8.4 rpg, 8.2 apg…as junior, named All-State, All-District, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, Robeson County Player of the Year…averaged 13.1 ppg, 8.8 apg, 8.7 rpg…member of Beta Club, National Honor Society….scholarship to Mount Olive University…undecided about college major…wants to pursue a career in basketball…Coach Edwards is his role model…favorite college athlete is Jarkel Joiner (NC State)…favorite pro athlete is LeBron James…says “I feel very honored to be chosen to play in the all-star game, and to be able to represent not only the city of Lumberton, but also my family, teammates, the United 8 Conference and lasty the University of Mount Olive. I hope to gain relationships with coaches and other players from around the state that I may never have had the opportunity to play against.”

Lamonte Cousar
Lamonte…Scotland…6-6, 215…F…coached by Michael Malpass…as senior, named All-Conference…averaged 22 ppg, 9 rpg…as junior, named All-Conference…averaged 20 ppg, 9 rpg…as sophomore, averaged 16 ppg, 9 rpg…undecided about college choice…plans to major in sports medicine…wants to pursue a career in basketball…his sister, Octavia McLean, is his role model…favorite college athlete is Jalen Wilson…favorite pro athlete is Giannis Antetokounmpo…says “I feel great about playing in this game and look forward to playing against high level competition and playing for some of the best coaches in North Carolina.”

Jared Davis
Jared…Seventy First…6-6, 220…F…coached by Jeremy Ingram…scored 2,020 career points…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District, Holiday Classic Christmas Tournament MVP…averaged 17.2 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.6 spg…as junior, named All-Conference… as sophomore, named All-Conference…member of Student Government Association…scholarship to Johnson C. Smith where he will major in journalism…wants to pursue a career in the NBA…his father is his role model…favorite college athlete is Bryce Young…favorite pro athlete is Lebron James…says “It feels great to be a part of this event. My brother Kyler Davis played in the all-star football game in 2019 and still holds the record for the longest pass play. It is truly an honor to play in this game and finish my career in high school athletics playing in the East-West basketball game. I proud to represent the East, my high school (Seventy First) and my family.”

Micah Jones
Micah…Holly Springs…5-11, 155…G…coached by L.J. Hepp…scored 1,000 career points…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, All-Region…averaged 15.8 ppg, 5.8 apg, 2.5 rpg, 1.4 spg…as junior, named All-Conference…WRDC Scholar Athlete of the Week…Honor Student…scholarship to Palm Beach Atlantic University…undecided about college major or career plans…his dad is his role model…favorite college athlete is Marquis Nowell…favorite pro athlete is Ja Morant…says “I feel excited to be playing in the all-star game. I am expecting dunks and flashy plays.”

Malachi McLean
Malachi…Lee County…6-1, 160…G…coached by Reginald Peace…scored over 1,500 career points…as senior, named All-Conference, All-District, team MVP…North Carolina-South Carolina All-Star Game participant…averaged 23 ppg…as junior, named All-Conference, team MVP…averaged 26 ppg…as sophomore, named All-Conference, team MVP…averaged 20 ppg…undecided about college choice…plans to major in business…wants to pursue a career in professional basketball and as a real estate agent…his parents are his role models…favorite college athlete is Angel Reese (LSU)…favorite pro athlete is Lebron James…says “I feel good about playing in the all-star game, and I hope to have a great experience.”

Israel Powell
Israel…Hertford County…6-3, 210…G…coached by Charles Simmons…scored over 1,000 career points…as senior, named All-Conference, All-District, Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald Holiday All-Tournament…averaged 17.4 ppg, 2.9 apg, 4.9 rpg, 2.6 spg…as junior, named All-Conference, All-District, Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald Holiday All-Tournament…averaged 16.3 ppg, 2.8 apg, 5.9 rpg, 2.5 spg, …as sophomore, named All-Conference, All-District, Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald Holiday All-Tournament…averaged 10.7 ppg, 0.5 apg, 4.3 rpg, 1.5 spg…also competed in football where he was a 2-way starter and named All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, team Defensive Back of the Year, and team Defensive Player of the Year…undecided about college choice…plans to major in sports medicine…wants to pursue a career as a college trainer…his father, Travis Powell, is his role model…favorite pro athlete is Russell Westbrook…says “I am honored to be chosen to participate in the all-star game. I am excited to compete against and play with some of the best athletes from around the area and state. I hope to represent my school and family well.”

Aden Taylor
Aden…Princeton…6-2, 162…G…coached by David Cobb…as senior, named All-State, Maxpreps NC Player of the Year, All-District, All-Conference…averaged 26.9 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 4.4 apg, 3.9 spg, 1.4 bpg…undecided about college choice…plans to major in exercise science…wants to pursue a career as a professional basketball player…favorite pro athlete is Chris Paul…says “I feel excited to be playing in the all-star game.”

Jack Voth
Jack…Hoggard…6-4, 200…F…coached by Brett Queen…scored 1,000 career points…as senior, named All-State, All-District, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, Star-News Player of the Year, Coastal Preps All-Area…averaged 18.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.1 apg…as junior, named Kansas All-State, Kansas 4A Player of the Year, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year…averaged 21.6 ppg, 9.9 rpg…as sophomore, named All-Conference…scholarship to Tabor College where he will major in exercise science…wants to pursue a career as a chiropractor…his dad is his role model…favorite college athlete is Gradey Dick…favorite pro athlete is Giannis Antetokounmpo…says “I am excited to have another opportunity to play in an all-star game against high-level competition. I’m looking forward to more time on the court before heading off to college.”

West Team
Logan Crook
Logan…Enka…6-4, 170…G…coached by Brian Carver…as senior, named All-District, All-Conference…second in the state with steals…averaged 24.5 ppg, 4 apg, 7.7 rpg, 3.7 spg…as junior, averaged 7 ppg…competed in track and field (high jump)…undecided about college choice…plans to major in business…wants to pursue a career in the family business, following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps…favorite college athlete is Brandon Miller…favorite pro athlete is LeBron James…says “I am very excited about this opportunity to play in the all-star game. I am honored to have been asked and look forward to spending the weekend with other teammates. I would love to have the opportunity to walk out of the gym with a few scholarships under my belt to play college basketball.”

Will Gray
Will…East Forsyth…6-2, 180…G…coached by Monty Gray…scored 1,850 career points…as senior, named All-State, All-District, District 7 Player of the Year, All-Conference, Frank Spencer All-Tournament…averaged 19 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3 spg, 3 rpg…as junior, named All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District, Winston-Salem Journal Player of the Year…averaged 21.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 5.4 apg, 4.8 spg…as sophomore, named All-Conference…averaged 16 ppg, 5.2 apg, 3 spg, 3 rpg…also competed in cross country (champion) at Forsyth Country Day…member of Crosby Scholars, Black and Latino Achievers, Elementary Reading Club…scholarship to UNC Pembroke where he will major in mass communication…wants to pursue a career as a sound engineer or graphic designer…Monty Gray is his role model…favorite college athlete is Jeremy Roach…favorite pro athlete is Lebron James…says “I feel thankful and blessed to participate in the all-star game. Basketball is a game that I’ve played since I was very young, and I love it. I am also glad to be recognized for my talents. I expect to gain even more recognition and memories.”

Markquan Gilbert
Markquan…Ben L. Smith…6-3, 210…G…coached by Derrick Partee…as senior, named All-Conference…scholarship to N.C. Wesleyan where he will major in business…wants to pursue a career in business and to own his own business…his mom is his role model…favorite college athlete is R.J. Davis…favorite pro athlete is Ja Morant…says of playing in the all-star game: “I feel good. I want to have a good experience.”

Kyler Harris
Kyler…Porter Ridge…6-1, 180…G…coached by Garrett Malone…1,000 point career scorer…as senior, named All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, Union County Player of the Year …averaged 25.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 4.1 apg…as junior, named All-Conference, All-County…averaged 14 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg…also played football…scholarship to Cape Fear Community College where he will major in business…wants to pursue a career playing pro ball overseas and then own his own business…his grandfather is his role model…favorite pro athlete is Kobe Bryant…says “I feel that it will be a great opportunity to showcase my skills to coaches and colleges around North Carolina. I plan on attending a four-year university after community college, so hopefully I can play well enough to possibly stand out to a coach. This may open up some opportunities for me later. I also enjoy playing against some of the best competition in North Carolina.”

Philly Harris
Philly…Freedom…6-3, 160…G…coached by Clint Zimmerman…as senior, named All-Conference, All-District, All-Christmas Tournament…averaged 15.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.5 spg…as junior, named All-Conference, All-Conference Tournament, All-Christmas Tournament…averaged 12.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.5. spg…as sophomore, averaged 6.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.3 spg…also played football…undecided about college choice…plans to major in criminal justice…wants to pursue a career as an athletic director…Coach Zimmerman is his role model…favorite college athlete is Amari Bailey (UCLA)…favorite pro athlete is Kobe Bryant…says “I am grateful and thankful for this opportunity. I look forward to competing with other elite level players, especially in practice. When the game gets here, I cannot wait to compete with my teammates.”

Jordon Nevill
Jordon…East Mecklenburg…5-11, 160…G…coached by Jason Buzzard…as senior, named All-State, All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District…averaged 22.3 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg, 2.2 spg…as junior, named All-Conference, All-District…averaged 19.3 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2 spg…plans to walk on at Queens University of Charlotte…undecided about college major…will pursue career interests in college; wants to take basketball as far as he can…his grandfather, Charles Hicks, is his role model…favorite college athlete is Judah Mintz…favorite pro athlete is Damian Lillard…says “I’m excited about playing in the all-star game and meeting other players and coaches. I feel it’s a great opportunity to represent East Mecklenburg High school and Mecklenburg County. I want to learn and absorb more about the game from the coaches and players.”

David Peral
David…Mount Tabor…6-8, 205…F…coached by Andy Muse…as senior, named All-Conference, Frank Spencer All-Tournament…averaged 10.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.9 bpg…undecided about college choice…plans to major in business…wants to pursue a career in marketing and communications and to own his own business…his father, Ricardo Peral, is his role model…favorite pro athlete is Kyle Filipowski…favorite pro athlete is Kevin Durant…says “I am honored to be selected to play with the best competition in the state of North Carolina. The East-West all-star game has an amazing tradition of talent over the years. I am excited to play against the best competition and test myself. I am also looking forward to the entire weekend experience of working with amazing coaches and building relationships with my teammates.”

Jamarien Peterkin
Jamarien…Mount Tabor…5-9, 150…G…coached by Andy Muse…as senior, named All-Conference, All-District, Winston-Salem Journal All-Northwest…averaged 14.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.3 apg, 4.1 spg…as junior, named All-Conference…also twice-named All-Conference in football…scholarship to NC Wesleyan where he will major in sports management…wants to pursue a career as an athletic trainer…favorite college athlete is Kaleb Love…favorite pro athlete is Stephen Curry…says “I am very excited about getting an invitation to play in the East-West all-star game. It will be fun to hang out and play with some of the best players in our state. I look forward to getting to know the players and coaches on the West team. This should be a great weekend to help develop my skills and get ready for the next level. Playing in this game is a great honor, and I look forward to competing and playing on this stage.”

Maxwell Smoker
Maxwell…Mountain Heritage…6-7, 180…F…coached by Barry Johnson…as senior, named All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, Conference Tournament MVP, All-District, District 12 Player of the Year…averaged 20.6 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 2.7 bpg…as junior, named All-Conference, Conference Defensive Player of the Year…averaged 15.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.1 bpg…as sophomore, named All-Conference…also twice named All-Conference in soccer…member of National Honor Society…scholarship to Goshen College where he will major in physics-engineering …wants to pursue a career in the engineering field; plans on figuring out the details in college…favorite college athlete is Tracye Jackson-Davis…favorite pro athlete is T.J. Watt…says “I feel honored about playing in the all-star game because I will be just the third player from my school to play in it. I’m expecting to have a great experience getting to play with and against some of the best players in the state.”

Patrick Tivnan
Patrick…Charlotte Catholic…6-8, 205…F…coached by Mike King…scored 1,120 career points and had 556 career rebounds…as senior, named All-State, All-District, All-Conference…averaged 16.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.2 spg…as junior, named All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, Conference Tournament MVP, St. Pius Christmas Classic All-Tournament…averaged 18 ppg, 9 rpg…as sophomore, averaged 9 ppg, 5 rpg…member of Honor Roll…scholarship to Dartmouth College where he will major in business/economics…favorite college athlete is Drew Timme…favorite pro athlete is Larry Bird…says “It is a great opportunity to display my talents as well as play against great competition.”