Given the huge monetary cuts that shoe firms have revamped the previous few years, unbiased AAU tournaments are again on the rise. Every area has numerous native promoters who not solely mix “Mother and Pop” groups who’re simply giving youngsters a useful resource to go play, but in addition carry a few of the nation’s most interesting shoe sponsored groups collectively underneath one roof to battle it out. Operating yr spherical tournaments all through the east coast, Large Photographs did precisely that with the 2023 Rock The Rock.
Held in conjecture with ESPN Nationwide Recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi, the Rock The Rock introduced most of the prime groups from Carolina and past underneath one roof on the Rock Hill Sports activities and Occasion Middle. There was no scarcity of hostility between numerous the groups because of native rivalries, video games had been loopy aggressive, and the expertise degree was ultimate for an unbiased occasion.
Listed below are a few of the standouts from the 2023 Large Photographs Rock The Rock:
Sadiq White, 6’8, SF/PF, Group United 16U, 2025
One of the crucial versatile gamers within the class of 2025 on the defensive finish, White defended all 5 positions at spurts at Rock The Rock. The lefty from Myers Park HS is recent off a state title, was an explosive straight line driver, and was an absolute monster in transition. A prime 25 participant within the rising junior class, White could have his selection of nearly any faculty within the nation to play his faculty hoops.
Chris Washington Jr., 6’8, SF, Tre Mann Elite 15U, 2026
So far as long run potential is worried, Washington Jr. is true there with the most effective within the freshman class. The lanky swingman is artistic off the dribble, has insane 3-point vary, and has the flexibility to play numerous positions. The freshman already holds quite a few D1 presents and is following Tre Mann’s footsteps as subsequent in line at The Villages Faculty in Florida.
Zymicah Wilkins, 6’8, PF, Group United 16U, 2025
By way of manufacturing, there aren’t many higher within the class of 2025 than Wilkins. Whereas it is probably not within the flashiest method, the burly energy ahead punishes defenders through absorbing contact for finishes, controlling the glass on each ends, and used his size to impression the sport. Typically in comparison with fellow North Carolina native Montrezl Harrell, Wilkins has the likes of Texas A & M, Mississippi State, and numerous others actively pursuing him.
Gevonte Ware, 6’8, PF, 1 of 1 Uncommon 17U, 2025
After controlling the inside for 1 of 1 Prep throughout the highschool season, Ware turned down enjoying for numerous shoe packages to stick with 1 of 1 for the journey bell season as properly. The highly effective huge was an instance of consistency in 1 of 1’s undefeated weekend at Large Photographs, mixing a ridiculous excessive degree of productiveness with extremely intriguing instruments. Holding excessive main presents, Ware has firmly established himself as one of many elite huge males that North Carolina has to supply for 2025.
Korie Corbett, 6’3, PG, Carolina Rebels 15U, 2026
Having heard of him however by no means seen him in individual, it was nice to see the whole lot Korie Corbett delivered to the desk in Rock Hill. He’s at the moment second within the EYBL’s E15 division in scoring with the Georgia Stars and carried over that degree of play with the Carolina Rebels. Proudly owning ultimate dimension for a lead guard, Corbett is excellent enjoying by contact, will get to the paint at will, and finishes with creativity. The South Carolina freshman made an impression at Ridgeview HS in Columbia and has proven that he can do the identical with the nation’s most interesting on the circuit.
Cayden Daughtry, 5’9, PG, Florida Rebels 14U, 2027
One of many extra productive guards within the occasion, Daughtry has already been producing on the varsity degree for Somerset Academy in Florida, and was doing the identical enjoying a yr up at Large Photographs. The playmaker was persistently in assault mode, acquired to the paint at will, and produced at a excessive fee all all through the weekend. Florida highschool hoops followers needs to be ready for a really productive profession out of Cayden Daughtry.
Trey Beamer, 6’3, PG, Group United 15U, 2026
A severe scorer, Trey Beamer confirmed that he may put up numbers at a excessive fee on the Carlisle Faculty (VA) and did the identical factor at Rock The Rock. Beamer is a brilliant artful scorer with deep vary, can get two ft within the paint with ease, and has a nasty step by. Nonetheless underneath the radar nationally, Beamer has been creating fairly the excitement amidst scouts for Group United within the EYBL.
Jeff Clark, 6’4, SF, Group Trezz, 2023
Taking part in as an unsigned senior, Jeff Clark had a merely monster exhibiting in opposition to LaMelo Ball’s 1 of 1 Uncommon. The graceful wing was computerized together with his pullup jumper, transformed as a straight line driver, and shot it properly sufficient from the 3-point line to maintain the protection trustworthy. Ending up his profession at New Backyard Buddies Faculty (NC), Clark is likely one of the Tar Heel State’s extra fascinating gamers left on the board.
