Upper Classmen Standouts (2026)

Upper Classmen Standouts (2026)


Here we are once again with another spotlight post, and it’s time to shine a light on the impressive class of 2026! The junior class in Charlotte is bursting with talent, and I’m excited to highlight those who are not only having standout seasons but also playing a crucial role in their team’s success.

  • First up is Cameron Thompson, a 6’4” guard from Chambers High School. While some might see him as an undersized forward, his impact on the court is anything but small. Cam consistently takes on the challenge of guarding the opponent’s best scorer or their big man, and let’s be honest: if Cam is defending you, it’s going to be a long night. His strength and athleticism, combined with his exceptional speed, enable him to defend multiple positions effectively, from 1 to 4. On offense, he’s a relentless force on the glass, generating countless second-chance points for Chambers. With his hustle and tenacity, Cam stands out as an indispensable complementary piece alongside his 4-star teammates.
  • Next, we have North Mecklenburg High School, where standout juniors Exzavier Young, a powerful 6’4″ forward, and Ashton Pierce, a dynamic 6’3″ guard, are making an impact on the court!Coming off a State Championship last season and with the departure of Isaiah Evans to Duke, many wondered where the scoring and rebounding would come from for N Meck. Thankfully, this impressive duo has stepped up and silenced those concerns. Ashton is raising his performance this year with a series of impressive scoring displays and by disrupting ball handlers on the perimeter. Meanwhile, Exzavier has established himself as a dominant presence on the boards, helping the Vikings secure stops and create second-chance opportunities. Strong as an ox and relentless on the glass, he embraces every matchup, taking advantage of slower defenders despite being undersized at the 5. If N Meck aims for another championship this year, these two will undoubtedly be key contributors in their quest for victory.
  • Let’s take a quick glance over to Gaston Christian, home to the impressive 6’0 Guard Cameron Newman. Cameron is a relentless scorer who consistently finds a way to put the ball in the basket, regardless of the defensive pressure. With his extensive arsenal of moves, he can easily create space for his jumper, leaving multiple defenders in his wake. His incredible quickness combined with a controlled pace allows him to make smart reads, facilitating plays for his teammates who benefit from the attention he commands. Gaston Christian is poised for a strong push for the 3A Title, and with Newman leading the charge, they will undoubtedly be a formidable contender.
  • Last but certainly not least, up in Mooresville at Lake Norman High School, we have Nick Arnold. Standing at 5’11”, this guard is an indispensable asset to Lake Norman’s offense. He seamlessly complements the talents of Clemson signee Trent Stenior and App State signee Tre McKinnon. Arnold does the gritty work that drives the team forward and is undeniably a leader among his peers. He never takes a possession off and exemplifies fierce competitiveness. Despite his size, he plays much larger, making significant contributions on the boards. Lake Norman is poised to clinch the state championship this year, and they’ll rely heavily on Arnold’s relentless hustle and shot-making prowess to achieve that victory after falling short in the championship game last season.
  • Others in the class of 2026 with who deserve some recognition are :

Tyzhir Dyer, 5’11 (Guard) Hickory Ridge,

Mack Walters 6’1 (Guard) Myers Park,

Ben Houpt 6’5 (Guard) South Mecklenburg, and Jordan Buzzard 6’9 (Forward) East Mecklenburg

Prospect Info


Here we are once again with another spotlight post, and it’s time to shine a light on the impressive class of 2026! The junior class in Charlotte is bursting with talent, and I’m excited to highlight those who are not only having standout seasons but also playing a crucial role in their team’s success.

  • First up is Cameron Thompson, a 6’4” guard from Chambers High School. While some might see him as an undersized forward, his impact on the court is anything but small. Cam consistently takes on the challenge of guarding the opponent’s best scorer or their big man, and let’s be honest: if Cam is defending you, it’s going to be a long night. His strength and athleticism, combined with his exceptional speed, enable him to defend multiple positions effectively, from 1 to 4. On offense, he’s a relentless force on the glass, generating countless second-chance points for Chambers. With his hustle and tenacity, Cam stands out as an indispensable complementary piece alongside his 4-star teammates.
  • Next, we have North Mecklenburg High School, where standout juniors Exzavier Young, a powerful 6’4″ forward, and Ashton Pierce, a dynamic 6’3″ guard, are making an impact on the court!Coming off a State Championship last season and with the departure of Isaiah Evans to Duke, many wondered where the scoring and rebounding would come from for N Meck. Thankfully, this impressive duo has stepped up and silenced those concerns. Ashton is raising his performance this year with a series of impressive scoring displays and by disrupting ball handlers on the perimeter. Meanwhile, Exzavier has established himself as a dominant presence on the boards, helping the Vikings secure stops and create second-chance opportunities. Strong as an ox and relentless on the glass, he embraces every matchup, taking advantage of slower defenders despite being undersized at the 5. If N Meck aims for another championship this year, these two will undoubtedly be key contributors in their quest for victory.
  • Let’s take a quick glance over to Gaston Christian, home to the impressive 6’0 Guard Cameron Newman. Cameron is a relentless scorer who consistently finds a way to put the ball in the basket, regardless of the defensive pressure. With his extensive arsenal of moves, he can easily create space for his jumper, leaving multiple defenders in his wake. His incredible quickness combined with a controlled pace allows him to make smart reads, facilitating plays for his teammates who benefit from the attention he commands. Gaston Christian is poised for a strong push for the 3A Title, and with Newman leading the charge, they will undoubtedly be a formidable contender.
  • Last but certainly not least, up in Mooresville at Lake Norman High School, we have Nick Arnold. Standing at 5’11”, this guard is an indispensable asset to Lake Norman’s offense. He seamlessly complements the talents of Clemson signee Trent Stenior and App State signee Tre McKinnon. Arnold does the gritty work that drives the team forward and is undeniably a leader among his peers. He never takes a possession off and exemplifies fierce competitiveness. Despite his size, he plays much larger, making significant contributions on the boards. Lake Norman is poised to clinch the state championship this year, and they’ll rely heavily on Arnold’s relentless hustle and shot-making prowess to achieve that victory after falling short in the championship game last season.
  • Others in the class of 2026 with who deserve some recognition are :

Tyzhir Dyer, 5’11 (Guard) Hickory Ridge,

Mack Walters 6’1 (Guard) Myers Park,

Ben Houpt 6’5 (Guard) South Mecklenburg, and Jordan Buzzard 6’9 (Forward) East Mecklenburg