Advance, NC- The Rise Winter Jam brings in some of the best high schools and prep schools from around the area. Schools from VA, NC,SC,WV, TX, NY,FL, were in attendance. This weekend, December 26-29, we will be taking the show to the legendary The Rise Sports Complex. This event will be loaded with talent and streamed on BallerTv. Check out teams and players to watch for the weekend!

DAY 1 STANDOUTS

Charlie Miller | 2022 | 6'0 PG | Flight 22 Prep Elite

The 6'0 combo guard caught fire on day 1 connecting on 6 three pointers and leading his team to a win over TPLS Christian Academy Black. Miller is a fundamentally sound guard with a knockdown shot. Miller is leading his team in scoring averaging 18 ppg. He effects the game in all areas facilitating, rebounding, and defending. His season averages are  18 pts, 4.5 reb, & 5.5 ast per game. He has recently picked up a couple of offers from Chowan University and Milligan University. 

Sincere Moore | 2022 | 6'6  SG/SF |  TPLS Black

Sincere Moore was a scoring machine at Big Shots Rise Winter Jam averaging 36 ppg. In game 1 of the day he exploded for 39 points against Flight 22 Prep Elite. Moore scored 50 points in The Boo Williams Legacy Classic last month for TPLS. He was very efficient in the midrange game, getting to his spots and using his length to shoot above opponents. The lefty wing has a versatile game & uses his length well on both ends. 

Tajuan Simpkins | 2022 | 6'3 G | Liberty Heights Varsity

Simpkins was electric for Liberty Heights Varsity and is a main reason why this team is 16-1 on the year. The 6'3 guard plays hard on both ends and made plays all night. Simpkins led his team against Elevation finishing with 17 points. One of the most impressive things about his game is how good he is on the defensive end as well. He has great instincts and impacts the ball all game.  He picked up an offer from Mount Olive University following his Day 1 performance. 

Anthony Breland | 2023 | 6'3 SG | Charlotte Elite Academy

Breland was one of the more intriguing players coming into The Rise Winter Jam. Breland came into the tournament averaging over 21 ppg and he did not disappoint. The 6'3 SG finished with 17 points and posed his will all game. He got to his spots with ease and had counters for every defender. Breland is sneaky athletic and can legitimately score on all three levels. He is a big reason why Charlotte Elite Academy is undefeated on the year. 

Asil Hoyle |  2022 | 6'0 PG | Charlotte Elite Academy

Charlotte Elite Academy has a dominant backcourt with Anthony Breland and Asil Hoyl. Hoyle was huge for his team on day 1 scoring 20 points. He had the hot hand after knocking in multiple three pointers in their win agains NC GBB Varsity. The 6'0 PG doesn't force anything and lets the game come to him. DII schools should be taking a better look at Hoyle. 

Nigel Okwaku | 2023 | 6'5 G | NC GBB Varsity

Nigel Okwaku was one of the bright spots for NC GBB Varsity as he tried to pull his team back after being down double digits. Okwaku took over in the second half bringing his total to 27 points for the game. The 6'5 guard is really breaking out of his shell this season. Transitioning into a guard has really blossomed his game. He get to the paint at will against CLE and was efficient finishing at the rim. 

Ifeyani Ufochuko | 2022 | 6'10 c | Covenant Day

One of the few committed players that was in attendance at The Rise Winter Jam was Boston Commit Ifeayani. He dominated the first half of the game against St Francis out of GA. The 6'10 center finished with an easy 16 point double double, imposing his force all game. He was aggressive on the boards and controlled the paint on both ends of the floor. 

Jeremiah Little- John | 2022 | 6'5 G | Rock Creek Christian Academy

Jeremiah Little-John is one of the top available prospects at Big Shots The Rise Classic. Little-John already holds multiple Mid-Major offers and he showed why. The 6'5 combo guard plays on and off the ball and has a complete game. His length is one of his best assets as it allows him to play above defenders & guard different positions. He controlled the game from start to finish, making plays for himself and others. Jeremiah finished the game with 15 points. 

Curtis Blair III | 2023 | 6'6 SF | Steward School

Curtis Blair III was another top available prospects and he currently holds offers from High and Mid Majors like schools Florida, Liberty, VCU, Richmond, & Virginia Tech. Blair had an efficient 27 points on day 1. He got to his spots offensively, knocking in midrange pull ups, catch and shoot threes, & finishing at the rim. High Major talent that is due to pick up more offers this season. 

Cam Gregory | 2022 | 6'5 PG | Stweard School

Steward school was one of the top teams on day 1 due to PG Cam Gregory. Gregory is committed to St Francis PA and will be good for them next season. He finished with 19 points, making plays all game. He finishes in traffic, facilitates well, and has a big upside. 

Tazir Smith | 2022 | 6'2 SG | Virginia Academy 

Tazir Smith was impressive for Virginia Academy on Day 1. Smith is very athletic with great length for his position. He plays angles with a quick burst and scores at all 3-levels for VA Academy. His game translates quickly to the next level.

Caden Fitzgibbons | 2022 | 6'2 G | Winston Salem Christian Varsity

Caden Fitzgibbon is a great pick up for Winston Salem Christian Varsity this season. The 6'2 guard is super athletic finishing above the rim and attacking aggressively. He was in attack mode all game against Morgantown who was the #1 team in the state of WV. Fitzgibbons finished with 15 points in a win and the biggest upset of the day. 

Yohan Gutierrez | 2026 | 6'7 W | Liberty Heights Varsity

Yohan Gutierrez exploded in the second half for Liberty Heights Varsity in their win over Elevation Prep. Gutierrez connected on 5 threes in the second half to help break the game open and out of reach. He is one of the more interesting prospects as Gutierrez is only an 8th grader, is 6'7, and has a good skill set. 

York Prep Defense 

The #1 team in the state of SC was battle tested on day 1 of Big Shots The Rise Winter Jam against a talented Northwood Temple team. It was a slow game offensively for both teams but what stood out was the pressure that York Prep gives opponents. They held Northwood temple to only 34 points the entire game and made it hard for Northwood's key players to get going. York Prep's on ball defense is very impressive as they get into passing lanes and cause a lot of disruption. 

NC GBB National  Team 

NC GBB National is one of the most talent teams in the state. This team has college bound players from top to bottom and they put it together against Virginia Academy. NC GBB was super efficient and moved the ball ver y well. They had 5 players with 9 points or better and the game MVP was 2023 6'8 F Asa White. Asa White 9 points, Caden Bell 11 points, Jake Powell 10 points, Keyon Webb 9 points, Trey Boyd 10 points.